Proverbs 24:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

NIV: Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead?

NASB: Do not be a witness against your neighbor for no reason, And do not deceive with your lips.

CSB: Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.

NLT: Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them.

KJV: Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

NKJV: Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips?

This verse parallels the Bible's many commands about honesty (Proverbs 6:16, 19; 26:28; Psalm 34:13). Most such teachings, in fact, carry legal language which suggests things like formal witness testimony (Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 19:5). Here, however, the advice does not immediately mention lying. Rather, it simply says not to speak against others "without cause." It's possible to find criticism of anyone, for those willing to look hard enough. There's a marked difference between speaking out about sin and wrongdoing, versus cutting others down out of spite or jealousy. The lesson here is broad, harmonizing with other verses regarding peace and unity (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18).

Although the Lord had commanded the Israelites to love their neighbor as themselves (Leviticus 19:18), they didn't always obey His command. Disputes between neighbors are inevitable; proverbs such as this help avoid strife. Leviticus 19:17 points out the right way to settle disputes involving a neighbor. This verse counsels: "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him." Proverbs 12:20 declares that "deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil."

While the verse is primarily about speaking against others, it also mentions deception. Lying about others is never helpful. Also wrong is flattery (Proverbs 29:5; Psalm 12:2–3). Telling people what they want to hear, when it's not true—or purposefully exaggerated—is as much sin as is other lying (Proverbs 24:24–26).

Proverbs 24:23–34 comes after a list of thirty wise teachings; these were recorded by Solomon while not necessarily being his own ideas. The wisdom which concludes this chapter is cited with less clarity, other than being attributed to wise speakers. These address discrimination, rebuke of the wicked, honesty, wise planning, revenge, and the consequences of laziness.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.