Proverbs 24:28
Proverbs 24:28 in Multiple Translations
Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; And deceive not with thy lips.
Do not be a violent witness against your neighbour, or let your lips say what is false.
Don't testify against your neighbors without having a good reason, and don't tell lies.
Be not a witnes against thy neighbour without cause: for wilt thou deceiue with thy lippes?
Be not a witness for nought against thy neighbour, Or thou hast enticed with thy lips.
Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.
Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
Be not witness without cause against thy neighbour: and deceive not any man with thy lips.
In the courtroom do not testify against someone when you have no reason to do that, and do not try to deceive people by what you say [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 24:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּהִ֣י
עֵד
חִנָּ֣ם
בְּ/רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
וַ֝/הֲ/פִתִּ֗יתָ
בִּ/שְׂפָתֶֽי/ךָ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
עֵד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
חִנָּ֣ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
בְּ/רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ֝/הֲ/פִתִּ֗יתָ
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
Conj | Part | V-Piel-Perf-2ms
בִּ/שְׂפָתֶֽי/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Prep | N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:28
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֵד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
חִנָּ֣ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
בְּ/רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וַ֝/הֲ/פִתִּ֗יתָ
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
Conj | Part | V-Piel-Perf-2ms
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
בִּ/שְׂפָתֶֽי/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:28
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:28
Context — Further Sayings of the Wise
26An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
27Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.
28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
29Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” 30I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 4:25 | Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. |
| 2 | Matthew 26:59–60 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward |
| 3 | Proverbs 25:18 | Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 21:9–13 | In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. |
| 5 | John 15:25 | But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ |
| 6 | Colossians 3:9 | Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, |
| 7 | Matthew 27:23 | “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” |
| 8 | Exodus 23:1 | “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. |
| 9 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 10 | Proverbs 21:28 | A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever. |
Proverbs 24:28 Summary
This verse is teaching us to be honest and truthful in all our interactions, especially when it comes to speaking about others. We should never lie or give false testimony against someone, as this can cause great harm and damage relationships (Exodus 20:16). Instead, we should strive to speak the truth in love, being mindful of the words we choose to use and seeking to build others up rather than tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29). By doing so, we can create a safe and supportive community where everyone feels valued and respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to testify against my neighbor without cause?
According to Proverbs 24:28, testifying against someone without cause means to falsely accuse or give false witness against them, which is also condemned in Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 19:16-19. This is a serious offense and can cause great harm to the person being falsely accused.
How can I avoid deceiving with my lips?
To avoid deceiving with your lips, be truthful and honest in all your interactions, as commanded in Colossians 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:25. This means speaking the truth in love and being mindful of the words you choose to use.
Is it ever okay to testify against someone?
Yes, it is okay to testify against someone if it is done truthfully and with just cause, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17. However, it's essential to ensure that your testimony is accurate and not motivated by personal gain or malice.
What is the relationship between this verse and the commandment not to bear false witness?
Proverbs 24:28 is closely related to the ninth commandment, which says 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor' (Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 5:20). This verse provides additional guidance on how to apply this commandment in everyday life.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I ensure that my words are truthful and not deceptive, especially in situations where it's tempting to stretch the truth or exaggerate?
- How can I balance the need to speak honestly with the need to be kind and compassionate towards others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32?
- What are some common situations where I might be tempted to testify against someone without cause, and how can I prepare myself to respond in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down or deceiving them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:28
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause,.... Unless forced unto it, except there is some urgent reason for it; not upon any trivial account, or in any frivolous matter; never appear
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:28
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause - falsely, or even frivolously, without sure ground for thy accusation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
Be not a witness against thy neighbour, either in judgment or in private conversation, without cause; rashly or falsely, without just and sufficient cause. Deceive not neither thy neighbour, to whom thou hast made a show of friendship, nor the judge, nor any other bearers, with false information. Or this clause forbids flattering him to his face, as the former forbids slandering him behind his back.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
Proverbs 24:28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.Ver. 28. Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause.] That is, Without calling, being not thereunto required; for this would speak thee spiteful, rash, and revengeful, as in the next verse. And deceive not with thy lips.] When called to be a witness, speak thy mind simply and plainly, without preface or passion, without varnish of fine words, whereby to mislead the judge, or deceive the jurors, to bolster out a bad cause, or outface a good. ανευπροοιμιωνκαιπαθων.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
(28) Without cause—i.e., do not mention thy neighbour’s faults unless for some good reason, not for malice or love of gossip.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
Verse 28. Be not a witness] Do not be forward to offer thyself to bear testimony against a neighbour, in a matter which may prejudice him, where the essential claims of justice do not require such interference; and especially do not do this in a spirit of revenge, because he has injured thee before.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:28
28. deceive not] Lit. and perhaps more forcibly, And wouldest thou deceive with thy lips?
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:28
Deceive not with thy lips - Better, wilt thou deceive with thy lips?
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:28
28, 29. Be not a witness… without cause — The sense is: Do not be forward to accuse or bear witness against thy neighbour, where the claims of justice do not require it; nor deceive others into a
Sermons on Proverbs 24:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gospel Healing for Hurting Marriages by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people coming to church when they are facing difficulties in their closest relationships. He emphasizes the importance of underst |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 1 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker asks the audience to reflect on what has changed in their hearts in the last five years. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing negati |
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Through the Bible - Ephesians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians walking in a manner worthy of their calling. The first key aspect mentioned is humility, which is seen as essent |
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Lies Women Believe and the Truths That Set Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon focuses on acknowledging God as our teacher and the source of truth that sets us free. It emphasizes seeking God's face, thanking Him for His wisdom in creating male an |
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Love and Fellowship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing love and fellowship as primary aspects of the Christian life. It delves into the depth of God's love, the need for sincerity, trut |
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Beware of Spiritual Pride by Dwight Steven | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the listeners to examine their own hearts and not focus on others. He tells a story about four men who all had a new birth experience but hav |
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Few Find the Way to Life - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and truth, following Jesus wholeheartedly, and desiring to be in His presence at all times. It challenges believers |