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The context in the verses, above, is about one person accusing one other person. Even though the accusations may be true, the accusing in the absence of the second witness constitutes false witnessing against ones neighbor. That is, James is condemning the accusations of the "one-on-ones." The Law of Moses demanded that at least two witnesses accuse the third party, because in such cases the problem would not be confined to one person against another, but against the collective interests of the wider community.

The context in the verses, above, is about one person accusing one other person. Even though the accusations may be true, the accusing in the absence of the second witness constitutes false witnessing against ones neighbor. That is, James is condemning the accusations of the "one-on-ones." The Law of Moses demanded that at least two witnesses accuse the third party, because in such cases the problem would not be confined to one person against another, but against the collective interests of the wider community.

Liars tell lies, but the false witness also includes those who may tell the truth, but are malicious people who therefore "lie" against the truth. All liars are false witnesses, but not all false witnesses tell lies (notwithstanding that they still "lie" against the truth).

Liars tell lies, but the false witness also includes those who may tell the truth, but are malicious people who therefore "lie" against the truth. When liars lie, they are false witnesses, but not all false witnesses tell lies (notwithstanding that they still "lie" against the truth).

Proverbs 6:16 (NASB)
¹⁶ There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

The Book of James appears to provide the parallel explanation and clarification of these verses in Proverbs.

Proverbs 6:17 (NASB)
¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

The Book of James addresses the motives of the heart, which finds expression in evil.

The lying tongue tells lies, but the false witness does worse: he can tell the truth, but in the absence of another witness (to testify against the third party), that person lies against the truth. That person is indicative of maliciousness, which spreads strife (like shooting arrows) among the brethren. In this sense, that person is the false witness.

The Book of James appears to provide the parallel explanation and clarification of these verses in Proverbs.

Proverbs 6:16-17 (NASB)
¹⁶ There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

The Book of James also addresses the motives of the heart, which finds expression in evil.

The lying tongue tells lies, but the false witness does worse: he can tell the truth, but in the absence of another witness (to testify against the third party), that person lies against the truth. That person is indicative of maliciousness, which spreads strife (like shooting arrows) among the brethren. In this sense, that person is the false witness, who promulgates discord (like shooting arrows) among brethren.