Proverbs 3:29

29 ¹Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.

Proverbs 3:29 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:29

Devise not evil against thy neighbour
Or, "plough not evil" ^F9; turn not up thy heart to find evil against thy neighbour, as the earth is turned up by the plough; see ( Hosea 10:13 ) . Do not contrive and form schemes in thy mind and thoughts to do him any injury, in his name and character, in his person, property, or family: a good man should devise all the good he can to his fellow creatures, but not evil to any; especially to his neighbour, and as described in the next clause; seeing he dwelleth securely by thee;
having a good opinion of thee, and not suspecting any ill design against him, thinks himself, goods, and family, in safety; and is under no concern to provide for his security, placing his confidence in thee, and perhaps to such a degree as to entrust with his secrets. Now to project evil against such a man is exceeding base; it is doubly sinful; this is an aggravation of the iniquity.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (vrtt) "ne ares", Amama.

Proverbs 3:29 In-Context

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.

29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.

30 Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 14:22