Proverbs 3:29

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells 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 the deserving when it is within your power to act.

28 Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.

30 Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;