Proverbs 3:29

29 Don't plan harm against your neighbor who lives beside you trustingly.

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 Don't withhold good from someone entitled to it when you have in hand the power to do it.

28 Don't tell your neighbor, "Go away! Come another time; I'll give it to you tomorrow," when you have it now.

29 Don't plan harm against your neighbor who lives beside you trustingly.

30 Don't quarrel with someone for no reason, if he has done you no harm.

31 Don't envy a man of violence, don't choose any of his ways;