Proverbs 3:29

29 Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing.

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 hold back anything good from those who are entitled to it when you have the power to do so.

28 When you have the good thing with you, do not tell your neighbor, "Go away! Come back tomorrow. I'll give you something then."

29 Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing.

30 Do not quarrel with a person for no reason if he has not harmed you.

31 Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways.