Proverbs 3:29

29 Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting in thee.

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F9 (vrtt) "ne ares", Amama.

Proverbs 3:29 In-Context

27 Forbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have to help .

28 Say not, Come back another time, to-morrow I will give; while thou art able to do good: for thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth.

29 Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting in thee.

30 Be not ready to quarrel with a man without a cause, lest he do thee some harm.

31 Procure not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways.