Proverbs 3:29

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely beside 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (vrtt) "ne ares", Amama.

Proverbs 3:29 In-Context

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbor, "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when thou hast it with thee.

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely beside thee.

30 Strive not with a man without cause if he has done thee no harm.

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;