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Proverbs 3:29

Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

Proverbs 3:29 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee" from the book of Proverbs in the Bible, reminds us of the importance of treating our neighbors with kindness and respect. It warns against plotting harm or ill will towards those around us, especially those who live in close proximity to us. The verse emphasizes the idea that we should not take advantage of someone's trust or security, simply because they may be vulnerable due to their closeness to us. It encourages us to build genuine and positive relationships with our neighbors, rather than harboring negative thoughts or intentions towards them. Ultimately, the verse teaches us the value of living harmoniously with our neighbors and fostering a sense of community and trust in our surroundings.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse 'Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.' is that it emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, even if they are physically close to us and appear secure. The verse cautions against harboring ill intentions towards our neighbors, as it disrupts the peace and security of the community. By refraining from plotting evil against those around us, we uphold the values of love, compassion, and goodwill towards others. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of neighborly love and mutual respect, fostering harmonious relationships within our communities. In terms of word studies, the use of the word "devise" suggests the deliberate planning of wrongdoing, highlighting the intentionality behind harmful actions. Additionally, the word "neighbour" conveys the idea of a person living in close proximity to us, inviting us to consider our interpersonal relationships and responsibilities towards those we interact with regularly.

Proverbs 3:29 in other translations

American Standard Version

Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

World English Bible

Don’t devise evil against your neighbor, since he dwells securely by you.

Douay-Rheims

Practise not evil against thy friend, when he hath confidence in thee.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Intend none hurt against thy neighbour, seeing he doeth dwell without feare by thee.