Proverbs 24:29

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Don't say, "I'll do to him what he did to me, I'll pay him back what his deeds deserve."

Berean Standard Bible:

Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

American Standard Version:

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Say^{H559} not, I will do^{H6213} so to him as he hath done^{H6213} to me: I will render^{H7725} to the man^{H376} according to his work^{H6467}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 24:29

Proverbs 24:29, "Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work," speaks to the theme of retributive justice and personal conduct within the broader context of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. This verse reflects a principle found throughout the book of Proverbs, which often emphasizes righteous behavior and ethical living as the cornerstone of a wise and honorable life.

The historical context of Proverbs is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which valued the pursuit of knowledge, practical skills, and moral discernment. The book is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the wise king of Israel, although it likely includes contributions from various sages over time. Proverbs was compiled to provide guidance on living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and society.

In verse 29, the reader is warned against the temptation of revenge or retaliation, counseling instead for a measured response to wrongdoing. The verse echoes the sentiment of other biblical passages that advocate for justice rather than vengeance (e.g., Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:38-44). It suggests that individuals should not take justice into their own hands but should trust in a higher moral order, often represented in the Bible by God's ultimate judgment. The idea is that one should act with integrity and allow the consequences of another's actions to unfold naturally or through appropriate legal and social processes, rather than engaging in tit-for-tat retaliation.

This principle aligns with the broader biblical ethic of treating others with fairness and mercy, as exemplified in the teachings of Jesus, who urged his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). Thus, Proverbs 24:29 encapsulates a timeless wisdom that encourages individuals to rise above personal grievances and to live by a standard that seeks the greater good, reflecting a commitment to justice and moral integrity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7725
   There are 952 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שׁוּב
   Transliteration: shûwb
   Pronunciation: shoob
   Description: a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again; ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
   
4. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6467
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֹּעַל
   Transliteration: pôʻal
   Pronunciation: po'-al
   Description: from פָּעַל; an act or work (concretely); act, deed, do, getting, maker, work.