Proverbs 24:11

ยถ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

If thou forbear {H2820} to deliver {H5337} them that are drawn {H3947} unto death {H4194}, and those that are ready {H4131} to be slain {H2027};

Yes, rescue those being dragged off to death -won't you save those about to be killed?

Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.

Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.

Commentary

Proverbs 24:11 delivers a powerful and direct command, emphasizing a profound moral and ethical obligation. It challenges the listener to actively intervene when others are in peril, specifically "them that are drawn unto death" and "those that are ready to be slain." This verse stands as a stark reminder that inaction in the face of grave danger is a serious moral failing and calls for courageous, decisive action to rescue the perishing.

Context

This verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, often attributed to Solomon and other wise men. Proverbs frequently addresses themes of justice, righteousness, social responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. Chapter 24, in particular, contains various admonitions concerning wise living, avoiding wickedness, and upholding justice. This specific proverb highlights the importance of active compassion and civic duty, contrasting sharply with apathy or self-preservation at the expense of others' lives. It sets the stage for the following verse, Proverbs 24:12, which warns against feigning ignorance and reminds us that God sees and judges our hearts.

Key Themes

  • Moral Responsibility and Intervention: The primary message is that we have a duty to act when others' lives are at stake. It's not enough to simply witness injustice or danger; one is called to "deliver" or rescue. This concept of seeking justice and relieving the oppressed is a recurring theme throughout biblical wisdom literature and prophetic writings, emphasizing a proactive stance against evil.
  • Protecting the Vulnerable: The imagery of being "drawn unto death" and "ready to be slain" evokes a sense of extreme vulnerability and helplessness. The proverb champions the cause of those who are defenseless and facing imminent destruction, whether from human oppressors, societal injustice, or other life-threatening circumstances. It underscores a fundamental aspect of biblical ethics: caring for the marginalized.
  • Consequences of Inaction: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the strong imperative implies that failure to act is a sin of omission. The subsequent verse (Proverbs 24:12) clarifies that God will judge those who claim ignorance or inaction, suggesting divine accountability for our choices regarding the vulnerable. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "deliver" is chalats (ื—ึธืœึทืฅ), which means to draw out, pull out, or rescue. It conveys a strong sense of active intervention to free someone from a dangerous situation. The phrases "drawn unto death" (ืœึทืžึผึธื•ึถืช ืœึปืงึผึธื—ึดื™ื, lammavet luqqachim) and "ready to be slain" (ืœึทื”ึถืจึถื’ ืžึธืขึฒื“ึดื™ื, laheregh ma'adim) paint a vivid picture. "Luqqachim" implies being taken or seized, while "ma'adim" suggests stumbling or tottering towards slaughter. The KJV captures the urgency and dire circumstances effectively, emphasizing that these are not hypothetical situations but real, imminent threats demanding immediate response.

Practical Application

Proverbs 24:11 holds profound relevance for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Be Aware and Engaged: Actively look for situations where people are in danger, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This could involve recognizing and responding to domestic violence, human trafficking, poverty, or systemic injustices within our communities and globally.
  • Speak Up for the Voiceless: Sometimes, "delivering" means using our voice, influence, or resources to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. This aligns with the biblical call to open thy mouth for the dumb (Proverbs 31:8), advocating for the rights and safety of the oppressed.
  • Act Decisively: The verse implies a need for timely and courageous action. While physical intervention might not always be possible or wise, finding appropriate ways to provide aid, support, or protection is essential. This could involve offering shelter, financial assistance, legal aid, or simply being a compassionate presence.
  • Embrace Compassion and Justice: This proverb underscores the importance of a life characterized by acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). It reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires active compassion and a commitment to righteousness in the world. As Jesus taught, our actions towards "the least of these" reflect our heart towards Him (Matthew 25:40).
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 82:4 (13 votes)

    Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Isaiah 58:6 (11 votes)

    [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

  • Isaiah 58:7 (11 votes)

    [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

  • 1 John 3:16 (8 votes)

    Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

  • 1 John 3:17 (8 votes)

    But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

  • Job 29:17 (6 votes)

    And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

  • 1 Samuel 26:8 (5 votes)

    Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time.