Proverbs 24:15

KJV

¶ Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

KJV (with Strong's)

Lay not wait {H693}, O wicked {H7563} man, against the dwelling {H5116} of the righteous {H6662}; spoil {H7703} not his resting place {H7258}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't lurk like an outlaw near the home of the righteous, don't raid the place where he lives.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place.

American Standard Version

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous; Destroy not his resting-place:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:15 issues a direct and stern warning to the wicked, admonishing them not to plot harm or seize the property of the righteous. This proverb underscores the sanctity of the home and personal security, emphasizing the moral imperative to respect boundaries and refrain from malicious intent. It highlights the stark contrast between the predatory nature of the ungodly and the peaceful existence of those who walk in integrity, implicitly affirming divine protection for the righteous and the ultimate futility of wicked schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:15 is situated within a section often referred to as "further sayings of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which serves as an appendix to the main Solomonic collections. This segment is characterized by its direct, didactic style, offering practical wisdom and moral instruction through short, pithy statements. The verses immediately preceding and following Proverbs 24:15 reinforce themes of justice, retribution, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. For instance, [Proverbs 24:16](/proverbs/24-16 "Proverbs 24:16 - The Righteous Rise Again") speaks of the righteous falling seven times and rising again, while the wicked stumble in calamity, providing a broader context of divine oversight and ultimate justice. The entire book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom Literature") is fundamentally concerned with teaching wisdom and discipline, guiding individuals toward a life of righteousness and away from folly and wickedness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed a high value on the security and sanctity of the family home, which was not merely a physical structure but the center of life, livelihood, and identity. Property rights, though not always perfectly enforced, were a foundational aspect of the Mosaic Law, protecting individuals from theft, covetousness, and malicious encroachment (e.g., [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - Thou Shalt Not Steal") and [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - Thou Shalt Not Covet")). The concept of "laying wait" (ambush) was a recognized form of treachery, often associated with brigands or those seeking to exploit the vulnerable. The "resting place" could refer to a literal dwelling or a place where one's flocks rested, both representing a place of peace, security, and vulnerability. The proverb reflects a societal ideal where the peace and security of one's neighbor, especially the righteous, should be inviolable, and any premeditated violation was considered a grave offense against both human order and divine law.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. It powerfully articulates the theme of the **contrast between the righteous and the wicked**, portraying the wicked as predatory and the righteous as vulnerable yet under divine watch. The **sanctity of personal space and property** is strongly emphasized, highlighting the importance of respecting boundaries and the right to peace and security within one's home. Furthermore, the proverb speaks to the **condemnation of malicious intent**, particularly premeditated harm or exploitation, aligning with the broader biblical emphasis on the heart's intentions (e.g., [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). It also subtly introduces the theme of **divine justice**, implying that such wicked actions will not go unpunished, a concept frequently echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Psalm 37](/psalm/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lay not wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** From H693, this primitive root means "to lurk," "to lie in ambush," or "to lay in wait." It denotes a calculated, secretive, and often treacherous act of plotting harm or seizing an opportunity to exploit. The negative command "Lay not wait" thus forbids premeditated malice, emphasizing the wickedness of those who scheme to harm the unsuspecting righteous.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From H7563, this term describes someone who is "morally wrong" or, concretely, an "actively bad person." It encompasses concepts of guilt, ungodliness, and wrongdoing. The address "O wicked man" directly confronts the one whose character is defined by a disregard for justice and righteousness, highlighting the source of the malicious intent.
* **dwelling (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** From H5116, this word can refer to a "home," "habitation," "pasture," or even a "den" for wild animals. It implies a place of settled existence, peace, and security. In the context of the righteous, it signifies their established, peaceful abode, which the wicked are forbidden to disturb or violate. The term carries connotations of a pleasant and secure place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous;":** This first clause issues a direct prohibition against the wicked. The phrase "Lay not wait" (from _ʼârab_) implies a premeditated act of ambush, surveillance with ill intent, or plotting to harm. The target of this malevolent scheming is explicitly "the dwelling of the righteous." This is not merely a physical structure but represents the entire sphere of the righteous person's peace, security, and property. The command underscores the sanctity of the home and the moral depravity of those who would violate it through cunning and malice.
* **"spoil not his resting place:":** This second clause reinforces the first, adding another layer of prohibition. "Spoil" (from _shâdad_) means to ravage, destroy, oppress, or lay waste. It refers to the act of plundering or violently seizing what belongs to another. "His resting place" (from _rêbets_) further emphasizes the vulnerability and peaceful nature of the righteous person's domain. It can refer to a place of repose, where one lies down, or even where flocks rest. The parallelism strengthens the warning against any form of aggression, whether through cunning ambush or overt destruction, against the peaceful and secure space of the righteous.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:15 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("spoil not his resting place") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first half ("Lay not wait... against the dwelling of the righteous"). This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against harming the righteous and their property. The use of **Direct Address** ("O wicked [man]") makes the warning personal and immediate, confronting the perpetrator directly. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, implicitly set between the wicked man's predatory intentions and the righteous man's peaceful "dwelling" and "resting place," highlighting the moral opposition between their ways of life. The terms "dwelling" and "resting place" also function as **Metonymy**, representing not just physical locations but the entire sphere of a person's security, peace, and possessions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:15 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice, property rights, and the nature of righteousness and wickedness. It reflects God's concern for the vulnerable and His condemnation of those who would exploit or harm them. The proverb aligns with the broader divine standard that calls for respect for one's neighbor and their possessions, seeing malicious intent as a violation of both human and divine order. It implicitly teaches that the Lord is a protector of the righteous, even when they are targeted by the wicked, and that those who plot evil will ultimately face consequences. This divine oversight provides a foundation for trust and hope for the righteous, even in the face of adversity.

* [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - Thou Shalt Not Steal")
* [Psalm 37:32](/psalm/37-32 "Psalm 37:32 - The Wicked Watches the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit Dug by the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:15 serves as a profound ethical directive for all believers, transcending its ancient context to speak to contemporary issues of personal integrity and communal responsibility. It calls us to examine our hearts for any seeds of malicious intent, urging us to root out desires to exploit, deceive, or harm others, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. The "dwelling" and "resting place" can be understood not only as literal homes but also as a person's reputation, peace of mind, or sense of security. Therefore, the proverb challenges us to respect the boundaries and well-being of others in all spheres of life, fostering environments of trust and safety. It reminds us that true righteousness is characterized by a commitment to justice, non-aggression, and a genuine desire for the flourishing of our neighbors, rather than their downfall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, "lay wait" or "spoil" someone's "dwelling" or "resting place" in my daily interactions?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my thoughts and intentions towards those I might perceive as vulnerable or those with whom I have disagreements?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively promote peace, security, and respect for boundaries within my family, community, and workplace?**

### FAQ
**What does "Lay not wait" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "Lay not wait" means to refrain from any form of premeditated harm, exploitation, or malicious scheming against another person. This includes not plotting to defraud someone, not spreading rumors to damage their reputation, not seeking to undermine their livelihood, or not taking advantage of their vulnerability. It's a call to abandon all forms of cunning, treacherous intent that seeks to gain at another's expense or to disrupt their peace and security. It emphasizes the importance of integrity in our intentions and actions towards others, particularly those who are righteous or vulnerable.

**Why is the "dwelling" and "resting place" so important in this proverb?**

Answer: The "dwelling" (Hebrew _nâveh_) and "resting place" (Hebrew _rêbets_) are crucial because they represent the core of a person's security, peace, and livelihood. In ancient Israel, the home was not just a shelter but the center of family life, economic activity, and personal identity. To "lay wait" against or "spoil" these places was to attack a person at their most vulnerable and fundamental level. This highlights the heinousness of the wicked man's intent, as he targets the very sanctuary where a righteous person finds repose and safety. It underscores the biblical value placed on personal property and the right to live in peace, free from malicious intrusion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:15, while a direct command against human wickedness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wicked man" who "lays wait" against the righteous foreshadows the spiritual forces of darkness and the human instruments of evil that constantly sought to ambush and destroy Christ, the Righteous One. From the plots of the Pharisees to the betrayal of Judas, there was a constant "laying wait" against the very "dwelling" of God in human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Yet, Jesus, the perfect "righteous" man ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins, the Righteous for the Unrighteous")), did not retaliate or seek to "spoil" His enemies. Instead, He willingly allowed Himself to be "spoiled" and His "resting place"—His very life and body—to be broken on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Through His resurrection, Christ demonstrated that the "dwelling" and "resting place" of the righteous cannot ultimately be destroyed by evil. He now offers a true "resting place" for all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), and His kingdom is a dwelling where righteousness dwells forever ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth, Where Righteousness Dwells")). Thus, this proverb not only warns against human malice but also points to the divine triumph over evil through the ultimate Righteous One.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:24

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Isaiah 32:18

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

1 Samuel 23:20

Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part [shall be] to deliver him into the king's hand.

1 Samuel 23:23

See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.

Psalms 140:5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Proverbs 22:28

¶ Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.