Proverbs 28:24

KJV

¶ Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso robbeth {H1497} his father {H1} or his mother {H517}, and saith {H559}, It is no transgression {H6588}; the same is the companion {H2270} of a destroyer {H376}{H7843}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever robs mother or father and says, "That's not a crime!"is comrade to the destroyer.

Berean Standard Bible

He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.

American Standard Version

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, The same is the companion of a destroyer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:24 issues a severe warning against the insidious sin of exploiting or defrauding one's parents, especially when compounded by a defiant denial of wrongdoing. This proverb exposes a profound moral depravity, equating such an individual with those who actively destroy, highlighting the grave consequences of violating foundational familial duties and rejecting moral accountability. It underscores that actions against the very bedrock of society—the family—coupled with a hardened heart, lead to a path of ruin and association with destructive forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within the "Sayings of Solomon" (Proverbs 25-29). This chapter frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing themes of justice, honesty, integrity, and the consequences of one's actions, particularly in relation to authority and community. Verse 24 is strategically placed to highlight a particularly egregious form of injustice and moral corruption, moving from broader societal concerns to the intimate sphere of the family. It follows warnings against oppression and bribery (e.g., [Proverbs 28:16](/proverbs/28-16 "Proverbs 28:16 - A Ruler Who Lacks Understanding") and [Proverbs 28:21](/proverbs/28-21 "Proverbs 28:21 - Partiality in Judgment")), underscoring that even within the most sacred relationships, a destructive spirit can manifest. The preceding verse, [Proverbs 28:23](/proverbs/28-23 "Proverbs 28:23 - Rebuking and Favor"), speaks to the value of honest rebuke, which contrasts sharply with the self-deception described in verse 24.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family unit was the fundamental building block of society, economy, and religious life. The command to honor one's parents was not merely a suggestion but a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, enshrined in the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). This honor encompassed respect, care, and financial support, especially for elderly parents. To "rob" one's father or mother was not just a violation of property rights but a profound betrayal of covenantal obligation, filial piety, and social order. Such an act would have been viewed with extreme abhorrence, undermining the very fabric of community and divine command. The denial of transgression further compounds the offense, revealing a hardened heart akin to those who rebel against God's established order.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of the family** and the paramount importance of filial duty. Secondly, it highlights the danger of **self-deception and moral blindness**, where an individual justifies their sin, preventing repentance and perpetuating destructive behavior. This aligns with warnings about the [deceitfulness of the human heart](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **consequences of one's associations and character**, asserting that those who commit such acts and deny them are intrinsically aligned with destructive forces. This resonates with the recurring theme that [bad company corrupts good character](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts"). Finally, it speaks to the **nature of true wisdom versus folly**, portraying the individual in this verse as utterly foolish, choosing a path that leads to ruin rather than blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **robbeth (Hebrew, _gâzal'_):** This primitive root means "to pluck off," "to flay," "strip," or "rob." It often implies a violent or forceful taking, not merely subtle theft. In this context, it emphasizes the aggressive and oppressive nature of the act against one's own parents, suggesting a stripping away of their rights, dignity, or possessions, highlighting the severity and cruelty of the transgression.
* **transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to revolt," this term signifies a rebellion, a deliberate breaking of a covenant or law. It denotes a willful defiance of established moral and divine order, indicating that the act of robbing parents is not a mere mistake or oversight but a conscious and defiant act of rebellion against fundamental societal and divine norms.
* **destroyer (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** While the KJV translates "destroyer," the Hebrew word here is actually related to the root _shâchath_, meaning "to decay," or "to ruin" (causatively). The noun form (as in the KJV's "destroyer" from H7843) refers to one who corrupts, ruins, or brings desolation. The companion of such a person is one who shares in this destructive character, actively participating in or condoning acts that bring ruin, whether to individuals, families, or society at large.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso robbeth his father or his mother":** This clause identifies the specific, heinous act being condemned. It refers to the exploitation, theft, or defrauding of one's own parents, which was a grave offense against the foundational commandment to honor them. The use of "father or mother" underscores the universality of this duty and the profound betrayal involved in violating it.
* **"and saith, [It is] no transgression":** This part highlights the moral blindness and self-deception that accompanies the act. The individual not only commits the sin but also denies its sinful nature, asserting that their actions are permissible or not wrong. This reveals a hardened conscience, a refusal to acknowledge guilt, and a dangerous justification of evil.
* **"the same [is] the companion of a destroyer":** This final clause pronounces the severe consequence and character alignment of such an individual. To be a "companion" (Hebrew, _châbêr_, an associate) of a "destroyer" (Hebrew, _shâchath_, one who corrupts or ruins) means that the person who exploits their parents and denies their sin shares the same destructive character and ultimate destiny as those who bring ruin upon others or themselves. Their actions are not merely self-serving but actively harmful, aligning them with those who tear down rather than build up.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the sacred duty to parents and the act of robbing them, amplified by the denial of wrongdoing. This highlights the profound moral inversion at play. **Hyperbole** might be perceived in equating the offender with a "destroyer," emphasizing the extreme nature of the sin and its far-reaching, ruinous implications, suggesting that such a person's character is fundamentally aligned with forces of chaos and decay. The proverb also uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** where "companion of a destroyer" represents not just literal association but a shared character and destiny. The individual *becomes* like a destroyer in their actions and mindset, embodying the very spirit of destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb powerfully illustrates the interconnectedness of moral action, internal disposition, and spiritual consequence. The sin described is not merely a legal infraction but a deep theological transgression against the divine order that established family as a sacred institution. It reveals a heart hardened against both human and divine law, echoing the biblical principle that rebellion against human authority, especially parental, often mirrors rebellion against God ([Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). The denial of sin is a dangerous spiritual state, preventing repentance and aligning one with the forces of darkness and destruction. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that sin, unacknowledged and unrepented, leads to spiritual death and separation from God's life-giving presence.

* [Exodus 21:17](/exodus/21-17 "Exodus 21:17 - Cursing Parents") - "And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death."
* [Deuteronomy 27:16](/deuteronomy/27-16 "Deuteronomy 27:16 - Curses for Disobedience") - "Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen."
* [Matthew 15:4-6](/matthew/15-4 "Matthew 15:4-6 - Honoring Parents and Corban") - "For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:24 serves as a stark reminder of the enduring importance of honoring and caring for our parents, not just as a social custom, but as a divine mandate. This honor extends beyond financial provision to emotional support, respect, and protection, especially as parents age and may become vulnerable. The proverb also challenges us to critically examine our own hearts, warning against the insidious danger of self-deception. When we commit wrong, whether against family or others, the temptation to rationalize or deny our sin is strong. However, true wisdom and spiritual health demand humility, acknowledging our faults, and seeking repentance. To justify sin, particularly against those we are commanded to honor, reveals a character that is fundamentally destructive, aligning us with forces that tear down rather than build up. This calls us to cultivate a tender conscience, quick to confess and repent, thereby preserving our relationships and our spiritual integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, fail to honor or care for my parents or other elders in my life?**
* **Am I prone to justifying my own wrongdoings, especially when they involve those closest to me? How can I cultivate a more honest and repentant heart?**
* **How do my actions and attitudes align me with those who build up versus those who destroy within my family, community, and the wider world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am a source of blessing and support, rather than a drain or a destroyer, in my most intimate relationships?**

### FAQ
**What does "robbeth his father or his mother" mean beyond simple theft?**

Answer: While it certainly includes financial theft or exploitation, the Hebrew word for "robbeth" (gâzal) often implies a forceful or violent taking, a stripping away of rights or possessions. In the context of parents, it can encompass a broader range of abuses: emotional manipulation, taking advantage of their vulnerability, neglecting their care while benefiting from their resources, or even undermining their authority and dignity. It's a profound betrayal of the sacred trust inherent in the parent-child relationship, violating the foundational commandment to [honor one's father and mother](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). It's not just a crime, but a moral and spiritual offense against the very fabric of family and society.

**Why is denying the transgression so significant in this proverb?**

Answer: Denying the transgression ("saith, It is no transgression") reveals a hardened heart and a profound moral blindness. It signifies a refusal to acknowledge sin, which is a dangerous spiritual state. Without recognition of wrongdoing, there can be no repentance, no change of behavior, and no reconciliation. This self-deception perpetuates the destructive cycle and indicates a deep-seated rebellion against truth and righteousness. It's not just an error in judgment but a deliberate rejection of accountability, aligning the individual with those who are fundamentally opposed to God's moral order, as seen in passages that speak of the [deceitfulness of the heart](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:24, while a stark warning about familial betrayal, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "destroyer" described in the proverb represents the ultimate destructive force of sin and its author, Satan, who comes only to [steal, kill, and destroy](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal"). In contrast, Jesus came to give life, and life more abundantly. Where the proverb warns against those who exploit and deny, Christ perfectly honored His Father, even to the point of death on the cross, demonstrating ultimate obedience and submission ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). He never denied sin but bore the full weight of humanity's transgressions, including the very acts of betrayal and exploitation that this proverb condemns. Through His sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate "companion" not of a destroyer, but of the Father, bringing reconciliation and restoration to all who believe. His work provides the only true escape from the destructive path, offering forgiveness for those who confess their sins and transforming hearts from self-deception to truth, enabling believers to live lives that honor God and others, fulfilling the spirit of the Law, including the command to honor parents ([Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, Obey Your Parents")).

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

Proverbs 18:9

¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 19:26

¶ He that wasteth [his] father, [and] chaseth away [his] mother, [is] a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Proverbs 28:7

¶ Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.

Judges 17:2

And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred [shekels] of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver [is] with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed [be thou] of the LORD, my son.

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.