¶ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
The bloodthirsty {H582}{H1818} hate {H8130} the upright {H8535}: but the just {H3477} seek {H1245} his soul {H5315}.
Men of blood hate those who are pure and seek the life of the upright.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.
-
John 15:18
¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. -
John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. -
Genesis 4:5
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. -
Genesis 4:8
¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. -
2 Chronicles 18:7
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. -
1 John 3:12
Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. -
1 John 3:13
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
Proverbs 29:10 presents a stark contrast between two fundamental human responses to righteousness: hatred and protection. It states, "The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul." This verse offers profound insight into the spiritual and moral battle that exists in the world.
Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, emphasizing the practical application of divine truth to everyday life. Throughout the book, a recurring theme is the sharp dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked, and the inevitable consequences of each path. Proverbs 29 specifically delves into themes of leadership, justice, and the impact of individual character on society. This verse fits seamlessly into this framework, illustrating the inherent conflict that arises when wickedness encounters integrity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew term for "bloodthirsty," ʼanshe damim, powerfully conveys individuals who are not merely violent but are characterized by their propensity for bloodshed and malice. The word tam for "upright" suggests a person of integrity, wholeness, and blamelessness before God and man. The phrase "seek his soul" uses naphesh, which encompasses the entire being—life, person, spirit. Thus, the just don't just feel empathy; they actively pursue the protection and flourishing of the upright person's very existence.
Practical Application
Proverbs 29:10 calls believers to a crucial awareness and response: