Proverbs 29:24

KJV

¶ Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso is partner {H2505} with a thief {H1590} hateth {H8130} his own soul {H5315}: he heareth {H8085} cursing {H423}, and bewrayeth {H5046} it not.

Complete Jewish Bible

The accomplice of a thief hates himself; he hears himself put under oath but discloses nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.

American Standard Version

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 29:24 delivers a profound warning against complicity in wrongdoing, specifically highlighting the grave consequences for those who partner with a thief or, by their silence, conceal a crime. It asserts that such an alliance is not merely a legal transgression but a deep act of self-harm, leading to spiritual and practical ruin. The proverb underscores the severe implications for individuals who enable sin, particularly by remaining silent when bound by an oath to reveal the truth, thereby betraying justice and inviting divine judgment upon themselves.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 29:24 is situated within the latter sections of the book of Proverbs, a collection predominantly attributed to King Solomon, which consistently juxtaposes the paths of the righteous and the wicked, and the wisdom of God against human folly. This particular proverb functions as a didactic warning, characteristic of the book's overarching emphasis on practical righteousness, moral discernment, and the inevitable consequences of one's choices. It seamlessly integrates into a broader series of aphorisms that address themes of justice, integrity, the perils of ungodly associations, and the far-reaching societal impact of individual actions. The immediate literary context of [Proverbs 29](/proverbs/29 "Proverbs 29 - Righteous and Wicked Rulers") frequently delves into the conduct of leaders, the paramount importance of upholding justice, and the divergent outcomes of righteous versus wicked behavior, making this verse a specific, potent application of these foundational principles to personal responsibility and communal legal accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, theft was not merely a minor infraction but a serious offense carrying specific legal and social repercussions, often demanding significant restitution as outlined in laws such as [Exodus 22:1-4](/exodus/22-1-4 "Exodus 22:1-4 - Laws Concerning Theft and Restitution"). Beyond the act of stealing itself, complicity—whether through direct partnership, receiving stolen goods, or concealing the crime—was equally condemned. The phrase "he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not" directly alludes to the "oath of adjuration" (Hebrew: *'alah*), a prevalent legal and religious practice. Under this system, a public oath or pronouncement was made, binding anyone with knowledge of a crime to come forward and disclose what they knew. If an individual heard such a public adjuration and possessed pertinent information but failed to disclose it, they would incur the curse associated with the oath, thereby becoming guilty before both God and the community, as explicitly detailed in [Leviticus 5:1](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1 - The Law of Guilt for Unconfessed Sin"). This practice powerfully illustrates the strong communal expectation for truth-telling, civic responsibility, and active participation in upholding justice within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes central to biblical wisdom. Firstly, it highlights the concept of **complicity and shared guilt**, unequivocally asserting that one who partners with a thief, even through passive assent or silence, becomes morally and spiritually implicated in the crime. Secondly, the striking phrase "hateth his own soul" underscores the theme of **self-destruction**, indicating that enabling or concealing sin ultimately brings ruin upon oneself, encompassing spiritual, psychological, and potentially legal or social detriment. This is not merely a fleeting dislike but an act that leads to profound personal undoing, reflecting a principle seen elsewhere, such as in [Proverbs 1:18](/proverbs/1-18 "Proverbs 1:18 - They Lie in Wait for Their Own Blood"). Thirdly, the proverb directly addresses **silence and deception**, particularly the grave sin of withholding truth when one is morally or legally bound to reveal it. This silence is portrayed as a betrayal of justice and integrity, effectively rendering the observer an accessory to the wrongdoing. Finally, it implicitly reinforces the overarching theme of **justice and accountability**, emphasizing the individual's responsibility not only to abstain from wrongdoing but also to actively contribute to the establishment and maintenance of righteousness within the community, aligning with the broader prophetic call for justice to "roll down like waters" found in passages like [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Partner (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** From H2505, meaning "to be smooth," and by implication "to apportion or separate." In this context, it signifies sharing, dividing, or having a portion with someone. To be a "partner" here implies a deliberate alignment, collaboration, or complicity with the thief, suggesting more than casual association—it speaks to sharing in the spoils or the guilt.
* **Cursing (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** From H423, referring to an "imprecation," a formal "oath," or "execration." This is not a casual malediction but a solemn, binding oath or public adjuration, typically pronounced in a legal or communal setting. The one who "heareth cursing" is hearing a formal pronouncement that invokes divine judgment upon anyone who possesses knowledge of a crime but fails to disclose it.
* **Bewrayeth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, a primitive root meaning "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication "to manifest" or "to announce." It means to declare, expose, or tell. Therefore, "bewrayeth it not" means to deliberately fail to disclose, to conceal, or to refuse to testify, even when bound by a formal oath or moral duty, thereby protecting the wrongdoer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul:"** This foundational clause establishes the proverb's central warning: active or passive complicity with a criminal, exemplified by a "thief," is an act of profound self-destruction. To "hate his own soul" (Hebrew: *sânêʼ nephesh*) is a powerful idiom signifying bringing ruin, severe harm, or spiritual detriment upon oneself. It implies that by aligning oneself with wickedness and injustice, one forfeits their own well-being, integrity, and spiritual peace.
* **"he heareth cursing,"** This phrase describes the individual's awareness of a formal public oath or adjuration (the "cursing" or "imprecation") that has been pronounced. This oath, typically made in a communal or legal context, calls upon anyone with knowledge of a crime to come forward and disclose what they know, often with an associated penalty or divine judgment for non-compliance.
* **"and bewrayeth [it] not."** This concluding clause specifies the culpable act of complicity: despite hearing the binding oath or possessing knowledge of the truth, the individual consciously chooses to remain silent and conceal the information. By failing to "bewray" (disclose) the truth, this person becomes an accessory after the fact, thereby incurring the "cursing" or judgment upon themselves and betraying the cause of justice.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 29:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent moral warning. The most striking is **Idiom**, particularly in the phrase "hateth his own soul." This is not an expression of literal self-loathing but a powerful, vivid idiom for self-inflicted harm, ruin, or spiritual detriment resulting from one's morally compromised choices. The proverb also utilizes **Synecdoche** by employing "thief" as a representative figure for any wrongdoer or sinful act, thereby extending the principle's applicability beyond literal theft to encompass any form of complicity in injustice or unrighteousness. Furthermore, there is a clear implicit **Cause and Effect** relationship, where the cause (partnering with a thief and remaining silent despite an oath) directly leads to the severe effect (hating one's own soul and incurring a curse). The concise, declarative statement form is characteristic of **Proverbial Wisdom**, designed for memorization, impactful moral instruction, and universal applicability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on truth, justice, and personal integrity, reflecting God's own character. It highlights that the righteous God detests complicity in sin and the deliberate concealment of truth, viewing such actions as a betrayal of both divine and human justice. The principle extends far beyond mere legal scenarios to encompass all forms of moral compromise, underscoring that our actions—and critically, our inactions—have profound spiritual consequences. To enable, condone, or cover up wrongdoing is to align oneself with darkness, which inevitably harms one's relationship with God and undermines one's own spiritual well-being. The "cursing" mentioned is not merely a human pronouncement but reflects the divine judgment and the natural consequences that fall upon those who betray justice and truth.

* [Leviticus 5:1](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1 - The Oath of Adjuration and Guilt Offering")
* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Character")
* [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Have No Fellowship with the Unfruitful Works of Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 29:24 serves as a timeless and challenging call to radical integrity and moral courage in every sphere of life. It compels us to critically examine our associations, our loyalties, and our responses to injustice and wrongdoing. Are we, by our silence, passive acceptance, or even subtle encouragement, inadvertently enabling sin or injustice in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities? The proverb powerfully reminds us that true wisdom involves not merely avoiding direct sinful acts ourselves, but also refusing to be complicit in the sins of others. This demands profound discernment in choosing our companions, unwavering commitment to truth, and the courage to speak up, even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular, or personally costly. Ultimately, protecting our "soul" means prioritizing righteousness, justice, and truth above personal comfort, misguided loyalty, or the desire to avoid conflict, understanding that our spiritual well-being is inextricably linked to our active commitment to God's standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "partnering with a thief" by my silence, inaction, or passive acceptance regarding injustice or wrongdoing?**
* **What does it mean for me to "hate my own soul" in a contemporary context, and how might my choices or complicity be leading to spiritual or practical self-harm?**
* **When have I "heard cursing" (i.e., known about wrongdoing or been called to speak truth, whether formally or informally) but "bewrayed it not," and what were the consequences of that silence?**
* **How can I cultivate greater courage and discernment to speak truth and uphold justice, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**What does "hateth his own soul" truly mean in this proverb?**

Answer: The phrase "hateth his own soul" (Hebrew: *sânêʼ nephesh*) is a powerful idiom that does not imply literal self-loathing but rather means to bring severe harm, ruin, or destruction upon oneself. It signifies that the actions of partnering with a thief and concealing truth are inherently self-destructive. By engaging in such complicity, the individual forfeits their own well-being, integrity, and spiritual peace, incurring negative consequences that are ultimately self-inflicted. It serves as a stark warning that moral compromise is a form of self-sabotage, leading to spiritual and potentially practical detriment, a principle echoed in other Proverbs like [Proverbs 1:18](/proverbs/1-18 "Proverbs 1:18 - They Lie in Wait for Their Own Blood").

**What is the "cursing" that the partner hears but does not "bewray"?**

Answer: The "cursing" (Hebrew: *ʼâlâh*) most likely refers to a formal, public oath of adjuration or imprecation. In ancient Israelite legal and communal contexts, such an oath would be pronounced, calling upon anyone who had knowledge of a crime (like theft) to come forward and testify. If someone heard this public declaration and possessed information about the theft or the thief but chose to remain silent, they would incur the curse associated with the oath, making them guilty before God and the community. This is explicitly detailed in [Leviticus 5:1](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1 - The Law of Guilt for Unconfessed Sin"), where a person who hears a public adjuration to testify but fails to do so is held accountable for their silence.

**Is this proverb only about literal theft, or does it have broader application?**

Answer: While the proverb specifically mentions a "thief," its profound wisdom extends far beyond literal theft. The "thief" serves as a representative example of any wrongdoer or sinful act. The core principle is about complicity in injustice, whether through active partnership, passive enablement, or deliberate silence when truth is required. This proverb applies to any situation where one enables, condones, or covers up wrongdoing—be it fraud, deception, abuse, or any form of unrighteousness. It calls believers to a life of uncompromising integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth and justice in all areas, aligning with the broader biblical call to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" ([Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Exposing Works of Darkness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 29:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb issues a solemn warning against complicity with darkness and the self-destructive nature of concealing truth, Jesus stands as the perfect embodiment of absolute truth and uncompromising light. He never partnered with evil but consistently exposed it, whether confronting the hypocrisy of the religious leaders ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")) or casting out demons with divine authority ([Mark 1:21-28](/mark/1-21-28 "Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Unlike the one who "bewrayeth it not," Jesus always declared the truth, even when it led to His rejection, suffering, and ultimately, His sacrificial death ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Furthermore, the "cursing" mentioned in the proverb, which falls upon those who conceal truth, is profoundly addressed by Christ. He became a curse for us on the cross, taking upon Himself the full weight of the law's condemnation and the curse of sin, so that we might be redeemed and set free from its power and guilt ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His perfect obedience, sinless life, and atoning sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the demands of divine justice and truth, enabling His followers to live lives of integrity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be light in a dark world and to expose the unfruitful works of darkness ([Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")).

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

Leviticus 5:1

¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

Proverbs 8:36

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Proverbs 1:19

So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Isaiah 1:23

Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.