Proverbs 3:29

KJV

Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Devise {H2790} not evil {H7451} against thy neighbour {H7453}, seeing he dwelleth {H3427} securely {H983} by thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't plan harm against your neighbor who lives beside you trustingly.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.

American Standard Version

Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:29 delivers a profound ethical injunction, urging individuals to refrain from plotting any form of harm or malice against their neighbor. This command is underscored by the crucial detail that the neighbor "dwelleth securely by thee," highlighting the profound betrayal of trust and hospitality involved in such an act. The verse calls for a purity of intention and action, emphasizing the importance of integrity, goodwill, and the preservation of communal peace and security within relationships, condemning the exploitation of another's vulnerability and peaceful state.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:29 is strategically placed within the "father-son" instructional discourse that forms the foundational opening chapters of the book of Proverbs (chapters 1-9). This extended exhortation encourages the son (and by extension, the reader) to wholeheartedly embrace divine wisdom and apply its principles to every facet of life. Specifically, Chapter 3 focuses on the profound benefits of trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding, as articulated in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD"). The verses immediately preceding 3:29 provide practical wisdom concerning generosity and diligence, advising against withholding good from those to whom it is due when it is within one's power to act ([Proverbs 3:27-28](/proverbs/3-27-28 "Proverbs 3:27-28 - Do Not Withhold Good")). Following 3:29, the text continues with injunctions against needless contention ([Proverbs 3:30](/proverbs/3-30 "Proverbs 3:30 - Do Not Contend Without Cause")) and envy of the wicked ([Proverbs 3:31-32](/proverbs/3-31-32 "Proverbs 3:31-32 - Do Not Envy the Wicked")). In this flow, Proverbs 3:29 serves as a vital bridge, extending the call for righteous living from acts of commission (generosity) and omission (avoiding strife) into the realm of inner intentions and interpersonal ethics, specifically regarding the sanctity of neighborly relations and the avoidance of premeditated harm. It underscores that wisdom governs not only outward deeds but also the hidden counsels of the heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally communal and agrarian, characterized by close-knit communities, extended families, and a strong emphasis on social cohesion. The concept of "neighbor" (Hebrew: _rêaʻ_) was expansive, often extending beyond the immediate next-door resident to encompass fellow Israelites, close friends, associates within the community, or even strangers dwelling among them. Hospitality and mutual trust were not merely social graces but foundational pillars of societal stability and survival. To "devise evil" against someone who "dwelleth securely by thee" would have been an egregious violation of these deeply ingrained social contracts and a profound betrayal of the trust inherent in communal living. Such an act would not only inflict direct harm upon the individual but also severely undermine the very fabric of the community, disrupting the peace, security, and _shalom_ that God intended for His people. This strong emphasis on just and peaceful interactions reflects the broader covenantal ethic found throughout the Torah, which consistently stressed the importance of righteous conduct within the community as a reflection of their relationship with a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, emphasizing that true wisdom involves not just outward actions but also the purity of one's inner intentions and thoughts. It demands a coherence between one's private designs and public demeanor. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Trust and Security** within relationships; the verse implicitly condemns the exploitation of another's vulnerability or peaceful state, asserting that a secure environment is predicated on the good faith of its members. Thirdly, it reinforces the foundational biblical principle of **Neighborly Ethics**, echoing and amplifying the commands found in the Mosaic Law to love one's neighbor as oneself ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")). This proverb extends that love to the realm of internal disposition, prohibiting even the thought of harm. Finally, it speaks powerfully to the theme of **Community Harmony**, advocating for actions and intentions that build up rather than tear down the social fabric, aligning with the wisdom tradition's consistent call for peace, justice, and mutual flourishing among God's people, a theme woven throughout the entire book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Devise (Hebrew, _chârash'_):** This word (H2790) is a primitive root with a rich semantic range. It literally means "to scratch," "engrave," or "plough," implying the use of tools to fabricate or shape something. Figuratively, and critically for this verse, it means "to devise (in a bad sense)," indicating a deliberate, intentional planning or plotting, often with a hidden or secret dimension. Its connection to "to be silent" or "to conceal" further suggests a clandestine nature to the plotting. Therefore, "devise not evil" prohibits the premeditated, often secret, contriving of harm.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term denotes something "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)." Its scope is broad, encompassing adversity, affliction, calamity, mischief, wickedness, and anything that brings physical, moral, or spiritual detriment. In the context of Proverbs 3:29, "evil" signifies any malicious intent, scheme, or action designed to cause harm, distress, or ruin to another person.
* **Securely (Hebrew, _beṭach'_):** From H983, this word properly denotes "a place of refuge" and abstractly signifies "safety," encompassing both the objective fact of security and the subjective feeling of trust or confidence. When a neighbor "dwelleth securely," it means they are living in a state of peace, confidence, and without apprehension, implicitly trusting in the good intentions of those around them. This amplifies the moral culpability of devising evil, as it constitutes a profound betrayal of that trust and peace, exploiting their vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Devise not evil against thy neighbour":** This opening clause issues a direct, imperative prohibition against the premeditated planning or scheming of harm. The verb "devise" (from _chârash'_) implies a deliberate, often secret, mental activity of contriving mischief, injury, or misfortune. It extends the ethical demand beyond mere outward actions to the very intentions and thoughts of the heart. This command requires the individual to guard their inner life, ensuring that malice, jealousy, deceit, or vengeful desires do not take root and formulate into a calculated plan against another person.
* **"seeing he dwelleth securely by thee":** This second clause provides the profound ethical justification and intensifies the moral weight of the prohibition. The neighbor's state of "dwelling securely" implies a condition of peace, trust, and vulnerability. They are living without suspicion or fear, relying on the implicit good faith and protective presence of those around them, especially those in close proximity. To plot evil against such a person is a profound breach of trust, a violation of hospitality, and an exploitation of their peaceful, unsuspecting disposition, rendering the intended evil even more reprehensible and morally reprehensible.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:29 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its ethical message with profound clarity and force. The primary device is **Imperative**, as the verse begins with a direct command, "Devise not evil," which immediately establishes its nature as a non-negotiable moral instruction. There is a powerful implicit **Contrast** drawn between the malicious, hidden intent of plotting evil and the peaceful, trusting, and vulnerable state of the neighbor. This juxtaposition highlights the moral depravity of betraying someone's security and exploiting their trust. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Ethical Maxim**, a concise and memorable statement of moral truth characteristic of wisdom literature, designed to guide conduct and shape character. The use of **Cause and Effect** is also evident: the neighbor's secure dwelling is presented as the explicit reason *why* one should not devise evil against them, emphasizing the ethical responsibility that arises from shared space, proximity, and the trust inherent in communal living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:29 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on righteous interpersonal relationships, which are fundamentally rooted in God's holy character and His covenantal relationship with humanity. The command to refrain from plotting evil against a trusting neighbor is a practical outworking of the divine expectation for justice, love, and integrity within the community of faith. It reflects the Law's foundational principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, extending this love beyond mere outward action to the very intentions and thoughts of the heart. This proactive call for goodwill and the condemnation of hidden malice foreshadows the New Testament's heightened emphasis on the inner life and the spirit of the Law, where thoughts and intentions are considered as significant as outward deeds in God's sight, revealing the comprehensive nature of God's moral demands.

* [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")
* [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Proverbs 6:14](/proverbs/6-14 "Proverbs 6:14 - A Devious Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:29 offers a timeless and profound challenge for ethical conduct in all spheres of life. It compels us to move beyond merely refraining from overt acts of harm and to deeply examine the hidden intentions and motivations of our hearts. In a world where relationships are increasingly complex, whether in physical communities, workplaces, families, or digital spaces, this proverb calls us to cultivate a spirit of genuine goodwill and to actively safeguard the trust placed in us by others. It reminds us that true wisdom involves fostering environments of security and peace, ensuring that our actions, words, and even our unspoken thoughts contribute to the well-being and flourishing of those around us, rather than undermining it through malice, gossip, deceit, or passive aggression. We are called to be trustworthy individuals who build up, rather than tear down, the fabric of our shared humanity, reflecting the character of a God who is Himself trustworthy and good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I examine my inner thoughts and intentions towards others, particularly those with whom I live or work closely, or those who are vulnerable to my influence?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be "devising evil" against a neighbor, colleague, family member, or even a stranger, perhaps through resentment, uncharitable assumptions, gossip, or seeking to gain at their expense?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of genuine goodwill and to actively contribute to the security, peace, and flourishing of those in my immediate sphere of influence?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my interactions in digital spaces, where anonymity or distance might tempt me to engage in malicious, deceptive, or harmful behavior without immediate consequence?**

### FAQ
**What does "devise not evil" mean in practical terms for daily life?**

Answer: In practical terms, "devise not evil" means to actively guard your thoughts and intentions against any form of malice, ill will, or plotting against another person. It's not enough to simply avoid outwardly harming someone; the proverb calls for purity of heart, demanding that we do not even secretly plan or contrive mischief. This includes refraining from planning revenge, spreading rumors, seeking to undermine someone's reputation or livelihood, exploiting their vulnerabilities, or harboring deep-seated resentment. It encourages a proactive stance of goodwill, ensuring that your mental and emotional energies are directed towards constructive and benevolent interactions, especially with those who live in peace and trust alongside you, as the proverb states, "seeing he [dwelleth securely by thee](/proverbs/3-29 "Proverbs 3:29 - Do Not Devise Evil")."

**Why is the neighbor's security emphasized in this proverb?**

Answer: The emphasis on the neighbor "dwelling securely by thee" is crucial because it highlights the profound betrayal of trust and hospitality involved in devising evil. When someone lives securely, they are doing so without suspicion or fear, relying on the implicit good faith of those around them. To plot harm against such a person is a deep violation of the unwritten social contract that allows communities to thrive. It exploits their vulnerability and peace, making the act of malice even more reprehensible. This aspect of the proverb underscores the importance of honoring the trust placed in us and upholding the peace and safety of our shared living spaces, reflecting broader biblical principles of justice and community harmony found in passages like [Psalm 37:1-8](/psalm/37-1-8 "Psalm 37:1-8 - Trust in the LORD and Do Good") and the general call to live peaceably with all people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:29, with its call to refrain from plotting evil against a trusting neighbor, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Law commanded love for one's neighbor ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")), Jesus expanded and deepened this concept, not only affirming the command but extending its meaning to encompass even one's enemies ([Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43-48 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love Your Enemies")). He taught that true righteousness extends beyond outward actions to the very intentions of the heart, warning against anger and lust as forms of murder and adultery in the heart ([Matthew 5:21-28](/matthew/5-21-28 "Matthew 5:21-28 - Anger and Lust")). Christ Himself perfectly embodied this principle, never devising evil against anyone, even those who plotted against Him and brought about His crucifixion. His entire life was one of complete self-giving love, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross for those who were His enemies and still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). Through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live out this proverb, not by mere human effort, but by the transformative power of divine love that "worketh no ill to his neighbour" ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")), reflecting the character of the ultimate Good Samaritan who cares for the vulnerable and unsuspecting neighbor ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")). This is the new creation reality, where Christ's love in us enables us to truly seek the good of others, especially those who dwell securely by us.

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 6:14

Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Micah 2:2

And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.

Psalms 59:3

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

Proverbs 16:29

¶ A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way [that is] not good.

Proverbs 16:30

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

Psalms 35:20

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against [them that are] quiet in the land.