Proverbs 30:10

KJV

¶ Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Accuse {H3960} not a servant {H5650} unto his master {H113}, lest he curse {H7043} thee, and thou be found guilty {H816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Never disparage a slave to his master, or he will curse you, and you will deserve it.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt.

American Standard Version

Slander not a servant unto his master, Lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:10 delivers a potent warning against the malicious act of slandering a servant to their master. It underscores the severe consequences that await the accuser, predicting both the servant's curse and the accuser's own eventual conviction of guilt. This proverb highlights the vulnerability of those in subordinate positions and emphasizes the moral imperative for integrity and discretion in speech, particularly when power dynamics are at play.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30 is distinct within the book of Proverbs, attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, a figure about whom little is known beyond this chapter. Unlike many other chapters composed of individual, unconnected proverbs, Agur's section often features numerical sayings (as seen in [Proverbs 30:15-31](/proverbs/30-15 "Proverbs 30:15-31 - Numerical Sayings")) and more extended reflections. Proverbs 30:10 stands as a concise, standalone piece of ethical wisdom, fitting within the broader sapiential tradition of the book that instructs on righteous living, the dangers of the tongue, and the importance of justice. It serves as a practical admonition, directly advising against a specific harmful behavior, much like other proverbs that guide interpersonal conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the master-servant relationship was a fundamental social and economic institution. Servants (`ʻebed`, H5650) could range from bondservants (often for debt or temporary servitude) to hired laborers, and while they were under the authority of their master (`ʼâdôwn`, H113), the Mosaic Law provided certain protections and rights for them (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:15-16](/deuteronomy/23-15 "Deuteronomy 23:15-16 - Protection for Escaped Slaves"), [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Treatment of Hebrew Servants")). A servant's livelihood, reputation, and security were heavily dependent on their master's favor. Therefore, a false or malicious accusation could utterly devastate their life. The belief in the power of a curse (`qâlal`, H7043) was also deeply ingrained; it was understood not merely as an angry utterance but as an invocation of harm, often with a spiritual dimension, believed to carry real weight and potential for divine retribution. This proverb speaks to a society where reputation was paramount and where justice, even for the vulnerable, was a divine expectation.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the wisdom literature. Primarily, it addresses the **power and danger of the tongue**, a recurring motif in Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue"), [Proverbs 21:23](/proverbs/21-23 "Proverbs 21:23 - Guarding the Mouth")). It specifically warns against **slander and malicious accusation** (`lâshan`, H3960), highlighting the destructive nature of such speech. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **justice and compassion for the vulnerable**, implicitly advocating for the protection of those in subordinate positions who might be easily exploited. The stated consequences—the servant's curse and the accuser being "found guilty" (`ʼâsham`, H816)—underscore the theme of **divine retribution and moral accountability**, emphasizing that unjust actions, particularly those driven by malice, will ultimately rebound upon the perpetrator. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God is a defender of the oppressed (e.g., [Psalm 10:14](/psalm/10-14 "Psalm 10:14 - God Sees the Oppressed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Accuse (Hebrew, _lâshan'_):** From H3960, a primitive root meaning "to lick," but used only as a denominative from `lâshôn` (tongue). It signifies "to wag the tongue," specifically "to calumniate," "accuse," or "slander." This word emphasizes the malicious and often baseless nature of the accusation, implying a verbal attack intended to harm.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, a common term for "a servant," "bondman," or "bond-servant." It refers to an individual in a subordinate position, typically working under the authority of a master. This highlights the power imbalance inherent in the relationship, making the servant particularly vulnerable to harmful accusations.
* **master (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, a term for "sovereign," "controller," "lord," or "owner." It denotes the one in authority over the servant, emphasizing the master's power to determine the servant's fate, making the accusation particularly potent and dangerous.
* **curse (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** From H7043, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) light," but in its derived sense, "to bring into contempt," "curse," or "revile." Here, it refers to the servant invoking a curse upon the accuser, implying a deep sense of injustice and a call for divine or supernatural retribution.
* **guilty (Hebrew, _ʼâsham'_):** From H816, a primitive root meaning "to be guilty." By implication, it can mean "to be punished or perish." This signifies that the accuser will be held morally or legally culpable for their malicious act, facing negative consequences, whether from the master, the community, or ultimately, God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Accuse not a servant unto his master":** This is a direct, negative imperative, a clear prohibition against slandering or backbiting a subordinate to their superior. The act of "accusing" (lâshan) carries the connotation of malicious gossip or false denunciation, not merely reporting a legitimate grievance. It highlights the ethical responsibility of the speaker in a power dynamic.
* **"lest he curse thee":** This clause presents the immediate, direct consequence from the wronged party. The servant, feeling unjustly maligned and their livelihood threatened, may invoke a curse upon the accuser. In ancient thought, such a curse was not mere angry words but believed to carry spiritual weight, potentially inviting divine judgment or misfortune upon the one who caused the harm.
* **"and thou be found guilty":** This clause indicates a broader, more profound consequence. The accuser will ultimately be exposed as culpable, either before the master who discerns the truth, before the community that recognizes the injustice, or, most significantly, before God. This "guilt" (ʼâsham) implies not only moral culpability but also the likelihood of facing punitive consequences, underscoring the principle of divine justice where the wicked's schemes often backfire on themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:10 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Accuse not"), which delivers a direct, authoritative command, typical of wisdom literature's didactic nature. This command is immediately followed by a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: the act of accusing leads to two distinct negative outcomes for the accuser. The phrase "lest he curse thee" exemplifies **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, warning of the servant's potential reaction. The proverb also uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the vulnerable servant against the potentially malicious accuser, highlighting the ethical imbalance. Finally, it functions as a piece of **Ethical Wisdom**, offering practical guidance for moral conduct in social interactions, particularly regarding the responsible use of speech and the protection of the vulnerable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning justice, the power of speech, and God's concern for the vulnerable. It reflects the divine character that champions the cause of the oppressed and condemns those who exploit or harm the defenseless. The warning against false accusation aligns with the Ninth Commandment against bearing false witness, extending its principle to the specific context of social hierarchy. It underscores that God sees and judges not only overt acts of injustice but also the insidious malice of the tongue. The ultimate "guilt" of the accuser points to a moral order where wrongdoing, especially against the vulnerable, does not go unpunished, whether through human discernment or divine reckoning.

* [Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - Do Not Spread False Reports")
* [Psalm 15:3](/psalm/15-3 "Psalm 15:3 - Who May Dwell on God's Holy Hill?")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:10, though ancient, speaks with remarkable clarity to contemporary challenges, particularly in our interconnected world. It is a powerful reminder that our words carry immense weight, capable of building up or tearing down, and that malicious speech, especially against those in less powerful positions, inevitably boomerangs back upon the speaker. In workplaces, social media, and personal relationships, the temptation to gossip, slander, or unjustly accuse others, particularly subordinates or those with less influence, remains strong. This proverb calls us to cultivate a spirit of discretion, integrity, and compassion, urging us to consider the profound impact our words have on others' livelihoods, reputations, and well-being. It challenges us to pause before speaking, to verify facts, and to examine our motives, recognizing that true wisdom involves not just knowing what to say, but also knowing what *not* to say, and when silence is the most righteous path. Ultimately, it calls us to live as people who champion justice and protect the vulnerable, rather than contributing to their harm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what contexts (work, social media, family) might I be tempted to "accuse a servant unto his master" today?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my use of social media and the ease with which information (or misinformation) can be spread about others?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my speech is always characterized by truth, charity, and a concern for the vulnerable, rather than malice or gossip?**
* **How does the concept of being "found guilty" apply to modern consequences, both personal and professional, for those who engage in slander?**

### FAQ

**What does "curse thee" mean in a practical sense for the accuser?**

Answer: In ancient contexts, a curse (`qâlal`, H7043) was believed to carry real spiritual and practical weight. It was not merely an angry utterance but an invocation of misfortune or divine judgment upon the accuser. Practically, this could manifest as the servant's deep resentment leading to a loss of trust, or even overt actions of defiance or sabotage. More profoundly, it suggests that the servant's cry of injustice would be heard by God, leading to divine retribution or a reversal of fortunes for the accuser, causing their own plans to fail or their reputation to suffer. It implies that the universe itself, or God, would respond to the injustice, ensuring that the accuser would not prosper from their malicious act.

**Does this proverb forbid all reporting of wrongdoing, even legitimate ones?**

Answer: No, the proverb does not forbid all reporting of wrongdoing. The key lies in the Hebrew word for "accuse" (`lâshan`, H3960), which carries the connotation of malicious intent, slander, or calumny, often without proper verification or with the goal of harming the servant. It is a warning against backbiting, gossip, and false witness, not against legitimate and necessary reporting of misconduct for the sake of justice or safety. The Bible elsewhere encourages righteous judgment and holding people accountable, but always with truth, proper procedure, and a spirit of justice (e.g., [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Dealing with a Sinning Brother"), [Leviticus 19:16](/leviticus/19-16 "Leviticus 19:16 - Do Not Go About Spreading Slander")). The proverb targets the *motive* and *manner* of the accusation—malice, rather than genuine concern for justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against slandering a servant, Christ Himself was the ultimate "servant" of God, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He was unjustly accused and slandered before the ultimate Master, God the Father, by those who bore false witness against Him (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Yet, instead of cursing His accusers, Jesus prayed for their forgiveness ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")), embodying a higher ethic than the proverb's warning. His life perfectly modeled compassion for the vulnerable and a condemnation of unjust speech. Furthermore, Jesus taught His followers to avoid judgmentalism and slander, emphasizing that "by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" ([Matthew 12:37](/matthew/12-37 "Matthew 12:37 - Words Reveal the Heart")). The "guilty" verdict for the accuser in Proverbs foreshadows the ultimate judgment where all unjust words and deeds will be exposed before the righteous Judge ([Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Everyone Will Give an Account to God")). Thus, this proverb, in its call for righteous speech and protection of the vulnerable, points to the perfect example of Christ, who suffered unjustly yet brought salvation, and whose teachings continue to call His disciples to a life of integrity and love in their words and actions.

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

Romans 14:4

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Ecclesiastes 7:21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

Proverbs 11:26

¶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it].

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

2 Samuel 19:26

And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant [is] lame.

2 Samuel 19:27

And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king [is] as an angel of God: do therefore [what is] good in thine eyes.

1 Samuel 24:9

¶ And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?