Bible Strands
1 Samuel 24:13
As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses Saul while hiding in the wilderness, declaring that God will judge between them while he refuses to raise his hand against the king.
The words — The verse quotes a proverb using מְשׁוֹל הַקַּדְמוֹנִי (meshol haqadmoni, "the proverb of the ancients") and יֵצֵא רֶשַׁע מֵרְשָׁעִים (yetze raash mereshaim, "wickedness proceeds from the wicked") to describe the origin of evil. It contrasts this with וְיָדִי (veyadi, "and my hand") remaining inactive against Saul.
The thread — The principle that inner character produces visible action runs through Jesus’ teaching that trees are known by their fruit (Matthew 7:16; 7:20; 12:33). Both passages use natural imagery to show that outward behavior reveals the moral state of the source.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to distinguish between personal vengeance and divine justice, refusing to replicate the evil one opposes. It demands active restraint when provoked, leaving judgment entirely to God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Cross-references
- Matthew 7:20 So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
- Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
- Matthew 12:33 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit.
- Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.