Bible Strands
Proverbs 3:29
Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text addresses a reader within a sequence of instructions on neighborly conduct, positioned between a prohibition on withholding available help (Proverbs 3:28) and a warning against groundless accusation (Proverbs 3:30).
The words — תַּחֲרֹ֣שׁ (ta.cha.Rosh) translates literally as "you devise," and יוֹשֵׁ֖ב (yo.Shev) means "[is] dwelling."
The thread — The pattern of plotting against peaceful neighbors appears in Proverbs 6:14, Psalms 35:20, and Psalms 55:20.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to refrain from plotting harm against a neighbor who trusts their proximity. It requires active restraint rather than passive non-interference.
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
Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
- Psalms 35:20 For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land.
- Psalms 55:20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
- Psalms 59:3 See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.
- Proverbs 16:29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
- Micah 2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.
- Proverbs 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil,
- Jeremiah 18:18 Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
- Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.