Proverbs 23 10

Proverbs 23:10 kjv

Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Proverbs 23:10 nkjv

Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

Proverbs 23:10 niv

Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

Proverbs 23:10 esv

Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless,

Proverbs 23:10 nlt

Don't cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers;
don't take the land of defenseless orphans.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 10 Meaning

Proverbs 23:10 issues a dual prohibition against two forms of injustice: tampering with established property boundaries and exploiting the vulnerable. It condemns altering "ancient landmarks," which signify divinely sanctioned and historically acknowledged land divisions, thereby undermining rightful ownership. Simultaneously, it forbids encroaching upon or unjustly acquiring the land of "the fatherless," who, lacking protectors, are among society's most vulnerable, highlighting God's concern for the marginalized and His demand for justice in all transactions.

Proverbs 23 10 Context

Proverbs 23:10 is nestled within a collection of wise sayings aimed at imparting practical wisdom for righteous living, particularly focusing on ethical conduct, self-control, and interaction within society. The chapter immediately prior addresses avoiding deceptive riches (Prov 23:4-5) and being cautious about associating with those who are greedy or practice injustice (Prov 23:6-8). This verse serves as a direct ethical imperative, urging the reader to respect established property rights and, critically, to protect the vulnerable. In ancient Israel, land ownership was deeply tied to family heritage, tribal allotments, and identity, stemming from the divine distribution of the Promised Land. The "fatherless" (orphans) and widows represented the most susceptible members of society, often lacking legal and social protection, making any encroachment on their property a particularly egregious act of injustice.

Proverbs 23 10 Word analysis

• Do not remove (אַל־תַּסֵּג, al-tassēg): This is a strong, negative imperative. The verb nasag implies "to move," "to turn aside," "to trespass," or "to shift something from its proper place." It conveys an intentional and unlawful act of displacing a boundary marker, often with a deceptive or covetous intent to gain land unjustly.
• the ancient landmark (גְּבוּל עוֹלָם, gevul 'olam):
  • גְּבוּל (gevul): Means "boundary," "border," or "limit." It refers to the physical stone or marker that demarcated the extent of a land plot or inherited property.
  • עוֹלָם ('olam): This word can mean "eternity," "perpetuity," or "ancient times," "long duration." Here, it signifies a boundary that has been established for a long time, dating back to ancestral inheritances or tribal allocations, often implying divine sanction or long-standing custom. It underscores the sanctity and permanence of these markers as representing rightful and inherited ownership. Removing such a marker was a direct violation of a sacred trust and an attack on the foundational social order.
• or enter (וּבִשְׂדֵי, u-bisdəy): The Hebrew waw (וּ) can signify "and" or an extending or contrasting prohibition. It functions here to extend the prohibition from simply "moving the landmark" to also "entering/encroaching upon" (literally, "and into the fields of"). It suggests not just shifting a boundary, but actively taking possession or making use of land that rightfully belongs to another, especially the defenseless.
• the fields of the fatherless (שְׂדֵי יְתוֹמִים, s'dey yetomim):
  • שְׂדֵי (s'dey): Plural for "fields" or "cultivated land."
  • יְתוֹמִים (yetomim): "Fatherless" or "orphans." In ancient Near Eastern societies, orphans (often also implying childless widows) were profoundly vulnerable, lacking the patriarchal head of the household for protection, provision, and legal representation. Their land, though small, was crucial for their survival and often their only inheritance. To encroach upon it was considered an especially cruel and exploitative act, one that God Himself promises to punish.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Do not remove the ancient landmark": This phrase highlights the importance of respecting historical boundaries and established rights. It's a foundational principle for social order, ensuring stable property ownership and preventing conflict arising from greed or encroachment. It also implicitly respects the past generations who painstakingly surveyed and marked the land.
• "or enter the fields of the fatherless": This specifies the victims of such injustice and emphasizes the heightened offense when the wronged party is especially vulnerable. It speaks to a deep biblical concern for social justice and the protection of those who cannot defend themselves. The juxtaposition shows that God's law protects both fixed rights (land) and the weak (orphans), often seeing the two as intertwined.

Proverbs 23 10 Bonus section

The "ancient landmark" can be understood not only as a literal physical stone but also metaphorically as respecting the established order, traditions, and divinely sanctioned principles of inheritance and justice passed down through generations. To "remove" it can mean to disregard foundational ethical standards for personal gain. This concept ties into the idea of maintaining righteous standards against shifting societal values.

The strong curse associated with moving landmarks in Deuteronomy 27:17 indicates the severe religious gravity of this act; it wasn't just civil offense but an act inviting divine judgment. This highlights that violating property rights, especially of the weak, is a direct challenge to God's own character as the ultimate upholder of justice. The inclusion of the "fatherless" reminds believers that the pursuit of personal wealth or land must never come at the cost of neglecting or exploiting the most defenseless members of society, a theme consistently echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Proverbs 23 10 Commentary

Proverbs 23:10 is a powerful injunction that serves as a cornerstone of social justice and property ethics within the biblical framework. It commands the respect of land rights not merely as a matter of legal formality but as a moral imperative rooted in God's concern for order and the vulnerable. Removing an ancient landmark was a deliberate act of theft and deceit, designed to illegally expand one's own property at the expense of a neighbor. This was particularly heinous because land in Israel was an inheritance, often divinely allotted, and to tamper with its boundaries was to violate both human tradition and divine decree.

The specific mention of "the fatherless" intensifies the ethical weight of the verse. These were individuals with no earthly protector, making them easy targets for exploitation by the unscrupulous. God identifies Himself repeatedly in Scripture as the defender of the orphan, the widow, and the sojourner. Therefore, to encroach upon the land of the fatherless was not merely a crime against them, but an affront to God Himself, who champions their cause. This verse embodies a core principle: true wisdom is expressed in justice, integrity, and compassion, especially towards those least able to defend themselves.

• Examples of practical application:
  • Avoiding land disputes where the weaker party might be unfairly treated.
  • Refraining from taking advantage of someone's desperate circumstances (e.g., a financially distressed individual selling property below value under duress).
  • Upholding fair practices in business and transactions, ensuring that vulnerable employees or customers are not exploited.
  • Supporting legal systems that protect the property and rights of marginalized groups.