Proverbs 24:29 kjv

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Proverbs 24:29 nkjv

Do not say, "I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

Proverbs 24:29 niv

Do not say, "I'll do to them as they have done to me; I'll pay them back for what they did."

Proverbs 24:29 esv

Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done."

Proverbs 24:29 nlt

And don't say, "Now I can pay them back for what they've done to me!
I'll get even with them!"

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 29 Meaning

Proverbs 24:29 directly prohibits individuals from adopting a retaliatory mindset and acting upon it. It sternly warns against the desire to repay wrongdoing in kind, stating, "Do not say, 'I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.'" This wisdom precept emphasizes that personal vengeance, even when perceived as a righteous return for an injury, usurps God's prerogative to justly recompense all actions. It calls for resisting the primal urge for revenge, encouraging instead a reliance on divine justice or the proper judicial processes.

Proverbs 24 29 Context

Proverbs 24 is situated within a collection often referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise" (chapters 22:17-24:34), which presents a more detailed, sometimes multi-line, exposition of wisdom than the short, pithy aphorisms common in other sections. This chapter focuses on warnings against evil men, diligence, planning, proper use of power, and various aspects of justice and moral living. Verse 29 specifically addresses the inner struggle and outward temptation of personal revenge, offering a clear directive against such behavior. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern societies, personal retaliation was often a cultural expectation to maintain honor and avoid appearing weak. This proverb provides a counter-cultural command for God's people, urging them to rise above base instincts and practice a higher form of righteousness, rooted in self-control and trust in God's ultimate justice rather than immediate gratification of personal vengeance.

Proverbs 24 29 Word analysis

• Say not (אַל-תֹּאמַר, al-tomar): This is a strong, direct prohibitive command. It extends beyond merely uttering words; it forbids even entertaining the thought or settling upon the intention of retaliation. This emphasizes the importance of managing one's internal state and preventing vengeful thoughts from taking root.

• I will do so to him (כֵּן אֶעֱשֶׂה-לּוֹ, ken e'esah-lo): The pronoun "I" indicates a personal, determined decision to act. The term "so" (ken) suggests replicating or mirroring the offensive action. It implies a precise desire for equivalent payback.

• as he hath done to me (כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לִי, ka'asher asah li): This phrase reveals the justification for the contemplated vengeance: the belief that one is merely returning what was unjustly dealt to them. It highlights the deeply personal impact of the wrong and the desire for equitable compensation based on that perceived injury.

• I will render (אֶשַׁלֵּם, eshallam): Derived from the root שָׁלַם (shalem), meaning to be complete or whole, this Piel verb form implies making good on something, often in the sense of recompense, whether for good or evil. It frequently describes divine retribution (e.g., Ps 62:12). When a human states "I will render," they are stepping into a role reserved for God's ultimate and perfect justice.

• to the man (לָאִישׁ, la'ish): Simply refers to the individual who committed the wrong. There is no hidden meaning or special significance beyond specifying the object of the contemplated retaliation.

• according to his work (כְּפָעֳלוֹ, ke'po'olo): פֹּעַל (po'al) means deed, act, or work. This phrase describes the basis of the desired repayment: proportionality to the initial offense. While "according to his work" is a divine principle of justice where God renders to each person justly (Prov 12:14), the proverb warns against individuals usurping this prerogative and applying it themselves with biased, imperfect, and often vengeful intentions.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me": This complete prohibition targets the heart of personal retribution. It is a direct warning against the impulse to "get even" or exact an "eye for an eye" privately. This teaching actively challenges the natural human tendency toward emotional, reciprocal harm in response to injury, emphasizing inner control and forbearance.
  • "I will render to the man according to his work": This part exposes the rationale behind the prohibited action. It shows the individual's desire to act as judge, administering what they believe is "just" punishment based on the other person's actions. This principle, correctly applied, belongs to God's divine administration of justice, or to appointed human authorities; it does not authorize private acts of revenge which are invariably tainted by sin, bias, and a lack of perfect knowledge or true justice.

Proverbs 24 29 Bonus Section

The "Say not" construction in this proverb is critical, highlighting that wisdom isn't just about outward actions but the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. The spiritual battle against revenge begins within, by refusing to entertain or dwell on retaliatory schemes. The proverb subtly differentiates between the legitimate lex talionis (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth) principle found in Mosaic Law, which was intended for a community's judicial system to ensure proportionate and impartial justice, and its corrupt application by individuals seeking personal payback. The human inclination to "render according to his work" sounds like justice, yet when enacted by a private party, it invariably becomes distorted by sin, emotion, and self-interest, violating God's command. This Proverb is thus a foundational teaching on how believers are to embody grace and trust in divine justice rather than self-justice, promoting a character of peace and humility.

Proverbs 24 29 Commentary

Proverbs 24:29 delivers a fundamental tenet of biblical ethics: the prohibition of personal vengeance. It directly confronts the deeply ingrained human instinct to retaliate when wronged, urging a higher, more God-centered response. This wisdom principle teaches that true justice, particularly punitive justice based on an assessment of one's "work," is not a role for the individual. To seize this right is to usurp God's sovereignty, as ultimate recompense and perfect judgment belong to Him alone (as clearly affirmed in the Old and New Testaments). Personal vengeance perpetuates cycles of conflict, breeds bitterness, and often exceeds equitable measure, falling short of God's perfect righteousness. Instead, wisdom directs the believer to exercise self-control, patiently entrust the outcome to the divine Judge, or allow the legitimate, God-ordained legal processes to unfold. This perspective fosters peace, spiritual integrity, and allows God to defend His people in His perfect timing and way.

Examples:

• Instead of retaliating against someone who spread rumors about you, choose to remain silent and maintain your integrity, allowing your actions and character to speak for themselves.
• If you suffer a financial wrong, resist the urge to destroy the offender's reputation or property. Instead, seek counsel, or forgive, and trust that God sees and will address the injustice in His way.
• When a family member deeply offends you, rather than lashing out with hurtful words, practice prayer for them and forgiveness, mirroring God's mercy rather than the initial offense.