Proverbs 29:10 kjv
The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Proverbs 29:10 nkjv
The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.
Proverbs 29:10 niv
The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
Proverbs 29:10 esv
Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.
Proverbs 29:10 nlt
The bloodthirsty hate blameless people,
but the upright seek to help them.
Proverbs 29 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 3:15 | "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring..." | Inherent spiritual conflict/enmity |
| Ps 1:6 | "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." | Divine discernment of good/evil |
| Ps 7:9 | "Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous..." | Prayer for justice/vindication |
| Ps 34:21 | "Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned." | Outcome for those who hate the righteous |
| Ps 37:12-14 | "The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him..." | Malice of wicked against righteous |
| Ps 37:28 | "For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints." | God's protection of His people |
| Ps 97:10 | "The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints..." | God's love for righteous, preservation of life |
| Ps 112:10 | "The wicked man sees it and is vexed; he gnashes his teeth and melts away..." | Wicked's reaction to righteous' prosperity |
| Prov 2:7-8 | "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright... guarding the paths of justice..." | God protects the righteous path |
| Prov 11:8 | "The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked steps into it instead." | Deliverance of the righteous |
| Prov 12:7 | "The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand." | Stability of the righteous |
| Prov 12:26 | "The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." | Righteous guidance vs. wicked destruction |
| Prov 14:19 | "The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous." | Future vindication of the righteous |
| Prov 24:11-12 | "Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter." | Responsibility to rescue the vulnerable |
| Isa 3:10-11 | "Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them... Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him..." | Distinction in outcome for righteous/wicked |
| John 15:18-19 | "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you..." | World's hatred for Christ and His followers |
| 1 Pet 2:22-23 | "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return..." | Christ as the ultimate Blameless One targeted |
| 1 John 3:12 | "We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother." | Manifestation of hatred of wicked for righteous |
| Gal 5:17 | "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh..." | Inherent conflict of two natures |
| Rom 8:7-8 | "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God..." | The natural enmity of the sinful nature |
| Matt 5:10-12 | "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake..." | Persecution as a sign of righteousness |
| Rom 2:6-8 | "He will render to each one according to his works... for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth..." | Divine judgment based on actions/nature |
Proverbs 29 verses
Proverbs 29 10 Meaning
Proverbs 29:10 presents a stark contrast between two distinct groups of people and their opposing attitudes towards the blameless. The verse states that those who are violent and inclined to shed blood (the bloodthirsty) inherently despise and wish harm upon individuals of integrity and purity (the blameless). Conversely, those who live justly and righteously (the upright) actively seek to protect, defend, and preserve the life or well-being of the blameless. It highlights the fundamental ethical and moral divide in humanity, where wickedness naturally opposes good, and righteousness naturally supports it.
Proverbs 29 10 Context
Proverbs chapter 29 forms part of a collection of Solomon's proverbs that often contrast the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences of their actions, especially in leadership and family life. This chapter emphasizes the importance of just rule, disciplined parenting, and humility. Verse 10 specifically contributes to the pervasive theme throughout Proverbs of the clear division between moral categories. It highlights the perpetual antagonism the wicked harbor against goodness and purity, and conversely, the natural inclination of the upright to uphold and protect those same qualities. Historically, within ancient Israelite society, justice and the care for the innocent were central to the Law and the covenant relationship with God. The verse serves as a moral instruction, delineating the character traits that define a just society versus a corrupt one, where the "bloodthirsty" would represent those who disregard divine law and human life, akin to oppressive rulers or violent criminals.
Proverbs 29 10 Word analysis
- דָּמִים (damim): Transliterated as "damim," meaning "bloods, men of blood." This is a strong and specific term, not merely indicating those who have shed blood accidentally, but rather those who are habitually violent, aggressive, or prone to murder. It signifies a moral character defined by malice and a disregard for human life. Their nature is inherently hostile and destructive.
- יִשְׂנְאוּ (yisneu): Transliterated as "yisneu," meaning "they hate." This is an intense, active, and fundamental aversion. It's not mere dislike, but a deep-seated antagonism. This hatred stems from a clashing of natures: wickedness cannot tolerate blamelessness because the very existence of integrity exposes its own corruption.
- תָּם (tam): Transliterated as "tam," meaning "complete, blameless, innocent, perfect." This refers to moral integrity, sincerity, and wholeness of character before God and man. The "blameless" individual lives in accordance with divine principles, embodying uprightness. It is precisely this integrity that draws the hatred of the wicked, who cannot stand the moral purity they lack.
- יְשָׁרִים (yesharim): Transliterated as "yesharim," meaning "upright ones, straight ones, righteous." This describes those who are morally straight, follow a direct path in life, and act with integrity. They align their conduct with God's law. This term emphasizes their ethical rectitude.
- יְבַקְּשׁוּ (yevaqeshu): Transliterated as "yevaqeshu," meaning "they seek, they look for, they desire, they require." This is an active and deliberate pursuit. It suggests the upright do not merely feel sympathy but take action.
- נַפְשׁוֹ (nafsho): Transliterated as "nafsho," meaning "his soul, his life, his being." In this context, it refers to the very essence of a person, their vitality, welfare, and even their deliverance from danger. The upright seek the well-being and preservation of the blameless.
Words-Group by words-group analysis
- "The bloodthirsty hate the blameless": This phrase succinctly captures the irreconcilable opposition between absolute moral evil and purity. It is an inherent, unchangeable hatred. The wicked actively despise goodness because goodness exposes their own depravity.
- "but the upright seek his soul": This stands in stark contrast to the first clause. The "but" introduces the counterpoint. While the wicked seek the destruction of the innocent, the righteous actively strive for their preservation, protection, and welfare. This demonstrates the differing moral impulses that guide these two groups, highlighting the active compassion and protective instinct of the righteous. The word "seek" implies diligence and proactive effort, whether through advocacy, physical protection, or ensuring justice.
Proverbs 29 10 Bonus section
The deep-seated hatred of the "bloodthirsty" for the "blameless" speaks to the spiritual reality of light encountering darkness. Just as light exposes darkness, the blameless life, by its very existence, shines a spotlight on the wickedness of the ungodly, which they resent and seek to extinguish. This verse subtly points towards the cosmic conflict between good and evil. Furthermore, the "blameless" can be understood in the Old Testament sense not as perfection without sin, but as walking in integrity and wholeness of heart towards God. Such integrity is anathema to those whose hearts are given over to evil. The act of "seeking his soul" by the upright suggests proactive intercession or intervention, embodying active love and commitment to justice, even when it involves personal risk. It's a call to stand firm against moral decay and to be champions for righteousness in a world often dominated by injustice and malice.
Proverbs 29 10 Commentary
Proverbs 29:10 serves as a profound observation on the spiritual and moral landscape of humanity. It posits an intrinsic antagonism: those consumed by malice and violence naturally detest moral uprightness, finding its very existence an affront to their way of life. This hatred often manifests in persecution, false accusations, and physical harm, as integrity is a reproach to depravity. Conversely, the truly righteous are driven by a distinct, divine impulse: they actively champion the cause of the innocent. They do not passively observe the oppression of the blameless but commit themselves to their defense, rescue, and welfare. This isn't merely empathy; it's a foundational commitment to justice and righteousness that reflects the heart of God Himself. Practically, this verse encourages discernment of character and calls the righteous to courageous advocacy. For instance, when the innocent are slandered, the righteous defend their reputation; when the vulnerable are exploited, the righteous work for their liberation; when truth is twisted, the righteous uphold clarity, mirroring God's own justice.