Proverbs 30:10 kjv

Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

Proverbs 30:10 nkjv

Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

Proverbs 30:10 niv

"Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.

Proverbs 30:10 esv

Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

Proverbs 30:10 nlt

Never slander a worker to the employer,
or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.

Proverbs 30 verses

Proverbs 30 10 Meaning

Proverbs 30:10 issues a stern warning against the practice of slandering or falsely accusing a servant to their master. It teaches that such malicious speech is not only an act of grave injustice against the vulnerable but will inevitably result in a curse from the wronged servant upon the slanderer, leading to personal culpability and suffering as divine retribution. The verse underscores the moral principle that words carry immense weight and have far-reaching consequences, particularly when used to oppress.

Proverbs 30 10 Context

Proverbs 30 records "The words of Agur son of Jakeh" (Prov 30:1). This chapter stands apart from the Solomonic collections, featuring unique structures such as numerical sayings and a different thematic focus, often exploring fundamental truths about God, creation, humanity, and societal interactions. This specific verse, Proverbs 30:10, is situated within a series of practical wisdom instructions that emphasize ethical conduct and discernment in various social contexts. The historical context for ancient Israel, and the ancient Near East in general, included societal structures with master-servant relationships. The Mosaic Law provided specific protections for servants and mandated just treatment, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable. Agur's warning here resonates with this broader biblical emphasis on righteous speech, protection of the weak, and the certainty of divine justice against those who pervert it. The verse implicitly warns against abuses of power and calls for integrity in word and deed, standing in contrast to the widespread ancient practices of gossip and unjust accusation.

Proverbs 30 10 Word analysis

• Do not slander: Hebrew: לֹא־תַלְשִׁ֥ין (lo-talshin).

  • lo (לֹא): A common negation, meaning "not."
  • talshin (תַּלְשִׁ֥ין): From the root לָשַׁן (lashan), meaning "to use the tongue," specifically in the sense of "slandering," "backbiting," "defaming," or "calumniating." This term carries a strong negative connotation of malicious or false speech intended to harm another's reputation or standing. It emphasizes the misuse of the tongue.

• a servant: Hebrew: עֶֽבֶד (ʻeved). This term can mean "slave," "bondservant," or simply "servant" – someone under the authority or employ of another. The significance here is the vulnerable position of the servant, who typically had limited recourse or means to defend themselves against accusations, particularly from someone outside the master's household, or even from within it.

• to his master: Hebrew: אֲדֹנָֽיו (ʼadonaw).

  • ʼadon (אֲדֹנָֽיו): Master, lord, owner. This highlights the target audience of the slander. Slandering a servant to their master directly threatens their livelihood, standing, and potentially their physical safety or freedom, as the master held significant power. The implication is an attempt to sow discord or distrust.

• or he will curse you: Hebrew: פֶּֽן־יְקַלֶּלְךָ֥ (pen-y'qallelkha).

  • pen (פֶּן): Lest, so that not, indicating a negative consequence or warning.
  • y'qallelkha (יְקַלֶּלְךָ֥): From the root קָלַל (qalal), meaning "to make light of," "despise," "treat with contempt," and by extension, "to curse." This curse is likely an invocation for divine judgment. In ancient Israelite thought, the curse of one who is wronged, especially a vulnerable person, carried significant weight and was believed to be heard by God and brought to fruition.

• and you will pay for it: Hebrew: וְנֶאְשַׁמְתָּֽה (v'ne'shamta).

  • v'ne'shamta (וְנֶאְשַׁמְתָּֽה): From the root אָשַׁם (asham), meaning "to be guilty," "to pay a penalty," "to suffer punishment," "to incur guilt." This signifies not merely a verbal consequence, but a concrete penalty or enduring guilt, implying divine retribution for the unjust action. It speaks of accountability before God or enduring the earthly consequences of one's actions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Do not slander a servant": This forms the central prohibition, targeting the use of destructive speech against an individual in a dependent and vulnerable social position. It underscores the sanctity of an individual's reputation and means of living.
• "to his master": This specifies the particularly insidious nature of the slander, aiming to undermine the servant's position with their ultimate authority figure. It represents an abuse of influence or knowledge to destabilize another's life.
• "or he will curse you, and you will pay for it": This phrase delivers the certain and dual consequence. The "curse" is the heartfelt, just imprecation of the wronged party, perceived as having efficacy, especially when uttered by the oppressed. "And you will pay for it" seals the warning, indicating that the slanderer will be held divinely accountable and suffer real consequences for their wicked deed.

Proverbs 30 10 Bonus section

• The strength of the warning lies in the swiftness and inevitability of the retribution. The "curse" from the servant is not merely an expression of anger, but a direct appeal to a higher divine justice, which Agur states will be effective.
• This verse can be understood as a direct polemic against societal norms where those in positions of slight advantage might casually undermine those below them for personal gain, amusement, or malice. It highlights that God's justice permeates even what might seem like private interactions.
• The Hebrew concept of lashon hara ("evil tongue"), which condemns slander and gossip, finds strong resonance here, reinforcing the gravity with which the misuse of speech is viewed in biblical ethics.
• The suffering of the wronged servant (having limited means of defense) gives their curse particular spiritual efficacy. God hears the cry of the oppressed.
• This proverb underlines the idea of "poetic justice" or divine recompense – what one sows, one reaps – not just generally, but specifically relating to the act of verbal wrongdoing.

Proverbs 30 10 Commentary

Proverbs 30:10 serves as a potent moral compass regarding the ethical use of speech within a societal framework. It targets the malicious act of slandering a servant to their master, an act that carries disproportionate weight given the servant's vulnerable position and limited capacity for self-defense. The slanderer not only demonstrates a lack of integrity but actively engages in injustice by undermining another's standing and potentially their livelihood.

The warning's gravity lies in the immediate and severe consequences promised: the servant's curse and the slanderer's subsequent payment. The "curse" of an unjustly wronged person, especially one under oppression, was understood in the biblical worldview to be heard by God and carry divine weight, initiating a process of divine judgment. The phrase "you will pay for it" affirms the certainty of accountability, meaning the slanderer will incur guilt and face definite retribution, either directly from God or through the natural consequences of their unrighteous actions.

This proverb resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on protecting the vulnerable, valuing truthful speech, and the principle that all actions, particularly those involving injustice, will eventually find their recompense (Gal 6:7). It reinforces the idea that true wisdom involves not only knowing right from wrong but acting justly and exercising care with one's words, lest one invite the direct wrath of God. The lesson extends beyond master-servant relations to any situation where a powerful individual might unjustly undermine the less powerful, reminding all of God's universal standard of justice and His readiness to defend the oppressed.

• Practical example: Falsely accusing a colleague to their superior about their work performance or character, purely out of malice or envy, would fall under this warning. The colleague's reputation and career could be jeopardized, and the accuser would ultimately face moral and potentially practical consequences.
• Practical example: Spreading rumors about a person's child to their parents, causing undue distress and distrust, also reflects the spirit of this warning against harmful, irresponsible speech.