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Proverbs 3:29-30
New English Translation
Proverbs 3:29-30
New English Translation
29 Do not plot[a] evil against your neighbor
when[b] he dwells by you unsuspectingly.
30 Do not accuse[c] anyone[d] without legitimate cause,[e]
if he has not treated you wrongly.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:29 sn The verb חָרַשׁ (kharash) means “to cut in; to engrave; to plough; to devise.” The idea of plotting is metaphorical for working, practicing or fabricating (BDB 360 s.v.).
- Proverbs 3:29 tn Heb “And he dwells trustingly (or securely) with you.” The vav (ו) prefixed to the pronoun introduces a circumstantial clause which further defines the neighbor.
- Proverbs 3:30 sn The term רִיב (riv) can mean “quarrel” or “legal accusation” (BDB 936 s.v.). Both ideas would work but the more technical legal accusation fits the context better. This is a warning to not bring legal accusations against anyone without a legitimate reason.
- Proverbs 3:30 tn Heb “a man.”
- Proverbs 3:30 tn Heb “gratuitously”; NIV, TEV “for no (+ good NCV) reason.” The adverb חִנָּם (khinam) means “without cause, undeservedly,” especially of groundless hostility (HALOT 334 s.v. 3; BDB 336 s.v. c).
Proverbs 3:29-30
Common English Bible
Proverbs 3:29-30
Common English Bible
29 Don’t plan to harm your neighbor
who trusts and lives near you.
30 Don’t accuse anyone without reason,
when they haven’t harmed you.
New English Translation (NET)
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Common English Bible (CEB)
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