Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

PROVERBS 24:15KJV
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Proverbs 24:15 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 24:15 mean?

Proverbs 24:15 warns a wicked person not to ambush or harm the home and security of a righteous person. The verse tells those with evil intent not to attack or destroy where a good person lives and finds rest.

In this proverb, the writer (traditionally Solomon) addresses a hypothetical "wicked man," urging him not to plot against the "dwelling" of the righteous. The verse uses strong language to discourage any attempt to disturb or rob a righteous person's place of safety. The context is practical wisdom, warning that targeting the innocent is both wrong and ultimately futile.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 24:15

  • "wait" (אָרַב, 'arav, H693) means to lie in ambush or set a trap. This word paints a picture of sneaky, premeditated harm, not just open hostility.
  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha', H7563) refers to someone who acts with moral wrongness or injustice. The proverb is directly calling out those who choose evil actions.
  • "dwelling" (נָוֶה, naveh, H5116) means a settled home or habitation, emphasizing the idea of a place of peace and stability.
  • "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq, H6662) describes someone who lives according to what is right and just, not just innocent but actively upright.
  • "spoil" (שָׁדַד, shadad, H7703) means to violently rob or ruin, showing the seriousness of the threat being warned against.
  • "place" (רְבֵץ, revets, H7258) refers to a resting place, often used for where someone or even animals lie down, highlighting vulnerability and peace.

Why Proverbs 24:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that wisdom literature in the Bible does not just address the righteous but also warns those who might consider harming others, showing a concern for justice and protection.
  • The proverb highlights the value of a person's home and rest, not just their possessions, emphasizing the importance of security and peace in daily life.
  • In the wider context, this warning fits with Proverbs' repeated message that evil schemes against the innocent are ultimately self-defeating and against God's order.

Where else these words appear

“place” Hebrew H7258 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 35:7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
  • Isaiah 65:10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
  • Jeremiah 50:6 My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

“dwelling” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 31:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.

“wait” Hebrew H693 · used in 40 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:11 But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
  • Judges 16:9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
  • Job 31:9 If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;

“spoil” Hebrew H7703 · used in 47 verses

  • Judges 5:27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
  • Jeremiah 4:30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
  • Jeremiah 49:3 Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together.