Proverbs 24:29 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 24:29 mean?

Proverbs 24:29 warns against seeking revenge by saying you will treat someone the same way they treated you, or pay them back for what they have done. The verse teaches that repaying wrong with wrong is not the right path.

In Proverbs, a wise teacher addresses the reader, urging them not to fall into the trap of retaliation. The situation imagined is one where someone has been wronged and feels tempted to get even. Instead, the verse encourages restraint and leaves judgment or payback out of our own hands.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 24:29

• "Say" (אָמַר, amar, H559) means to speak or declare. The verse begins by telling the reader not even to say or plan revenge, highlighting that the attitude starts in the heart and mind.
• "Do" and "done" (עָשָׂה, asah, H6213) both refer to actions taken. The repetition stresses the idea of copying someone’s harmful behavior, which the proverb warns against.
• "Render" (שׁוּב, shuv, H7725) often means to return or turn back. Here, it carries the sense of paying someone back, but the proverb discourages this kind of personal repayment.
• "Man" (אִישׁ, ish, H376) is a general word for a person, reminding the reader that the teaching applies to anyone, not just close friends or enemies.
• "Work" (פֹּעַל, po'al, H6467) refers to a deed or action. The focus is on responding to someone’s specific action, but the proverb cautions against mirroring their wrongdoing.

Why Proverbs 24:29 matters

• Proverbs 24:29 corrects the common idea that it is acceptable to "get even" or repay someone in kind, making clear that wisdom calls for a different response.
• The verse fits into a larger section about justice and personal conduct, showing that true wisdom involves self-control and leaving judgment to God or proper authorities.
• By addressing the desire for revenge at the level of thought and speech, the proverb highlights that wisdom is not just about outward actions but also about inner attitudes.