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

PROVERBS 30:10KJV
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Proverbs 30:10 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 30:10 mean?

Proverbs 30:10 warns against bringing accusations against a servant to their master, cautioning that doing so could result in the servant cursing you and you being found at fault. The verse highlights the risk and unfairness of meddling in the relationship between a servant and their master without good reason.

In this proverb, the writer (Agur, as named earlier in the chapter) addresses anyone tempted to report a servant’s behavior to their employer. The verse assumes a setting where servants had little power, and an outsider’s accusation could have serious consequences. The warning is not just about justice but also about the personal danger of being cursed or judged guilty for false or unnecessary accusations.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 30:10

  • Accuse (לָשֵׁן, lashén): This word means to slander or bring a report. The focus is on speaking against someone, especially in a way that could harm their standing.
  • Servant (עֶבֶד, ‘éved): Refers to a household servant or slave, someone under the authority of a master. The verse is sensitive to the vulnerable position of such a person.
  • Master (אָדוֹן, adón): Means lord or master, the one in charge of the servant. The relationship is hierarchical, and the accusation could disrupt it.
  • Curse (קָלַל, qalál): To curse or speak ill of someone, often with the idea of calling down misfortune. The warning is that the servant’s response could have real consequences.
  • Guilty (חָטָא, chatá): To be found at fault or to have sinned. The verse suggests that making an accusation could backfire, leaving the accuser morally or socially responsible.

Why Proverbs 30:10 matters

  • Proverbs 30:10 cautions against interfering in other people’s affairs, especially when it could harm someone with less power, clearing up the idea that reporting wrongdoing is always virtuous.
  • The verse highlights the importance of fairness and restraint in speech, especially when one’s words could lead to injustice or personal trouble.
  • In the context of Proverbs 30, this warning fits with other sayings about humility, self-control, and the dangers of pride or meddling, showing wisdom’s concern for both justice and personal integrity.

Where else these words appear

“Accuse” Hebrew H3960 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

“guilty” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

“curse” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
  • Psalms 62:4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.