What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:29? Do not say The verse opens by stopping us before we even speak. Words reveal what the heart is already planning (Matthew 12:34). • Self-talk of retaliation plants seeds of resentment; Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Proverbs 13:3 warns, “He who guards his mouth protects his life,” tying our verbal restraint to spiritual safety. • James 1:19–20 echoes the same call: be “slow to speak, slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” The Lord, through Solomon, cuts off revenge at its conception—in our thoughts and on our lips. I will do to him as he has done to me Here is the flesh-level urge to even the score. Scripture consistently treats this impulse as sin. • Proverbs 20:22 already said, “Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the LORD, and He will save you.” • Romans 12:17–18 commands, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil…if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” • Jesus flips the instinct entirely: “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12), and “Love your enemies” (Luke 6:27). • 1 Peter 3:9 ties the teaching to blessing: “Do not repay evil with evil…but with blessing, because to this you were called that you may inherit a blessing.” Following Christ means refusing to mirror someone else’s wrongdoing; instead, we mirror Christ’s grace. I will repay the man according to his work The longing for justice is right, but the timing and execution belong to God. • Deuteronomy 32:35 records God’s pledge: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” • Romans 12:19 quotes the same, adding, “Leave room for God’s wrath.” • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 assures believers that “God is just: He will repay with affliction those who afflict you.” • Revelation 22:12 seals the promise: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to his work.” When we relinquish payback, we aren’t ignoring justice; we are handing it to the only Judge who sees perfectly and settles accounts eternally. summary Proverbs 24:29 guides hearts, lips, and actions: • Stop vengeance at the thought level. • Reject the reflex to return harm for harm, choosing grace instead. • Trust God to administer perfect justice in His time. Living this verse keeps us free from bitterness, aligns us with Christ’s example, and displays confidence in God’s righteous rule. |
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