Proverbs 24:29

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Proverbs 24:29 (KJV)

Context

Proverbs is wisdom literature in the Old Testament, often linked to King Solomon. It offers practical guidance for righteous living. This saying appears in a collection of instructions about relationships, justice, and the fear of the Lord.

The opening words, “Say not,” are a strong warning. They forbid even the inward decision to take revenge. The verse pictures a person who has been wronged and is planning to repay the offender with equal harm. That plan is exactly what the wise teacher tells us to reject.

Meaning

The first part of the verse, “I will do so to him as he hath done to me,” describes the natural desire to get even. The second part, “I will render to the man according to his work,” shows the intention to carry out that desire. Together they describe a heart that has made revenge a goal. The proverb does not say that wrongdoing is unimportant. It says that personal retaliation is not the believer’s path.

This verse focuses on the heart’s attitude and the words we say to ourselves. It warns against planning evil, even before any action is taken. The command is not to be passive in the face of evil, but to refuse to make revenge our aim. Justice belongs to God, and He will act in His own time and way.

Biblical connections

This teaching agrees with the wider biblical principle that vengeance belongs to God. In Romans 12:19, believers are told not to avenge themselves, but to leave room for God’s wrath. Jesus also taught His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who mistreat them (Matthew 5:44). These passages do not ignore injustice; they redirect our response from revenge to trust and love.

The book of Proverbs often contrasts the wise and the foolish. The wise person fears the Lord and trusts His justice. The foolish person follows his own anger and makes rash decisions. This verse calls us to the wise path of humility and patience.

Application

When someone wrongs us, we should make a conscious effort to forgive. Forgiveness frees us from bitterness and opens the door for healing. Instead of planning revenge, we can seek reconciliation when possible. This may involve honest conversation and a willingness to restore the relationship.

We should also pray for those who have hurt us. Praying for their well-being softens our hearts and helps us see them as God sees them. At the same time, we trust in God’s perfect justice. He sees all things and will repay every person according to His righteous judgment. We can leave the outcome to Him.

Reflection

Choosing not to retaliate breaks the cycle of harm. When we refuse to return evil for evil, we open the way for peace. This attitude reflects the character of Christ, who forgave those who wronged Him. By following His example, we show the transforming power of His love in our lives.

Let us examine our own hearts. Do we secretly plan to get even? Do we rehearse words of revenge? This proverb invites us to release those plans and trust God with every wrong we suffer. In doing so, we find freedom from anger and rest in the care of our righteous Judge.