Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 23:10 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, "
Proverbs 23:10
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
8 You will vomit up the morsel which you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
9 Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
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The fatherless are under God’s special care. He not only shows them mercy (Hos. 14:3), but also sees that justice is done for them. He is their Redeemer, their near relative who steps in to defend them. As their Redeemer, he takes up their cause against anyone who wrongs them, and he will protect their rights and punish the wrong done to them.
He is mighty, even almighty. His power is committed to their defense, so the strongest and proudest oppressors will find they cannot stand against him. In truth, it is dangerous to fight against the protection God gives them.
For that reason, everyone should be careful not to harm the fatherless in any way or take what belongs to them. That means not moving old boundary stones in secret or forcing entry into their fields. Since they have no father to speak for them, no one to repair their wrongs, and they are too young to understand what has been done, their case is especially sad. Even simple honor should keep people from hurting children, and far more should the fear of God keep them from harming fatherless children.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 23:1
"When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;"
Proverbs 23:2
"put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite."
Proverbs 23:3
"Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food."
Proverbs 23:4
"Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint."
Proverbs 23:5
"Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky."
Proverbs 23:6
"Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies,"
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