Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 28:17 - 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
" A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him. "
Proverbs 28:17
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
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This agrees with the ancient law, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6). It shows the fate of a murderer. Even if he runs for his life, he will be haunted by fear, and his own conscience will pursue him. He will, like Cain, the first murderer, become a restless wanderer, always trembling after killing his brother.
It also shows the duty of the avenger of blood, whether that means the magistrate, the nearest relative, or anyone responsible for seeking justice for bloodshed. They must be careful and firm in bringing the murderer to account, and they must not let him be bought off. Those who let the murderer go free, or help him escape, share in the guilt of that blood. The land cannot be cleansed from blood except by the blood of the one who shed it (Numbers 35:33).
From This Chapter
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:2
"In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge."
Proverbs 28:3
"A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops."
Proverbs 28:4
"Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them."
Proverbs 28:5
"Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."
Proverbs 28:6
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich."
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