Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 29:10 - 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
" The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright. "
Proverbs 29:10
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
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Bad people hate their best friends. The bloodthirsty, all who share the old serpent’s spirit, the murderer from the beginning, hate the upright. They belong to the same opposition to the seed of the woman, and they hate good people because good people condemn their evil world and bear witness against it. Christ told his disciples that they would be hated by all men. Bloodthirsty people especially hate upright magistrates, because such rulers would restrain them, reform them, and enforce the law against them, even though this is truly a kindness to them.
Good people love their worst enemies. The just, whom the bloodthirsty hate, seek their soul. That means they pray for their conversion and gladly do anything for their salvation. Christ taught us this when he said, “Father, forgive them.” The just seek his soul, that is, they seek to protect the soul of the upright, whom the bloodthirsty hate. In common understanding, this means they try to keep such people safe from violence and deliver them from the hands of the violent, or bring judgment on those who would harm them.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy."
Proverbs 29:2
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:3
"Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth."
Proverbs 29:4
"The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down."
Proverbs 29:5
"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."
Proverbs 29:6
"An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad."
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