Proverbs 24:15
Proverbs 24:15 in Multiple Translations
Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place.
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous; Destroy not his resting-place:
Do not keep a secret watch, O evil-doer, against the fields of the upright man, or send destruction on his resting-place:
Don't be like a criminal waiting to ambush the home of good people; don't attack the place where they live.
Laye no waite, O wicked man, against the house of the righteous, and spoyle not his resting place.
Lay not wait, O wicked one, At the habitation of the righteous. Do not spoil his resting-place.
Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous. Don’t destroy his resting place;
Lay not wait, O wicked man , against the dwelling of the righteous; destroy not his resting-place:
Lie not in wait, nor seek after wickedness in the house of the just, nor spoil his rest.
Do not be like wicked people who hide and wait to break into the houses of righteous/good people and rob/steal things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 24:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֶּאֱרֹ֣ב
רָ֭שָׁע
לִ/נְוֵ֣ה
צַדִּ֑יק
אַֽל
תְּשַׁדֵּ֥ד
רִבְצ/וֹ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֶּאֱרֹ֣ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
לִ/נְוֵ֣ה
nâveh
H5116
pasture
Prep | N-cs
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּשַׁדֵּ֥ד
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
רִבְצ/וֹ
rêbets
H7258
rest
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:15
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֶּאֱרֹ֣ב
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לִ/נְוֵ֣ה
nâveh
H5116
"pasture"
Prep | N-cs
A dwelling is a home or a pleasant place, like a sheepfold or a temple. It can describe a place where people or animals live, and is used in many Bible books, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) abode, habitation, abode of shepherds or flocks, pasture 1a) abode (of sheep) 1b) abode (of shepherds) 1c) meadow 1d) habitation
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: comely, dwelling (place), fold, habitation, pleasant place, sheepcote, stable, tarried. See also: Exodus 15:13; Isaiah 35:7; Psalms 68:13.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּשַׁדֵּ֥ד
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
רִבְצ/וֹ
rêbets
H7258
"rest"
N-ms | Suff
A place of rest or a couch, where someone lies down, like the resting place of Jacob in Genesis 28:11.
Definition: resting or dwelling place, place of lying down
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: where each lay, lie down in, resting place. See also: Proverbs 24:15; Isaiah 65:10; Isaiah 35:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:15
Context — Saying 27
13Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
14Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.
15Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place.
16For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times. 17Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 9:24 | but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. |
| 2 | Isaiah 32:18 | Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 23:20–23 | Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.” |
| 4 | Psalms 140:5 | The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah |
| 5 | Jeremiah 11:19 | For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” |
| 6 | Psalms 59:3 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. |
| 7 | Proverbs 1:11 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, |
| 8 | Acts 25:3 | to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. |
| 9 | Matthew 26:4 | and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. |
| 10 | Acts 23:16 | But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. |
Proverbs 24:15 Summary
This verse is warning us not to try to hurt or harm people who are trying to live a good life, and to respect their boundaries and personal space. It's like when you're trying to rest and someone comes along and disturbs you - it's not a nice feeling. We should try to be kind and considerate towards others, and not try to cause them harm or stress, just like it says in Proverbs 10:12, where love covers all offenses. By being mindful of our actions and intentions, we can create a safe and peaceful environment for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lie in wait' near the dwelling of the righteous?
To 'lie in wait' means to secretly plan or plot against someone, often with the intention of harming them, as seen in Psalm 37:32, where the wicked lie in wait for the righteous to destroy them.
Why is it important not to destroy the resting place of the righteous?
The resting place of the righteous is a place of safety and peace, and destroying it would cause harm and distress, which is contrary to God's will, as seen in Proverbs 24:17, where we are told not to gloat when our enemy falls.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of our actions and intentions towards others, and making sure we are not plotting or planning to harm those who are trying to live a righteous life, as encouraged in Matthew 5:44, where we are told to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
What is the consequence of lying in wait and destroying the resting place of the righteous?
The consequence of lying in wait and destroying the resting place of the righteous is that it will ultimately lead to our own downfall, as seen in Proverbs 24:16, where the wicked stumble in bad times, while the righteous get up again.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unknowingly lying in wait or plotting against others, and how can I change my behavior?
- How can I create a safe and peaceful resting place for myself and others, where we can feel secure and supported?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like my resting place has been destroyed, and how did I recover from those experiences?
- How can I be a source of comfort and support for others who are struggling, and help them find a safe and peaceful resting place?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:15
Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous,.... The church of God, which is the righteous man's dwelling place, and where he desires and delights to dwell; or his own
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:15
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: Lay not wait, O wicked (man), against the dwelling (Hebrew, the cottage; the humble dwelling) of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
Lay not wait; do him no injury, either by subtle and secret devices, or, as it follows, by manifest violence. Against the dwelling of the righteous; against his person, or family, or possession.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
Proverbs 24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:Ver. 15. Lay not wait, O wicked man, &c.] Eνθαγαροι Yεοι, as that heathen said - God dwells with the righteous; molest him not therefore, beat not up his quarters. The Scythians, saith he in Plutarch, though they have no music or vines among them, yet they have gods. So, whatever the saints want, they want not God’ s gracious presence with them. And if wicked men had but so much knowledge of God as Pilate’ s wife had in a dream, they would take heed of having anything to do with these just men. Plut., Sυμπος. επτασοφων.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
Verse 15. The dwelling of the righteous] צדיק tsaddik, the man who is walking unblameably in all the testimonies of God; who is rendering to every man his due.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:15
15. O wicked man], Or, as a wicked man. dwelling … resting place] or pasture … fold (R.V. marg.); making the picture pastoral.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:15
The teaching of the proverb warns men not to attack or plot against the righteous.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:15
15, 16. Falleth seven times — The falling, here, is not into sin, but into calamity of any kind.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.24:1 - 34 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the dangers of worldliness and the importance of wisdom in building our lives and communities. He warns against the gradual intoxication of our hearts by worl |
|
Epistle 400 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages liv |
|
|
Epistle 221 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the power of the Lord God, His light, truth, and spirit, to maintain peace and discernment in the midst of challenges and te |
|
Soon Your Little Crosses by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about finding peace in the midst of troubles by fleeing to Christ, the mighty Savior, and committing our souls daily into His hands for salvation from sin and |
|
The Proud Have Hid a Snare by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the importance of being aware of the enemies we face when following God's path. He highlights the need to rely on the Bible for guidanc |
|
Are We Preaching the Gospel? by K.C. Moser | The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharp |