Proverbs 3:30
Proverbs 3:30 in Multiple Translations
Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.
¶ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Strive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm.
Do not take up a cause at law against a man for nothing, if he has done you no wrong.
Don't quarrel with anybody for no reason, when they haven't done anything to hurt you.
Striue not with a man causelesse, when he hath done thee no harme.
Strive not with a man without cause, If he have not done thee evil.
Don’t strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
Strive not with a man without cause, if he hath done thee no harm.
Strive not against a man without cause, when he hath done thee no evil.
If someone has not harmed you, do not accuse him by saying that he has harmed you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:30
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 3:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תרוב
תָּרִ֣יב
עִם
אָדָ֣ם
חִנָּ֑ם
אִם
לֹ֖א
גְמָלְ/ךָ֣
רָעָֽה
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תרוב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
תָּרִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
גְמָלְ/ךָ֣
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:30
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.
תרוב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
תָּרִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גְמָלְ/ךָ֣
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:30
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
28Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.
30Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.
31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways; 32for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 2:24 | And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:22 | An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
| 3 | Romans 12:18–21 | If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:8–9 | do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:6 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. |
| 6 | Proverbs 17:14 | To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. |
| 7 | Matthew 5:39–41 | But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 6:6–8 | Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers! |
Proverbs 3:30 Summary
[This verse means that we should not accuse or blame someone for something they did not do, or for no good reason, as it can hurt them and damage our relationship with them. We should be careful with our words and make sure we are telling the truth, as seen in Proverbs 12:17-19. By being honest and kind with our words, we can build each other up and create a more positive and supportive community, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to accuse someone without cause?
To accuse someone without cause means to bring false charges or blame against them without any valid reason, as seen in Proverbs 3:30, which warns against this behavior, and is also supported by Exodus 20:16, which prohibits bearing false witness against our neighbors.
Why is it important not to accuse others without cause?
Accusing others without cause can lead to hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and even physical harm, which is why Proverbs 3:30 warns against it, and as seen in Proverbs 10:12, love covers all offenses.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply Proverbs 3:30 to your life by being careful with your words and actions, and not speaking negatively about others without a valid reason, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32, which reminds us to speak kindly and build each other up.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
Proverbs 3:30 is part of a larger section that warns against harming or taking advantage of our neighbors, as seen in Proverbs 3:28-29, and encourages us to live in a way that honors God and respects others, as seen in Proverbs 3:31-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have accused others without cause in the past, and how can I make amends?
- How can I be more mindful of my words and actions, and make sure I am not harming others with my accusations?
- What are some situations where it is tempting to accuse others without cause, and how can I resist that temptation?
- How can I use my words to build others up, rather than tearing them down with false accusations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:30
Strive not with a man without cause, Either by words, in a wrangling, quarrelsome, and contentious way, for mere trifles; when there is no foundation for it, no just reason given to form a complaint,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:30
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Solomon forbids all avoidable strifes and disputes.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
Strive not; either by words before the magistrate; or otherwise by thine actions. Without cause; without just and necessary cause. If he have done thee no harm; whereby he clearly implies that in case of injury a man may by all lawful means defend himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.Ver. 30. Strive not with a man without cause.] If men’ s hurts were not bigger than their suits, there would not be half so many. It is a fault to go lightly to law, but especially with such as have done thee no harm. Zuinglius renders this text thus: Ne temere litem cum quoquam suscipias, quominus superior factus, malum tibi retribuat; others, sim mendax, nisi rependat tibi malum. How Cardinal Wolsey, when he became Lord Chancellor, paid home Sir James Paulet, for setting him by the heels, when as yet he was but a poor schoolmaster, is well known. How much better Archbishop Cranmer, of whom the proverb passed, "Do my Lord of Canterbury a shrewd turn, and you shall have him your friend for ever after." And Robert Holgat, Archbishop of York, of whom it is recorded that in the year 1541 he obtained a benefice in a place where one Sir Francis Askew of Lincolnshire dwelt, by whom he was much troubled and molested in law. Upon occasion of these suits, he was fain to repair to London, where being, he found means to become the king’ s chaplain, and by him was made Archbishop of York, and President of the King’ s Council for the North. The knight before mentioned happened to have a suit before the council there, and doubted much of hard measure from the Archbishop, whose adversary he had been. But he, remembering the rule of the gospel, to do good for evil, yielded him all favour that with justice he might, saying afterwards merrily to his friends, he was much beholden to Sir Francis Askew, for that had not he been, he must have lived a hedge priest the days of his life. Life of Card.
Wolsey. Acts and Mon. An illiterate or uneducated priest of inferior status. (contemptuous.) Godwin’ s Catalog., 625.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
Verse 30. Strive not with a man] Do not be of a litigious, quarrelsome spirit. Be not under the influence of too nice a sense of honour. If thou must appeal to judicial authority to bring him that wrongs thee to reason, avoid all enmity, and do nothing in a spirit of revenge. But, if he have done thee no harm, why contend with him? May not others in the same way contend with and injure thee!
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:30
30. Strive not — Avoid all unnecessary litigations with men. It is often better to suffer wrong than to go to law. 1 Corinthians 6:7.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Address on War by Alexander Campbell | Alexander Campbell delivers a powerful sermon on the Christian perspective on war, emphasizing the moral, spiritual, and practical implications of engaging in armed conflict. He qu |
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On War - Effects of War. by Jonathan Dymond | Jonathan Dymond preaches about the devastating effects of war, highlighting the intense sufferings, irreparable deprivations, and moral consequences it brings upon society. He emph |
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(Biographies) John Newton by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his experience of witnessing an eclipse of the moon and relates it to the darkness that Jesus experienced on the cross. He emphasizes the i |
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Beatitudes - Part 5 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a man who left behind a life of excess and materialism to live a simpler and more spiritual life. The man finds peace and paradise in a gar |
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The Sequence of Election by David Cooper | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the workers in the vineyard from the Bible. The landowner hires workers throughout the day, promising to pay them what is righ |
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Battling the Unbelief of Impatience by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of faith and patience in the face of challenges and opposition. He uses the example of Charles Simeon, a patient man who served |
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Does Doctrine Matter - Part 11 by Derek Melton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the gospel of Christ serves as an indictment against the wickedness within mankind. He explains that before coming to Christ, humans ar |