Proverbs 17:13
If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 17:13
If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This proverb isn't just about avoiding vengeance; it highlights how repaying kindness with harm is an act so deeply offensive to God and the natural order that it invites a persistent, unwelcome guest: calamity itself. It suggests that when we act like Nabal, turning away from those who've helped us, we're essentially opening our own doors to ongoing trouble that won't easily leave.
This proverb follows a series of verses about the importance of wisdom, discretion, and careful speech, particularly in resolving disputes. It then pivots to address a specific character flaw: returning harm for help. The stark warning that "evil will not depart from his house" serves as a consequence for this base ingratitude, suggesting a cycle of misfortune that will plague the unthankful person and their family.
Ever felt betrayed after showing kindness? This verse hits hard on that specific kind of pain. It's not just about payback; it's about a deeper betrayal that has serious consequences.
The verse highlights the extreme seriousness of returning evil for good. This act isn't just a social faux pas; it's a deep betrayal that goes against the natural order and the heart of God.
A Deep Wound
Returning evil for good is described as 'worse than beastly' and even 'devilish' because it perverts the natural response of gratitude. It's a violation of the way things should be, a twisting of kindness into cruelty.
A Divine Reckoning
God sees this sin as deeply offensive. The consequence isn't just social ostracism, but a spiritual and familial curse: 'evil will not depart from his house.' This suggests a cycle of calamity that continues to plague the ungrateful person and their family.
What does it mean for 'evil not to depart from his house'? This isn't just about immediate punishment, but a pervasive atmosphere of trouble.
The phrase 'evil will not depart from his house' speaks to a persistent, generational consequence. It suggests that the act of repaying good with evil creates a spiritual void or a negative trajectory that affects not just the individual, but their entire household.
A Cycle of Calamity
This can manifest as ongoing misfortune, relational breakdown, or a general atmosphere of discord. It’s a warning that such deep-seated injustice invites a continuous stream of negative outcomes that are difficult to shake off.
Hateful to God and Man
The commentaries note that this sin is 'hateful to God and to all mankind.' Because it is so fundamentally wrong, it invites divine judgment and alienates people. Consequently, the ungrateful person finds little pity or relief when further troubles come.
This passage vividly illustrates Proverbs 17:13, showing Nabal's ungrateful and evil response to David's kindness, which God then justly punished.
Psalm 35:12David's lament here directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 17:13, as he describes his enemies repaying his good deeds with evil, a pattern of injustice that often brings divine retribution.
Matthew 5:39Jesus offers a counter-principle to the cycle of returning evil for evil, teaching radical forgiveness and love for enemies, which breaks the destructive pattern warned against in Proverbs.
Romans 12:17Paul's instruction to 'repay no one evil for evil' directly addresses the sin condemned in Proverbs 17:13, urging believers to live above this destructive cycle.
1 Thessalonians 5:15This verse reinforces the New Testament's consistent teaching against returning evil for evil, highlighting the importance of pursuing good instead, a stark contrast to the proverb's warning.
clarkeProverbs 17:13: "Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house."
Whoso rewardeth evil for good - Here is a most awful warning. As many persons are guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and of paying kindness with unkindness, and good with evil, it is no wonder we find so much wretchedness among men; for God's word cannot fail; evil shall not depart from the houses and families of such persons.
gillProverbs 17:13: "Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house."
Whoso rewardeth evil for good,.... As the enemies of David and Christ rewarded them, Psalm 35:12 ; this is base ingratitude, contrary to the law and light of nature; worse than beastly, is really devilish; evil shall not depart from his house; from him and his family; they shall be continually visited with one disease and calamity or another; so hateful and offensive is the sin of ingratitude to God, and ther…
This proverb isn't just about avoiding vengeance; it highlights how repaying kindness with harm is an act so deeply offensive to God and the natural order that it invites a persistent, unwelcome guest: calamity itself. It suggests that when we act like Nabal, turning away from those who've helped us, we're essentially opening our own doors to ongoing trouble that won't easily leave.
This proverb follows a series of verses about the importance of wisdom, discretion, and careful speech, particularly in resolving disputes. It then pivots to address a specific character flaw: returning harm for help. The stark warning that "evil will not depart from his house" serves as a consequence for this base ingratitude, suggesting a cycle of misfortune that will plague the unthankful person and their family.
This proverb follows a series of verses about the importance of wisdom, discretion, and careful speech, particularly in resolving disputes. It then pivots to address a specific character flaw: returning harm for help. The stark warning that "evil will not depart from his house" serves as a consequence for this base ingratitude, suggesting a cycle of misfortune that will plague the unthankful person and their family.
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"If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house." — This proverb isn't just about avoiding vengeance; it highlights how repaying kindness with harm is an act so deeply offensive to God and the natural order that it invites a persistent, unwelcome gues…