Proverbs 24:24
Proverbs 24:24 in Multiple Translations
Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him;
He who says to the evil-doer, You are upright, will be cursed by peoples and hated by nations.
Those who tell the guilty, “You're innocent,” will be cursed by the people and hated by the nation,
He that saith to the wicked, Thou art righteous, him shall the people curse, and the multitude shall abhorre him.
Whoso is saying to the wicked, 'Thou [art] righteous,' Peoples execrate him — nations abhor him.
He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” peoples will curse him, and nations will abhor him—
He that saith to the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
They that say to the wicked man: Thou art just: shall be cursed by the people, and the tribes shall abhor them.
If they say to people who are guilty, “You ◄are innocent/have not done something that is wrong►,” even people in other nations will curse and despise them,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:24
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 24:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹ֤מֵ֨ר
לְ/רָשָׁע֮
צַדִּ֪יק
אָ֥תָּה
יִקְּבֻ֥/הוּ
עַמִּ֑ים
יִזְעָמ֥וּ/הוּ
לְאֻמִּֽים
אֹ֤מֵ֨ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal
לְ/רָשָׁע֮
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
צַדִּ֪יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
אָ֥תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יִקְּבֻ֥/הוּ
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
עַמִּ֑ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
יִזְעָמ֥וּ/הוּ
zâʻam
H2194
be indignant
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
לְאֻמִּֽים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
N-mp
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 24:24
אֹ֤מֵ֨ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/רָשָׁע֮
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | 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.
צַדִּ֪יק
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.
אָ֥תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יִקְּבֻ֥/הוּ
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
עַמִּ֑ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יִזְעָמ֥וּ/הוּ
zâʻam
H2194
"be indignant"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes being very angry or upset, often to the point of foaming at the mouth. In Numbers 23:8, it is used to describe God's indignation towards those who disobey Him. It can also mean to denounce or curse someone.
Definition: 1) to denounce, express indignation, be indignant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have indignation, be indignant, be angrily indignant, be defiant 1a2) to be abhorrent 1a3) to express indignation in speech, denounce, curse 1b) (Niphal) to show indignation, show anger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abhor, abominable, (be) angry, defy, (have) indignation. See also: Numbers 23:7; Proverbs 25:23; Psalms 7:12.
לְאֻמִּֽים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
N-mp
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:24
Context — Further Sayings of the Wise
22For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?
23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;
25but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them. 26An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:15 | Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:23 | who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice. |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:26 | The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it. |
| 4 | Isaiah 66:24 | “As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:27 | Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. |
| 6 | Exodus 23:6–7 | You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:10 | Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 8:10–11 | Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of the daughter of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 13:22 | Because you have disheartened the righteous with your lies, even though I have caused them no grief, and because you have encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways to save their lives, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 6:13–14 | “For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all. |
Proverbs 24:24 Summary
This verse teaches us that it's not right to tell someone they are innocent when they are actually guilty. This is because it's a form of dishonesty and can lead to harm for everyone involved, as seen in Proverbs 24:24. Instead, we should strive to speak the truth in love, even when it's difficult, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15. By doing so, we can uphold justice and integrity, and bring blessing and honor to ourselves and others, as promised in Proverbs 24:25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible say that peoples will curse and nations will denounce someone who tells the guilty they are innocent?
This is because telling the guilty they are innocent is a form of dishonesty and a perversion of justice, as seen in Proverbs 17:15, where it is written that one who justifies the wicked and condemns the righteous is an abomination to the Lord.
Is it ever right to show mercy to someone who is guilty?
While mercy is a fundamental aspect of God's character, as seen in Psalm 103:8, it is not the same as telling the guilty they are innocent; true mercy involves acknowledging guilt and seeking forgiveness, as in 1 John 1:9.
What is the difference between showing partiality in judgment and telling the guilty they are innocent?
Showing partiality in judgment, as warned against in Proverbs 24:23, involves treating people unfairly based on personal biases, whereas telling the guilty they are innocent involves actively deceiving and denying justice, as seen in Proverbs 24:24.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to speak the truth in love?
This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking truth, even when it is difficult, as seen in Ephesians 4:15, where we are called to speak the truth in love, and in Proverbs 24:26, where an honest answer is compared to a kiss on the lips, highlighting the value of integrity and sincerity in our words.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I may be tempted to tell someone they are innocent when they are actually guilty, and how can I speak the truth in love instead?
- How can I balance the need to show mercy and compassion with the need to uphold justice and truth, as seen in this verse and in other scriptures like Micah 6:8?
- What are some ways that telling the guilty they are innocent can have negative consequences, not just for the individual but for society as a whole, as hinted at in Proverbs 24:24?
- How can I cultivate a heart of integrity and sincerity, so that I am known for speaking the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15 and Proverbs 24:26?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:24
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous,.... Not in a private way, or as giving his opinion or character of a man that is wicked, whom either through ignorance or flattery another may
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:24
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous - (Proverbs 17:15.) Him shall the people curse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24
He that saith, to wit, publicly, and in judgment, as he now said, and as appears by the publicness of the curse following upon it, for people or nations do neither observe nor hate every man who saith thus privately. Thou art righteous, that justify wicked men in their unrighteous courses. Nations shall abhor him, partly for the grossness and odiousness of the crime, and partly for the great and general mischief which such practices bring to civil societies.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24
Proverbs 24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:Ver. 24. Him shall the people curse.] Heb., They shall run him through; with their evil wishes for his evil sentence. He shall be generally hated, and set against, as was Herod, Pilate, Festus, Ferres, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:24
24. the people &c.] Rather, peoples shall curse him; nations shall abhor him, R.V. From this it appears that it is to rulers and judges that the proverb primarily, though not necessarily exclusively, applies. In Proverbs 17:15 the divine, as here the human, estimate of such conduct is affirmed.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24
24, 25. He that saith — These verses seem related to the same general subject as the preceding — wise and impartial judgment.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator by Flavius Josephus | Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving th |
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the movie "The Passion" and his response to it. He expresses his fear of watching the film due to the emotional impact it may have on him. Th |
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(Blood Covenant) the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast - 1 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment that will come on the last day. He emphasizes that many people have been spiritually asleep and have confused good with evil and |
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The Meaning of the Cross by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asserting his right to critique the church's understanding of the gospel based on historical context. He distinguishes between theologians and |
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The Depth of the Gospel - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration to emphasize the importance of justice in understanding the gospel. He starts by describing a hypothetical scenario where a person |
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The Unhindered Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the full Gospel, which includes repentance, holiness, and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights the |
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Turning the Tide - Part 2 by Charles Stanley | This sermon addresses the move towards socialism in the country, emphasizing the dangers of government control over means of production and distribution, the demoralization of indi |