Proverbs 30:10
Proverbs 30:10 in Multiple Translations
Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt.
Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Slander not a servant unto his master, Lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty.
Do not say evil of a servant to his master, or he will put a curse on you, and you will get into trouble.
Don't slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you and you'll suffer for it.
Accuse not a seruant vnto his master, lest he curse thee, when thou hast offended.
Accuse not a servant unto his lord, Lest he disesteem thee, and thou be found guilty.
“Don’t slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
Accuse not a servant to his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Accuse not a servant to his master, lest he curse thee, and thou fall.
Do not ◄slander/say bad things about► a worker to his boss; if you do that, the worker will curse you, and cause you to have trouble.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:10
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 30:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תַּלְשֵׁ֣ן
עֶ֭בֶד
אֶל
אדנ/ו
אֲדֹנָ֑י/ו
פֶּֽן
יְקַלֶּלְ/ךָ֥
וְ/אָשָֽׁמְתָּ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּלְשֵׁ֣ן
lâshan
H3960
to slander
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
עֶ֭בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אדנ/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
אֲדֹנָ֑י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
פֶּֽן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יְקַלֶּלְ/ךָ֥
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/אָשָֽׁמְתָּ
ʼâsham
H816
be guilty
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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 30:10
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.
תַּלְשֵׁ֣ן
lâshan
H3960
"to slander"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
Lashan means to slander or accuse someone falsely, like the lies spread about Jesus. It's about using words to hurt or deceive others.
Definition: 1) to use the tongue, slander 1a) (Poel) to slander 1b) (Piel) to slander 1c) (Hiphil) to accuse
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: accuse, slander. See also: Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 30:10.
עֶ֭בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אדנ/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אֲדֹנָ֑י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
פֶּֽן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יְקַלֶּלְ/ךָ֥
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
וְ/אָשָֽׁמְתָּ
ʼâsham
H816
"be guilty"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To be guilty means to have done something wrong and deserve punishment, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8-10.
Definition: 1) to offend, be guilty, trespass 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do wrong, offend, trespass, commit an offense, do injury 1a2) to be or become guilty 1a3) to be held guilty 1a4) to be incriminated 1b) (Niphal) to suffer punishment 1c) (Hiphil) to declare guilty 2) (TWOT) to be desolate, acknowledge offense
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, be(-come, made) desolate, destroy, [idiom] greatly, be(-come, found, hold) guilty, offend (acknowledge offence), trespass. See also: Leviticus 4:13; Psalms 34:23; Psalms 5:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:10
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:10
Context — The Words of Agur
8Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion.
9Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.
10Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt.
11There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. 12There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 14:4 | Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 7:21 | Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 23:15 | Do not return a slave to his master if he has taken refuge with you. |
| 4 | Proverbs 24:23–24 | These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; |
| 5 | Daniel 6:13 | Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 26:19 | Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ |
| 7 | Daniel 6:24 | At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 30:15 | “Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, and I will lead you to them.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 16:1–4 | When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!” |
| 10 | Proverbs 11:26 | The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it. |
Proverbs 30:10 Summary
Proverbs 30:10 teaches us that it's not okay to say bad things about someone to their boss or person in charge, because it can hurt the person we're talking about and also get us into trouble. This is because our words have power, as the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, and we should use them to build each other up, not tear each other down (Ephesians 4:29). By being kind and respectful with our words, we can create a more positive and supportive community, and avoid the negative consequences of gossip and slander.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main warning in Proverbs 30:10?
The main warning in Proverbs 30:10 is against slandering a servant to his master, as this can lead to the slanderer being cursed and bearing guilt, as seen in the verse itself and supported by the principles of honesty and integrity found in Proverbs 10:32 and Exodus 20:16.
Why is it important not to slander a servant to his master?
It is important not to slander a servant to his master because it can damage relationships, lead to unfair treatment, and ultimately bring harm to the one slandering, as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Matthew 7:12 about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
How does this verse relate to our speech and behavior towards others?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and actions towards others, especially those in positions of authority or vulnerability, as our speech and behavior can have serious consequences, as taught in Ephesians 4:29-32 and James 1:26.
What are the consequences of slandering a servant to his master according to this verse?
According to Proverbs 30:10, the consequences of slandering a servant to his master are that the servant will curse the slanderer, and the slanderer will bear the guilt, highlighting the importance of honest and respectful communication, as also emphasized in Colossians 3:8-10.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the warning in Proverbs 30:10 to my own interactions with others, especially in situations where I may be tempted to speak negatively about someone?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a culture of honesty and respect in my relationships, and how can I encourage others to do the same?
- How does the principle of not slandering a servant to his master relate to the broader biblical theme of loving my neighbors as myself, as taught in Mark 12:31?
- What are some potential consequences of gossip or slander in my own life and relationships, and how can I work to avoid these pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:10
Accuse not a servant unto his master,.... Wrongly, rashly, and without any foundation, nor for any trifling thing; unless it be in a case of moment and importance, when his master's business is sadly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:10
Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
Accuse not a servant, to wit, maliciously, rashly, or without just and sufficient cause; for otherwise, in some cases, this may be not only lawful, but a duty, as when a servant lives wickedly, or robs his master, or the like, A servant; whose condition is in itself mean and miserable, and therefore thou shouldst not make it worse without great and apparent necessity. Curse thee; desire God to curse and punish thee, which though it may be sinful in him, yet being deserved by thee, thou hast reason to fear and expect. Be found guilty by God, who is ready to plead the cause of the afflicted, and upon strict search shall find thee guilty, and punish thee accordingly.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
Proverbs 30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.Ver. 10. Accuse not a servant unto his master.] Unless it be in an ordinance, for the benefit of both. Much less may we falsely accuse wives to their husbands - as Stephen Gardiner and other courtparasites did King Henry VIII his wives to him of adultery, heresy, conspiracy, &c.; children to their parents - as the Jesuits, the Pope’ s bloodhounds, did Charles, eldest son of Philip, King of Spain, for suspicion of heresy, whereupon he was murdered by the cruel Inquisition; one friend to another; a sin that David could not endure; and Christ, the Son of David, as deeply disliked it in the Pharisees, those mischief makers, that by accusing his disciples to him one while, and him to his disciples another while, sought to make a breach in his family, by setting off the one from the other. Lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.] Lest to cry quittance with thee he rip up thy faults, such as it will be for thy shame, - “ Et dici potuisse, et non potuisse refelli.” He that speaketh what he should not, shall hear of what he would not. Put them in mind to speak evil of no man falsely and rashly, without cause and necessity. And why? "For we ourselves also" - even I Paul, and thou Titus - "were sometimes foolish, disobedient," &c., and may haply hear of it to our shame and sorrow, if we irritate others thereunto by way of recrimination.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
(10) Accuse not a servant—i.e., a slave, thus making his already hard life still more intolerable. And thou be found guilty before God of having wronged him, and so have to bear the punishment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
Verse 10. Accuse not a servant] Do not bring a false accusation against a servant, lest thou be found guilty of the falsehood, and he curse thee for having traduced his character, and in his turn traduce thine. In general, do not meddle with other people's servants.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:10
10. Accuse not] Lit. tongue not; i.e. use not thy tongue against. Comp. Psalms 101:5, where the same Heb. word is used in the same sense. lest he curse thee &c.] lest thy charge against him being not truth but “slander,” he imprecate upon thee a curse, which being not “causeless” (Proverbs 26:2) will come upon thee because thou art “held guilty.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:10
Accuse not a servant - The prayer in Proverbs 30:8 does not shut out, sympathy with those who are less favored. Even the slave has a right to protection against frivolous or needless accusation.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:10
10. Accuse not a servant… master — It is not entirely certain that our Authorized Version gives the sense here.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exhortations by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the promises of God. He uses the analogy of four beautiful and powerful creatures: the lion, the greyhound (o |
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(Hebrews - Part 37): Faith Is a Pertubing Thing by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a moral rebound. He talks about his own past of indulging in drinking and reckless behavior, even on Christmas Eve. Howev |
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The Heavenly Race by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the heavenly race and obtaining the ultimate prize of eternal life in heaven. He compares the race to a life-or-de |
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Social Relationships by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of social relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges and complexities of sex relationships. The speaker emphasizes the i |
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Keeping Yourself or Being Kept? by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the book of Jude, focusing on the themes of being sanctified and preserved in Jesus Christ, the importance of keeping oneself in the love of God, and the co |
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(Proverbs) ch.30:9 - 31:31 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various types of people who receive what they don't deserve. He emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and not forgetting one's past co |
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What Is Prayer to You by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four sore judgments of God as mentioned in the book of Jeremiah. These judgments include war, famine, pestilence (disease), and wild beast |