KJV ORIGINAL
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
As the old saying goes, 'Evil comes from evil people,' but I will not harm you.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
David is saying that while evil people do evil things, he chooses not to act wickedly by harming King Saul.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, King Saul was pursuing David out of jealousy, believing David intended to usurp his throne as the anointed king of Israel. David, hiding in a cave at En Gedi, had the opportunity to kill Saul when he entered alone but chose instead to cut off a piece of Saul's robe as a sign of restraint. David then used this proverb to affirm his innocence and declare that he would not respond to Saul's wickedness with violence of his own.
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