Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Don't say, 'I'll do the same thing to him that he did to me: I'll pay him back for what he's done.'
This verse is warning against taking personal revenge and trying to get even with people who have wronged you.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Solomon, around 900 BC, the Book of Proverbs was compiled as a collection of wise sayings to guide everyday life in ancient Israel. This verse specifically addresses the cultural temptation toward personal revenge, which was prevalent in many ancient Near Eastern societies, but it promotes restraint by emphasizing that justice belongs to God. It fits into the broader wisdom literature of the Old Testament, which seeks to instill practical moral guidance for individuals facing daily challenges.
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