Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Don't pick fights with someone for no reason, especially if they haven't hurt you.
This verse is teaching us to avoid unnecessary conflict and not to start arguments with people who have done nothing wrong to us.
📚 Historical Context
The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament's Wisdom Literature, traditionally attributed to King Solomon who ruled Israel around 970-931 BC, and it was written to provide practical guidance for living wisely in everyday life. In ancient Israelite culture, where community stability was essential for survival, these proverbs emphasized moral behavior to avoid unnecessary conflicts and promote social harmony. This specific verse reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking justice without escalating disputes, drawing from a society that valued peace to prevent societal breakdown.
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