John Gill Commentary Proverbs 3:29

"Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee." — Proverbs 3:29 (ASV)

Devise not evil against your neighbour
Or, "plough not evil" ^F9; turn not up your heart to find evil against your neighbour, as the earth is turned up by the plough; see (Hosea 10:13). Do not contrive and form schemes in your mind and thoughts to do him any injury, in his name and character, in his person, property, or family: a good man should devise all the good he can to his fellow creatures, but not evil to any; especially to his neighbour, and as described in the next clause;

seeing he dwells securely by you; having a good opinion of you, and not suspecting any ill design against him, thinks himself, goods, and family in safety; and is under no concern to provide for his security, placing his confidence in you, and perhaps to such a degree as to entrust with his secrets. Now to project evil against such a man is exceedingly base; it is doubly sinful; this is an aggravation of the iniquity.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F9: (vrtt) "ne ares", Amama.