Proverbs 23:10 - Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless:
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What does "Proverbs 23:10" mean?
This verse from Proverbs 23:10 ("Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless") is a warning against cheating the vulnerable and exploiting their weakness. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don’t move the ancient boundary stone." Boundary stones were used to mark property lines, especially in agricultural societies. Moving the stone was a deliberate act of fraud, stealing land from one's neighbor. The "ancient" aspect suggests this boundary had been established for a long time, emphasizing the historical and moral weight of the act. It was a violation of tradition and justice. This phrase represents stealing and exploiting those who are weaker than you.
"Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless." "Fatherless" individuals, particularly orphans, were considered especially vulnerable in ancient society. They lacked the protection and advocacy that a father would provide. "Encroaching" on their fields means taking advantage of their defenselessness to steal their land or resources. It's a direct exploitation of their vulnerable status.
In essence, the verse is a double condemnation of injustice:
It condemns dishonesty and theft: It warns against the specific act of manipulating land boundaries for personal gain.
It emphasizes the particular wickedness of exploiting the vulnerable: Taking advantage of the "fatherless" is seen as especially heinous because they are the least able to defend themselves.
The verse teaches that:
Honesty and fairness in dealings, especially regarding property, are crucial.
Protecting the vulnerable is a moral imperative.
Exploiting the weak is a serious sin.
It's a call for justice, compassion, and ethical behavior, especially towards those who cannot protect themselves. The imagery of the boundary stone and the fatherless child serves as a powerful reminder of the temptation to exploit others for personal gain and the importance of resisting that temptation.
Proverbs 23:10 - Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless:
What does "Proverbs 23:10" mean?
This verse from Proverbs 23:10 ("Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless") is a warning against cheating the vulnerable and exploiting their weakness. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don’t move the ancient boundary stone." Boundary stones were used to mark property lines, especially in agricultural societies. Moving the stone was a deliberate act of fraud, stealing land from one's neighbor. The "ancient" aspect suggests this boundary had been established for a long time, emphasizing the historical and moral weight of the act. It was a violation of tradition and justice. This phrase represents stealing and exploiting those who are weaker than you.
"Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless." "Fatherless" individuals, particularly orphans, were considered especially vulnerable in ancient society. They lacked the protection and advocacy that a father would provide. "Encroaching" on their fields means taking advantage of their defenselessness to steal their land or resources. It's a direct exploitation of their vulnerable status.
In essence, the verse is a double condemnation of injustice:
It condemns dishonesty and theft: It warns against the specific act of manipulating land boundaries for personal gain.
It emphasizes the particular wickedness of exploiting the vulnerable: Taking advantage of the "fatherless" is seen as especially heinous because they are the least able to defend themselves.
The verse teaches that:
Honesty and fairness in dealings, especially regarding property, are crucial.
Protecting the vulnerable is a moral imperative.
Exploiting the weak is a serious sin.
It's a call for justice, compassion, and ethical behavior, especially towards those who cannot protect themselves. The imagery of the boundary stone and the fatherless child serves as a powerful reminder of the temptation to exploit others for personal gain and the importance of resisting that temptation.