Proverbs 30:10
Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֲדֹנָ֑ו
unto his master
H113
אֲדֹנָ֑ו
unto his master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
5 of 8
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
פֶּֽן
H6435
פֶּֽן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:Romans 14:4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.Proverbs 11:26He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.Proverbs 28:27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Deuteronomy 23:15Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:1 Samuel 30:15And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.1 Samuel 26:19Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.1 Samuel 24:9And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?Daniel 6:13Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.Daniel 6:24And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern slaves and servants were vulnerable to accusers who might gain favor with masters through slander. Mosaic law protected servants (Deuteronomy 23:15-16) and prohibited false testimony (Exodus 20:16). Masters held life-and-death power, making false accusations particularly dangerous.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to interfere in authority relationships or workplace dynamics that aren't your responsibility?
- How can you discern between legitimate reporting of wrongdoing and sinful talebearing?
- What motivates your impulse to 'inform' on others—concern for justice or desire to harm their reputation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Accuse not a servant unto his master—The Hebrew lāshan (לָשַׁן, accuse) means slander or inform maliciously. This warns against meddling in relationships where you lack authority or knowledge. Lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty (ʾāsham, אָשַׁם)—you become the offender, bearing guilt for unjust accusations.
This proverb protects the vulnerable (servants) from outsiders who might manipulate their masters against them. It also warns against busybody behavior (1 Peter 4:15) and gossip that damages reputations. The principle extends to respecting proper jurisdictions—don't interfere in authority relationships that aren't yours to judge (Romans 14:4, 'Who are you to judge another's servant?').