Proverbs 17:13

Proverbs 17:13 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
• New International Version (NIV)Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.
• English Standard Version (ESV)If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

Context of Proverbs 17:13

11A rebellious man seeks only evil; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly. Whoever returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode. 15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous Are both repulsive to the Lord.

Proverbs 17:13 word by word

מֵשִׁ֣יב רָ֭עָה תַּ֣חַת טוֹבָ֑ה לֹא־תָמ֥וּשׁ רָ֝עָ֗ה מִבֵּיתֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Whoso rewardethשׁוּבshûb · to return: returnH7725
• evilרָעָהra‛ râ‛âh · distress: evilH7451
• for goodטוֹבָהţôb · welfareH2896
• shall not departמוּשׁmûsh · to removeH4185
• from his houseבַּ֫יִתbayith · house: homeH1004

Cross-references for Proverbs 17:13

• 1 Samuel 24:17He said to David, “You are more righteous and upright [in God’s eyes] than I; for you have done good to me, but I have done evil to you.
• 1 Samuel 31:2The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and they killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, Saul’s sons.
• 2 Samuel 21:1There was famine in the days of David for three consecutive years; and David sought the presence (face) of the Lord [asking the reason]. The Lord replied, “It is because of Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”
• Psalms 35:12They repay me evil for good, To the sorrow of my soul.
• Psalms 38:20They repay evil for good, they attack and try to kill me, Because I follow what is good.
• Psalms 55:12For it is not an enemy who taunts me— Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who has hated me who insolently exalts himself against me— Then I could hide from him.
• Psalms 109:4In return for my love, they attack me, But I am in prayer.
• Jeremiah 18:20Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember [with compassion] that I stood before You To speak good on their behalf, To turn Your anger away from them.
• Matthew 27:5And throwing the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary, he left; and went away and hanged himself.
• Romans 12:17Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.
• 1 Peter 3:9and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].

Commentaries on Proverbs 17:13

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 13Whoso rewardeth evil for good - Here is a most awful warning. As many persons are guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and of paying kindness with unkindness, and good with evil, it is no wonder we find so much wretchedness among men; for God's word cannot fail; evil shall not depart from the houses and families of such persons.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 13Verse 13 To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1313. (Compare Psa 7:4; 35:12). evil--injury to another (Pr 13:21).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 17:13

• Evil for Good
• Ingratitude

In the dictionaries

• Fine
• Friend
• Glad
• Grief
• Price
• Rule
• Strike
• Fool; Folly
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 17

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings