This verse reminds us that how we speak about and treat others has serious consequences for both our spiritual condition and our relationships with one another.
“Do not slander a slave to his master, Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.” (v.10) This short verse is part of the sayings of Agur, found in Proverbs 30, which offers unique wisdom not commonly repeated in other parts of the book. The immediate admonition warns against the dangerous power of words, particularly when someone spreads negative information about a vulnerable person (who in the ancient Near Eastern household of that time would have been subject to their master’s will). The command suggests that loose or damaging talk has consequences: it not only stirs up anger or opposition from the falsely accused, but it also places the slanderer in a morally (and possibly legally) culpable position. From a broader biblical standpoint, this theme resonates with guidance found elsewhere in Scripture: we are exhorted not to speak against one another (James 4:11), and we are called to show justice and dignity to all people.
In the world of ancient Israel, a “slave” was typically a person who had come under subjugation by war, debt, or other social factors. Though slavery was part of the culture’s economic and social framework, the wisdom of Proverbs injects a note of ethical responsibility: the more vulnerable a person’s position, the more grave it is to do them harm through slander. The idea of “found guilty” underscores an inescapable principle of moral cause and effect: God sees every hidden motive, and the truth behind what is said or done in secret becomes clear under divine consideration. This fosters an atmosphere of respectful speech and fair treatment, showing that how one handles words—even in seemingly mundane everyday relationships—reveals the heart’s intent.
Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent call to uphold the dignity of every human being (Genesis 1:27). Jesus Himself emphasized caring for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40), reminding believers that no person is beneath respect and honest treatment. Bringing in this New Testament perspective, the verse in Proverbs 30:10 anticipates the notion of speaking life rather than harm into others’ situations. When followers of God apply this counsel, they reflect divine integrity, practice empathy, and guard their own character from the damaging effects of slander and false accusations.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 30:10 meaning
“Do not slander a slave to his master, Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.” (v.10) This short verse is part of the sayings of Agur, found in Proverbs 30, which offers unique wisdom not commonly repeated in other parts of the book. The immediate admonition warns against the dangerous power of words, particularly when someone spreads negative information about a vulnerable person (who in the ancient Near Eastern household of that time would have been subject to their master’s will). The command suggests that loose or damaging talk has consequences: it not only stirs up anger or opposition from the falsely accused, but it also places the slanderer in a morally (and possibly legally) culpable position. From a broader biblical standpoint, this theme resonates with guidance found elsewhere in Scripture: we are exhorted not to speak against one another (James 4:11), and we are called to show justice and dignity to all people.
In the world of ancient Israel, a “slave” was typically a person who had come under subjugation by war, debt, or other social factors. Though slavery was part of the culture’s economic and social framework, the wisdom of Proverbs injects a note of ethical responsibility: the more vulnerable a person’s position, the more grave it is to do them harm through slander. The idea of “found guilty” underscores an inescapable principle of moral cause and effect: God sees every hidden motive, and the truth behind what is said or done in secret becomes clear under divine consideration. This fosters an atmosphere of respectful speech and fair treatment, showing that how one handles words—even in seemingly mundane everyday relationships—reveals the heart’s intent.
Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent call to uphold the dignity of every human being (Genesis 1:27). Jesus Himself emphasized caring for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40), reminding believers that no person is beneath respect and honest treatment. Bringing in this New Testament perspective, the verse in Proverbs 30:10 anticipates the notion of speaking life rather than harm into others’ situations. When followers of God apply this counsel, they reflect divine integrity, practice empathy, and guard their own character from the damaging effects of slander and false accusations.