What does Proverbs 23:10 mean?

Solomon offers another "do not" lesson, as part of his collection of thirty wise teachings (Proverbs 22:17–21). This echoes a comment made near the end of the prior chapter (Proverbs 22:28), which itself was part of this collection of wisdom. Ancient boundaries were often noted using landmarks; when the border was not at a precise landmark, stones could be placed (Genesis 31:51–52). A form of theft could be committed by moving a boundary stone, making it appear that the line was in a different location (Deuteronomy 19:14; Job 24:2; Hosea 5:10). The prior proverb hinted at the idea of not ignoring the restrictions of previous generations; this one is more directly applied (Proverbs 23:11).

The sin committed here is something like a modern person altering a map, uprooting surveyor's stakes, or moving a fence. Other Old Testament passages specifically forbade this (Deuteronomy 27:17). Even worse than cheating someone out of property is to defraud someone already disadvantaged, such as those who have lost a father. Other proverbs condemn such acts (Proverbs 22:22; 31:8–9). James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (James 1:27). Another part of this collection of thirty wise teachings highlighted a similar idea (Proverbs 22:22–23).

King David is an example of kindness to a fatherless, helpless person. He sent for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, and welcomed him into the palace. He set a place at the table for Mephibosheth, gave him land, and instructed Saul's servant Ziba and Ziba's sons to work the land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13).