Proverbs 24:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

NIV: Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

NASB: Rescue those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to the slaughter, Oh hold them back!

CSB: Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter.

NLT: Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death.

KJV: If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

NKJV: Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.

Verses 11 and 12 make up the twenty-fifth of Solomon's thirty recorded wise teachings (Proverbs 22:17–21). Both verses are important to grasp the context of this lesson. The following verse (Proverbs 24:12) helps clarify that this is not about interfering in every instance of the death penalty. These are not convicted, guilty criminals being executed in a lawful setting; they are the innocent being persecuted and murdered. When a believer sees cruelty, injustice, or atrocity, they are obligated to act in some way. The underlying theme of this wise saying resembles Ezekiel 3:18, James 4:17, and 1 John 3:17–18. Another useful expression is found in the "golden rule" of Matthew 7:12. These all imply an active responsibility to do good, rather than a passive avoidance of evil.

It might be tempting to avoid controversy; being enmeshed by speaking and acting can invite trouble. Yet the victims of injustice desperately need help, so Solomon counsels his reader to get involved. That can mean speaking on behalf of the falsely accused. It might mean intervening in an unfair or abusive situation. By doing so one can save a wrongly condemned person from harm or even death.

An indirect application of this concept touches on evangelism. Christians ought to seek out "rescue" for those guilty and under the sentence of spiritual and eternal death (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Jude 1:21–23). Proverbs 11:30 teaches that "whoever captures souls is wise." Every unbeliever is in Satan's clutches and bound for eternal punishment (John 3:36). Every believer who rescues an unbeliever and introduces him to the Savior applies godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; James 5:20).

Proverbs 24:1–12 exhorts Solomon's son, or student, not to be jealous of immoral people or desire their friendship. Solomon contrasts godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) with foolishness and calls upon his son to rescue those who are unjustly oppressed. Failing to do so, under the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, cannot be excused. This continues a series of wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21).

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.