Proverbs 28:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.

NIV: Whoever robs their father or mother and says, 'It's not wrong,' is partner to one who destroys.

NASB: He who robs his father or his mother And says, 'There is no wrong done,' Is the companion of a person who destroys.

CSB: The one who robs his father or mother and says, "That's no sin," is a companion to a person who destroys.

NLT: Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, 'What’s wrong with that?' is no better than a murderer.

KJV: Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

NKJV: Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “ It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer.

For a child to steal from their parents is immoral, but common (Jeremiah 17:9). The sin involved is relatively obvious. This proverb seems to point at something easier to excuse: those who take from their parents and excuse it as no sin at all. In an ancient middle eastern context, that might mean assuming what was stolen would be inherited later, anyway. It could include the attitude which says, "they should want me to have this, so it's not wrong to just take it." The person who makes excuses for sin—especially sin against their own parents—is on the same moral level as the one who robs or destroys outright.

The New Testament provides a parallel example (Mark 7:9–13). Jesus condemns those who fail to properly care for their parents, claiming that whatever was not given was somehow dedicated to God, instead. Withholding what may be legitimately owed is as much stealing as taking something away.

Such attitudes, at the very least, "destroy" the relationship to the thief's parents (Proverbs 10:5; 19:26; 28:7). It erodes trust and peace of mind (Proverbs 28:25). Greed motivates thieves and robbers, and those actions ruin their victim's sense of security and ownership. Like a robber or a thief, a greedy child steals from their parents. This violates the commandment to honor one's parents and forfeits the promise the commandment entails (Exodus 20:12).

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

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.