Men of bloodshed hate a blameless manThis phrase highlights the tension between those who commit violence and those who live righteously. In biblical context, "men of bloodshed" refers to individuals who engage in acts of violence and injustice, often driven by selfish desires or power. The hatred they have for a "blameless man" stems from the contrast between their sinful actions and the righteous life of the blameless. This is reminiscent of the story of Cain and Abel in
Genesis 4, where Cain's jealousy and sin led him to murder his righteous brother Abel. The blameless man, often seen as a type of Christ, represents purity and innocence, which convicts the wicked of their wrongdoing. This enmity is also seen in the life of Jesus, who was hated by those who opposed His message of truth and righteousness.
but the upright care for his life
In contrast to the men of bloodshed, the "upright" are those who live according to God's laws and principles. They value and protect the life of the blameless, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity given by God. This care reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and standing up for justice, as seen in passages likeMicah 6:8, which calls for acting justly and loving mercy. The upright's concern for the blameless man's life can also be seen as a reflection of God's own care and protection for His people, as illustrated inPsalm 91. This phrase underscores the biblical theme of the righteous standing in solidarity with those who are innocent and vulnerable, much like how Christ, the ultimate blameless one, is cared for by His followers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Men of BloodshedThis term refers to individuals who are violent, wicked, or have malicious intent. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (anshei damim), which literally means "men of blood." These are people who are characterized by their willingness to harm others.
2.
Blameless ManThis refers to a person who is innocent, righteous, or morally upright. The Hebrew word (tamim) is used, meaning complete, whole, or without blemish. This person lives in a way that is pleasing to God and is often the target of the wicked.
3.
The UprightThese are individuals who live according to God's standards and seek to do what is right. The Hebrew word (yashar) is used, meaning straight, right, or level. They are contrasted with the men of bloodshed.
Teaching Points
The Reality of PersecutionThe verse highlights the reality that those who live righteously will often face opposition from those who are wicked. Believers should not be surprised by this but should remain steadfast in their faith.
The Call to Protect LifeThe upright are called to care for and protect the lives of the blameless. This reflects God's heart for justice and the value of human life.
Living BlamelesslyStriving to live a blameless life is a noble pursuit, even in the face of opposition. It requires reliance on God's strength and guidance.
The Contrast of CharacterThe verse presents a stark contrast between the wicked and the righteous, encouraging believers to examine their own lives and align with God's standards.
Encouragement in RighteousnessDespite the hatred from the wicked, the blameless can find encouragement in knowing that God sees their righteousness and will ultimately vindicate them.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 29:10?
2.How can we identify and avoid the "bloodthirsty" described in Proverbs 29:10?
3.What does Proverbs 29:10 teach about valuing the "upright"?
4.How does Proverbs 29:10 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies?
5.In what ways can we protect the "upright" in our community today?
6.How can Proverbs 29:10 guide us in choosing friends and associates?
7.What does Proverbs 29:10 reveal about the nature of hatred and violence?
8.How does Proverbs 29:10 challenge our understanding of justice and righteousness?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 29:10 reflect the cultural context of its time?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29?
11.What made Job blameless and upright?
12.Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?
13.Proverbs 10:27 asserts fearing the Lord prolongs life--what about devout people who die young or suffer terminal illnesses?
14.Why does Proverbs 4:13 insist on unwavering adherence to instruction when other biblical passages (like Job) suggest wisdom doesn't always prevent hardship?What Does Proverbs 29:10 Mean
Men of bloodshed“Men of bloodshed” describes people whose hearts are set on violence and oppression. Scripture consistently portrays them as:
• Shedding innocent blood (Genesis 4:8;2 Kings 21:16).
• Filling the earth with corruption (Genesis 6:11).
• Trusting in force, not God (Psalm 11:5;Isaiah 59:7).
The phrase reminds us that violence is not merely an outward act; it springs from a heart resistant to God’s rule (Matthew 15:19).
Hate a blameless manThe proverb continues: “Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man.” Hatred here is visceral hostility toward someone innocent of wrongdoing. Why?
• A blameless life exposes the sin of the violent, much like Abel’s faith angered Cain (1 John 3:12).
• Light threatens darkness (John 3:19-20); wicked hearts recoil from righteousness.
• The godly remind evildoers of coming judgment (Proverbs 29:27).
Notice that the blameless person is not faultless in a sinless sense, but upright in conduct and motives (Job 1:1;Psalm 15:2). Such integrity irritates those determined to live without moral restraint.
The upright care for his lifeIn sharp contrast, “the upright care for his life.” Genuine righteousness is never passive; it actively protects the innocent. Examples throughout Scripture include:
• Jonathan shielding David from Saul’s murderous rage (1 Samuel 19:1-2).
• The midwives preserving Hebrew infants despite Pharaoh’s command (Exodus 1:17).
• The Good Samaritan tending the wounded traveler (Luke 10:33-34).
The upright “care” by:
1. Valuing life as God’s gift (Genesis 1:27;Psalm 139:13-16).
2. Intervening when the blameless are threatened (Proverbs 24:11-12).
3. Speaking truth that restrains bloodshed (Esther 4:14;Acts 5:29).
Thus the proverb underscores a community ethic: violence despises innocence, but righteousness defends it.
summaryProverbs 29:10 sets two opposing groups in stark relief. Violent people, driven by rebellion, loathe the presence of a person whose life is clean before God. Upright people, governed by God’s wisdom, feel compelled to safeguard that same blameless life. The verse calls us to reject any trace of violence in our own hearts and to stand actively on the side of the innocent, imitating the Lord who “rescues the life of the needy” (Psalm 72:13).
(10)
The bloodthirsty hate the upright.--Or,
perfect man. "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness" (
2Corinthians 6:14); the life of the perfect man is a continual reproach to them.
But the just (or upright)seek his soul--i.e.care for the life of the perfect; their uprightness shows itself in active help-giving.
Verse 10. -
The bloodthirsty hate the upright;him that is perfect, Revised Version;
ὅσιον, Septuagint. His life is a tacit reproach to men of blood, robbers, murderers, and such like sinners, as is finely expressed in the Book of Wisdom 2:12, etc. (comp.
2 Corinthians 6:14).
But the just seek his soul. The explanation of this hemistich is doubtful. The following interpretations have been offered:
(1) The just seek the soul of the upright to deliver him from death temporal and spiritual (comp.Proverbs 12:6;Psalm 142:4).
(2) The just seek the murderer's life, take vengeance on him (comp.Psalm 63:9, 10).
(3) "As for the just, they (the murderers) attempt his life," where the change of subject, though by no means unparalleled, is awkward (comp.Psalm 37:14). The second explanation makes the righteous the executioners of vengeance on the delinquents, which does not seem to be the idea intended, and there is no confirmation of it in our book. The interpretation first given has against it the fact that the phrase, "to seek the soul," is used of attempts against the life, not of preserving it. But this is not fatal; and the above seems to be the most likely explanation offered, and gives a good antithesis. Men of blood hate a virtuous man, and try to destroy him; the righteous love him, and do their utmost to defend and keep him safe. If this interpretation is rejected, the third explanation is allowable, thecasus pendens - "the just, they seek his life" - may be compared withGenesis 26:15;Deuteronomy 2:23. Septuagint, "But the upright will seek (ἐκζητήσουσι) his life."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Menאַנְשֵׁ֣י(’an·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582:Man, mankindof bloodshedדָ֭מִים(ḏā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshedhateיִשְׂנְאוּ־(yiś·nə·’ū-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8130:To hatea blameless man,תָ֑ם(ṯām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8535:Complete, pious, gentle, dearbut the uprightוִֽ֝ישָׁרִ֗ים(wî·šā·rîm)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477:Straight, rightcare forיְבַקְשׁ֥וּ(yə·ḇaq·šū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive afterhis life.נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃(nap̄·šōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity (Prov. Pro Pr) 
