Proverbs 17:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →To repay kindness with harm invites evil to take permanent residence in one's home.
The Context of Proverbs 17:13
Biblical wisdom connects moral choices to their natural consequences.
What Does Proverbs 17:13 Mean?
The verse condemns a specific form of ingratitude and betrayal: returning evil for good. Such ingratitude is not a momentary lapse but a profound moral inversion. The consequence is equally grave: evil becomes a permanent fixture in that person's household, a curse that will not lift.
The warning suggests that this behavior triggers a law of return. By choosing to harm a benefactor, one sets in motion consequences that affect not just oneself but the entire household. The evil that one initiates boomerangs back, becoming woven into the fabric of daily life—a natural harvest of what was sown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:13
What does Proverbs 17:13 mean?
To repay kindness with harm invites evil to take permanent residence in one's home.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:13?
Biblical wisdom connects moral choices to their natural consequences.