13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
13 As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you.
13 As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes wickedness.' But my hand shall not be against you.
13 An old proverb says, 'Evil deeds come from evil people.' So be assured that my hand won't touch you.
13 As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.' But my hand shall not be against you.
13 As that old proverb says, 'From evil people come evil deeds.' So you can be sure I will never harm you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8-15
(Read 1 Samuel 24:8-15)
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.