The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and practical advice for living a godly life. Proverbs 23:10 specifically advises us not to move ancient landmarks or encroach on the fields of orphans.
In ancient Israel, property boundaries were often marked by stone pillars or other markers called “landmarks.” Moving these was akin to stealing land from your neighbor. God warned the Israelites against this in Deuteronomy 19:14, which says, “You shall not move your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set.”
By referencing “ancient” landmarks, Proverbs 23:10 is emphasizing long-established property lines that have been passed down over generations. To move them would be dishonoring your ancestors and attempting to unjustly seize land that is not rightfully yours.
This verse also mentions not encroaching on the fields of orphans. In ancient cultures, orphans were extremely vulnerable as they had no parents to defend their rights. God commanded the Israelites to care for orphans and widows and ensure they received their full inheritance (Deuteronomy 10:18). Seizing an orphan’s land would be among the worst offenses.
So at its core, Proverbs 23:10 is about respecting ownership and not scheming to steal land from those who are defenseless. This requires us to be content with what God has given us and not covet what rightfully belongs to others.
Beyond property matters, Proverbs 23:10 contains some broader applications for us today:
- We should respect long-standing traditions, principles, and boundaries passed down to us.
- We should care for those vulnerable to exploitation like the fatherless and widowed.
- We should not use unjust lawsuits, loopholes, or other means to effectively “steal” from others what is rightfully theirs.
Ultimately, Proverbs 23:10 reflects God’s high standard of justice and warns us not to scheme against others. We must treat people fairly and be content, knowing God is sovereign over what we have been given.
1. The ancient landmark represented an important property boundary
In ancient Israelite society, boundaries between different land holdings were often delineated by stone pillars, heaps of stones, trees, walls, roads, rivers, and other physical markers (Deuteronomy 19:14). These boundary markers were considered sacred signs established by God to delineate property inheritance within each tribe (Deuteronomy 32:8).
Moving or altering these “ancient landmarks” amounted to stealing land and directly violating God’s intended boundaries. The offense was considered so serious that it was punishable by death (Deuteronomy 19:14, 27:17). Respecting ancient landmarks reflected respect for God’s allocation of the promised land.
2. Moving landmarks took advantage of the vulnerable
Proverbs 23:10 specifically mentions not encroaching on the fields of orphans. Orphans had no parents to advocate for them or ensure they received their full inheritance. Many were destitute and powerless to defend against land-grabbing.
God strongly commanded the Israelites to care for orphans and widows and ensure they received justice (Exodus 22:21-24). Ignoring their land rights showed contempt for God’s law and heart for the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 24:19-21).
So moving the ancient landmark often represented powerful and greedy men exploiting the most vulnerable in society for personal gain. This contradicted God’s desire for justice and compassion.
3. Contentment is a key theme
Looking at the broader context of Proverbs 23, a key theme is being content with what God has given you rather than envying what others have. Verse 4 discourages laboring to get rich. Verse 5 warns against setting your eyes on temporary wealth. The passage tells us true wealth comes from having a right heart motivation.
Moving landmarks flowed out of a greedy, envious, discontented heart. It attempted to circumvent God’s will to unlawfully expand wealth and power. Proverbs 23:10 discouraged this by commanding people to be content with what God had allotted.
4. Jesus reinforced respecting property boundaries
When asked about inheriting eternal life, Jesus reminded His hearers of the commandments God gave Moses, including “You shall not steal” (Luke 18:20). Respecting personal property and not stealing land or wealth are applications of this principle.
The early church also continued to respect personal property rights. When Ananias lied about money he received for his land, Peter emphasized it had been his property to keep or sell as he wished (Acts 5:4). The sin was lying to God’s Spirit, not retaining his ownership.
5. It warns against all unjust gain
While the immediate context of Proverbs 23:10 relates to physical property, the broader principle applies to anything we might try to unjustly seize from others.
This includes scheming to steal intellectual property, ideas, or credit that rightfully belongs to someone else. It includes identity theft, stealing inheritances, or using lawsuits to illegitimately gain money or assets.
Whenever we attempt to circumvent God’s will to unlawfully enrich ourselves at the expense of others, we are violating the spirit behind this ancient landmark principle.
6. Covetousness is idolatry
Moving ancient landmarks was rooted in covetousness – wanting something that belonged to your neighbor. But Scripture warns that covetousness flows out of a heart of idolatry.
The 10th commandment forbids coveting anything that belongs to your neighbor (Exodus 20:17). And Ephesians 5:5 warns that a covetous man is an idolater, because coveting puts something else before God.
So Proverbs 23:10 reminds us to turn from covetous idolatry and find contentment in God’s provision. We must not justify sinful actions by an unlawful desire for more.
7. God cares about justice
Exploiting the vulnerable and seizing land unjustly went directly against God’s commands and reflected a heart that neither feared God nor cared about justice. Scripture often rebukes those who exploit workers, seize land, and tip the scales against the poor (Isaiah 5:8, Amos 5:11-12).
God declared that He Himself “executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 103:6). He expects His people to embody these same attributes in how we deal with others.
Proverbs 23:10 reminds us that God cares deeply about justice and defending the vulnerable. We cannot claim to know God while violating these principles.
8. Sets an example for future generations
By respecting “ancient” landmarks, the Israelites would set an example of integrity for their descendants. Future generations would see evidence of their righteous legacy in the property boundaries they honored.
In the same way, our own integrity and godly examples can inspire generations after us. Proverbs 23:10 encourages leaving a legacy of ethical behavior rather than one of greed, exploitation, and strife.
9. Shows trust in God’s sovereignty
Ultimately, moving the ancient landmark reflected a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty. It said God had made a mistake in allocating the land or failed to provide what a person needed.
Proverbs 23:10 encouraged resting in God’s decisions and timing. He is sovereign over both physical and spiritual blessings. We can trust Him to care for us within the boundaries He has wisely established.
Attempting to cross those boundaries only leads to strife and separates us from the blessings God has set aside for us.
10. Highlights values for secure property rights
Respect for ancient landmarks established strong values for private property in Israelite society. It created secure rights to land and assets that promoted economic stability, incentivized stewardship, and prevented constant conflict.
This made Israel unusual among ancient Near Eastern societies dominated by kings and elites. Scholars believe placing clear limits around land theft contributed to Israel’s relative national unity and cohesion.
So while grounded in spiritual principles, respect for property boundaries also brought significant social and economic benefits to the nation.
11. Warns against gradual encroachment
Blatantly moving boundary stones was clearly prohibited. But Proverbs 23:10’s reference to “ancient” landmarks also warned against gradual, creeping encroachment onto a neighbor’s fields.
Even slowly enlarging your land over time by pushing a boundary inch by inch reflected a coveting, discontented heart. This too was forbidden, as permanent boundaries were meant to be passed down intact.
So the verse emphasizes respect even for long-standing property lines. What previous generations established must remain undisturbed.
12. Love fulfills the intent
The New Testament reminds believers they are no longer under the Old Covenant law but under a new law of grace (Romans 6:14). This does not lower God’s righteous standards but raises them even higher.
So while the specific ordinance against moving landmarks faced punishment, under grace the same righteous principles are fulfilled by living through love – loving God and loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).
Loving our neighbor includes respecting their property and boundaries, not scheming to enrich ourselves at their expense. Love fulfills the intent behind “do not move the ancient landmark.”
13. Points to our eternal inheritance
Boundaries and property markers in ancient Israel were designed to last for generations. This reflected the permanent inheritance each tribe was to possess in the Promised Land.
In the same way, Proverbs 23:10 can remind us we have an “eternal inheritance” in heaven that can never perish or fade (1 Peter 1:4). Our place in God’s kingdom is secure. We do not need to envy what others have on this earth.
This eternal perspective allows us to live generously and contentedly within whatever boundaries and allotments God has given us during our temporary earthly sojourn.
14. Highlights importance of integrity
At its fundamental level, moving the ancient landmark was an integrity issue. It broke implicit and explicit promises to neighbors and community by covertly stealing property.
Integrity in all areas is a key Christian virtue. It means living openly and keeping our actions consistent with our words. The Bible emphasizes acting with integrity of heart before both God and man (Psalm 101:2, Proverbs 11:3).
Proverbs 23:10 contains an integrity test – will we live openly and honorably within the agreed boundaries, or secretly cheat to gain more?
15. Obedience brings blessing
The book of Deuteronomy emphasized obeying God’s commands would bring blessings in the Promised Land while disobedience would bring curses (Deuteronomy 28). Respecting property boundaries was part of maintaining these blessings.
In the same way, the New Testament reminds us that obedience leads to blessing even if difficult at times (Hebrews 12:11). Obeying God in how we steward what He has given us will reap eternal dividends.
Proverbs 23:10 contained both a warning against the consequences of greed and an encouragement to stay within God’s boundaries so we can experience His full gracious provision.