Devise not evil against thy neighbour,.... Or, "plough not evil" ; turn not up thy heart to find evil against thy neighbour, as the earth is turned up by the plough; see Ho 10:13. Do not contrive and form schemes in thy mind and thoughts to do him any injury, in his name and character, in his person, property, or family: a good man should devise all the good he can to his fellow creatures, but not evil to any; especially to his neighbour, and as described in the next clause;seeing he dwelleth securely by thee; having a good opinion of thee, and not suspecting any ill design against him, thinks himself, goods, and family, in safety; and is under no concern to provide for his security, placing his confidence in thee, and perhaps to such a degree as to entrust with his secrets.
Now to project evil against such a man is exceeding base; it is doubly sinful; this is an aggravation of the iniquity.