Why does Proverbs 23:10 tell us not to remove the ancient landmark?

Answer

Maintaining honesty in every aspect of life is a central theme in many of Solomon’s proverbs, as seen in the verse from Proverbs 23:10: “Do not remove the ancient landmark” (NKJV).

One way a person could deceive their neighbor was by relocating or eliminating the ancient landmarks. These markers were stones with inscriptions used to demarcate boundaries between fields, districts, or nations (Genesis 31:51-52). In most ancient legal codes, including the Law of Moses, tampering with a boundary marker was considered a grave offense.

Preserving longstanding traditions, principles of justice, and established land divisions was crucial for safeguarding Israel’s national unity and identity (Deuteronomy 19:14;Deuteronomy 27:17). Solomon reiterates the command in Proverbs 22:28 (ESV): “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.”

In Job 24:2, altering historical landmarks was tantamount to theft. A dishonest landowner seeking to expand their property could unlawfully seize a portion of a neighbor’s land by shifting the landmark. This act is akin to moving a survey marker to encroach on someone else’s land. Furthermore, by displacing an ancient landmark, one could steal livestock from a neighboring pasture. Hosea 5:10 condemns Judah’s oppressive rulers, likening them to “those who move boundary stones,” individuals who show no respect for justice or legal traditions. As a consequence of their transgressions, God vowed to unleash His wrath upon them.

Deception and falsehood are characteristics of the wicked and should not be present among God’s people (Proverbs 12:20;Colossians 3:9).Sians 3:9). “No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house,” warns the psalmist «He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. », (Psalm 101:7).

The Lord delights in our truthfulness with Him and others «Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. », (Psalm 51:6). God sees what we do in secret (Jeremiah 23:24;2 Samuel 12:7-12;Job 13:10;Psalm 44:20-21;90:8;101:5;139:1-15). He considers all forms of dishonesty sinful, including removals of ancient landmarks (1 Timothy 1:9-11;Malachi 3:7-12;Psalm 5:4-6). There are consequences for such sins, including God’s judgment (Leviticus 6:1-7;Hosea 4:1-2;Isaiah 29:20-21;Acts 5:1-10).

The significance of Solomon’s mandate “do not remove the ancient landmark” is developed through the earliest laws of holiness: “Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. Do not defraud or rob your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:11-13).

In the New Living Translation, Proverbs 23:10 says, “Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.” Perhaps nothing is more detestable to God than pilfering land and flocks from orphans and widows, or, in other ways.In our words, stealing from the neediest and most vulnerable members of society is condemned. God’s loyalties are firmly established on the side of widows, orphans, and those who require our assistance (Exodus 22:22-24; Jeremiah 22:3; Psalm 146:9; Proverbs 15:24). The Lord will come to their aid and expects His followers to do the same (Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 82:3).

The message of Proverbs 23:10, not to remove the ancient landmark, is similar to the point made by James: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27). The Lord is a God of truth and integrity, who always deals honestly and fairly with others, and His people are to emulate Him. God desires us to pursue honesty in our inner being and in our dealings with others (2 Corinthians 8:21; Hebrews 13:18). For this reason, Paul urged, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices” “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” (Colossians 3:9).

Proverbs 23:10 is also used by some independent Baptist churches to support Landmarkism, the idea that we should not remove the theological “landmarks” or “guideposts” that separate the church from the world. Landmark Baptist

Landmarkers, also known as Landmarkers or Baptist Briders, view themselves as protectors of the church’s purity as it was initially founded. Regrettably, Landmarkism also asserts that Baptist churches are the sole legitimate churches and that the realm of God is synonymous with Landmark Baptist churches in their entirety. It is advisable to steer clear of Landmarkism due to its deviant ecclesiology.