Proverbs 22:28
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Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
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In open fields where property lines met, the custom called for a small ditch, an upright stone, a pile of stones, or some other semi-permanent marker to identify the boundaries of adjoining fields. These markers would be used for identifying property, valuing an inheritance, settling an estate, and so forth. Profane men could easily move such markers at night to increase their field incrementally by stealing property from their neighbors.
Consider a small square field of only 40 acres that is divided equally by four farmers into smaller square fields of 10 acres. If one of these farmers is a son of Belial and moves the center marker only ten feet, a very small movement, he increases his land by over 1/4 acre by stealing subtly through encroachment from all three neighbors. No man's natural eye could discern such a movement, and only very careful measuring could prove it.
We have iron stakes buried in the ground to mark property boundaries, and they have been duly surveyed and recorded in carefully maintained maps in county offices. But such was not the case in ancient Israel, so we should appreciate the care for their markers.
God gave property to men, and He protects it. Here is one of the great laws of God's wisdom in governing a people. The commandment "Thou shalt not steal" protects the property of others and includes our proverb's warning. In fact, the LORD condemned even desiring the property of others with his commandment, "Thou shalt not covet."
The Law of Moses stated clearly the purpose and protection of landmarks (Deut 19:14), and a curse was pronounced in public worship against anyone tampering with them (Deut 27:17). Job listed this as one of the heinous crimes of the wicked (Job 24:2), and the Lord compared the evil princes of Judah to those who would move the bound (Hos 5:10).
We have encountered the wise man's warning about business fraud before, for it is a sure temptation of life (11:1; 16:11; 20:10,23). See the comments on 16:11.
Now dear reader, should we merely smile at the quaint real estate practices of the past, or should we seek God's wisdom in these words? Let us seek to learn. For providing things honest is a rule of the New Testament (Rom 12:17; II Cor 8:21; I Pet 3:16).
The chief thrust of the lesson is to reject any secret fraud or clandestine encroachment on the property of another, even if you have not used force. For though men do not see your actions, God does see them; and you are violating the just rights of your fellow man.
If we broaden our lesson, it condemns transactions without established terms. Before entering a business deal or commitment, the details of the arrangement should be defined, so that neither party suffers unjust loss nor do disputes arise in the future.
It condemns altering covenants or commitments, whether written or oral, in which another party would suffer loss. We must fulfill our commitments and provide things honest in the sight of all men. If we give our word, let us exceed others' expectations.
It condemns all fraudulent arts, forgeries, concealments, altering, or compromise in business transactions. Every business owner knows shortcuts that can enhance profits at the expense of the customer. Such base thoughts should not occur in a sanctified heart.
It condemns foolish and unnecessary squabbles with neighbors that should have been avoided by maintaining better communication. It is better to be defrauded than fight.
It condemns the breaking of settled customs, even if not in writing. He is not a godly man who excuses himself because a contract was not in writing, if the performance was expected. Noble men do not quote the constitution or some other dusty relic as the basis for their actions; men of principle fulfill the accepted expectation of society in the discharge of his transactions, regardless of any provision or idea that could excuse him.
If you have taken the name of Christ, dear reader, then let your conduct in all transactions and dealings with others be with complete honesty and open fairness. It would be better to suffer loss, then to compromise the property rights of others or offend the great King.
Here is a quaint proverb with a sober warning - never compromise your integrity in any business dealings, especially not in a subtle manner, which would defraud another person of their property. The lesson is taken from the old custom of leaving landmarks to distinguish property lines and boundaries. And our Preacher condemned it also in 23:10.
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