Proverbs 29:24

24. Partner with a thief Divides with a thief, each taking part.

He heareth cursing The curse against theft, (Leviticus 5:1,) or he hears the adjuration or oath administered to him.

Bewrayeth it not Will not reveal the secret will not inform because he would implicate both himself and others. Comp. also Judges 17:2. “The explanation of the proverb is found in the Jewish method of dealing with theft. On the first discovery of the fact the person wronged, (as in Judges 17:2,) or the judge of the city, (as in Leviticus 5:1,) pronounced a solemn curse, alike on the thief himself and on all who, knowing the offence, were unwilling to give evidence against the wrong doer. The accomplice of the thief hears that curse and yet is silent, and so falls under it, and destroys his own soul.” Speaker’s Commentary.