Proverbs 22:28

Do not move an ancient boundary stone ¹  which was put in place by your ancestors. ² 

Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set.

Do not steal your neighbor’s property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors.

Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.

Let not the old landmark be moved which your fathers have put in place.

Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.

Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.

Do not move an ancient boundary stone ¹  which was put in place by your ancestors. ² 

¹ sn Moving a boundary stone was (and still is) a major problem. The boundaries that were established by the forefathers were to be preserved, but no law would stop such violations if people lacked integrity (e.g., Deut 19:14; 27:17; 1 Kgs 21:16-19). Boundaries in Israel were sacred because God owned the land and he apportioned the property to the tribes. To extend one’s property illegally by moving a neighbor’s boundary marker was a violation of covenant and oath. Of course, disputes could arise when both sides claim their ancestors established a boundary.

² tn Heb “your fathers” (so NAB, NASB).

sn The fourth saying deals with respect for property that belongs to other people (cf. Instruction of Amenemope, chap. 6, 7:12-13 [ANET 422]).