7:5a–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning (these lines are from the Revised Standard Version):

5a
Put no trust in a neighbor,

5b
have no confidence in a friend;

5c
guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom;

In these lines, Micah warns the people to trust no one. He gives this warning in three parallel clauses. The degree of closeness to the other person increases in each clause.

The Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 7:5a–c, because it better follows the word choices in most versions.

7:5a

(Revised Standard Version) Put no trust in a neighbor: In Hebrew, the word trust can also mean “believe,” “have confidence,” or “rely” on another person. In Hebrew, the word neighbor can also mean “associate,” “companion,” or “friend.” It indicates a low level relationship with another person. They know each other to some extent, but they are not close friends.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

Don’t trust anyone (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Don’t believe your neighbor (Good News Translation)

7:5b

(Revised Standard Version) have no confidence in a friend: In Hebrew, the word confidence can also mean “trust,” “have confidence,” or “rely” on another person. This word is very similar in meaning to the Hebrew word for “trust” in 5a. In Hebrew, the word friend means “close friend,” “partner,” “ally,” or “companion.” It indicates a stronger relationship with another person than the word “neighbor.” They know each other fairly well and are close friends.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

not even your best friend (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
or trust your friend (Good News Translation)

7:5c

(Revised Standard Version) guard the doors of your
mouth from her who lies in your bosom: In Hebrew, the phrase guard the doors of your mouth is a figure of speech that means to be careful not to say something that will put you in danger.

In Hebrew, the word bosom refers to the part of the body between the arms. The phrase her who lies in your bosom is a way to say “your wife.” This warning indicates the most intimate kind of relationship.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

Don’t even share secrets with the one who lies in your arms! (NET Bible)
-or-
Be careful what you say even to your husband or wife. (Good News Translation)

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