Proverbs 29:10 But we still need to pray for them

The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.

There are two ways to interpret this verse, according to the commentaries . . . first, the wicked and bloodthirsty people hate the blameless ones, but in contrast, the upright people want to help those blameless people.
Like this:

Second, the bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the blameless (because they are upright) seek to help the bloodthirsty, wicked people.

Personally, from studying this, I think that the second way to interpret it is the correct one. But you know, it really doesn't matter, because it is an important principle either way!

If Solomon was saying that the blameless people would come under fire from the wicked, or bloodthirsty, and the upright and righteous should come to their aid --- I have to agree that this is something we should do, don't you think? We've studied verses before that told us to defend the righteous, and stand up for them.

On the other hand, we've also studied verses that have exhorted us to think positive thoughts, do good things, and pray for the people who would persecute and oppress us.

Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11″Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. 12″Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

And . . .

Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.

So, no matter which way we interpret this verse, there are good instructions here for us, if we will listen and obey!