Proverbs 24:12

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

If [ kiy (H3588 ), But if: For if] thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not (i:e., the particulars of his case; or any way to deliver him); doth not he that pondereth the heart (Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2) consider (it)?-whether thy excuse be a valid or feigned one? whether thy reason for not delivering thy neighbour was selfish love of personal ease and safety, unconcern about others, fear of man, or real ignorance and inability

And he that keepeth thy soul - whereas thou hast no care to keep the lives or souls of others. Gejer translates, 'He who observes thy soul,' and sees thy excuses to be subterfuges.

Shall (not) he render to (every) man according to his works? - according to works of charity (among other tests), either performed or omitted (Matthew 25:31).