Here's a breakdown:
* Guilty conscience: A feeling of unease, shame, or remorse stemming from a belief that one has done something wrong.
* Needs no accuser: Implies that the person's own conscience is enough to make them feel guilty and suffer the consequences of their actions.
Meaning: This proverb highlights the power of a guilty conscience. It suggests that even if a person can escape external punishment or judgment, they cannot escape the internal torment of their own guilt.
Example: A thief might manage to steal without getting caught, but they might still feel guilty about their actions and suffer from anxiety or paranoia.
Similar Proverbs:
* "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1)
* "A guilty mind is always suspicious."
This proverb emphasizes the idea that inner moral compass can be a powerful force and that trying to hide from it is often more difficult than facing the consequences of one's actions.