Proverbs 25 Commentary: Discovering Wisdom and Navigating Relationships
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Proverbs 25, a treasure trove of practical wisdom, offers guidance on everything from leadership and personal relationships to self-control and dealing with enemies. It stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of godly principles in everyday life. This chapter, along with chapters 26 through 29, distinguishes itself as a collection compiled approximately 250 years after Solomon's reign by scribes under the direction of King Hezekiah of Judah (Proverbs 25:1). These proverbs, carefully gleaned from other records, were added to the existing scrolls of Solomon's wisdom, highlighting the timeless nature of truth and the importance of preserving it for future generations. The very first verse indicates that these were copied from existing records into the scrolls associated with the proverbs that came before.
The Glory of God and the Honor of Kings (Proverbs 25:1-3)
The chapter opens by contrasting the nature of God and the role of kings. "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out" (Proverbs 25:2). Part of God's glory is revealed in the things about Him we cannot comprehend, since He knows what we cannot know. God, in His perfection, has the prerogative to reveal what He chooses. Kings, on the other hand, are honored for their diligence in pursuing wisdom and understanding. It is the duty and honor of rulers to investigate and discover the wisdom God has concealed in the world. This pursuit of knowledge is not merely academic; it's essential for just and effective governance.
Verse 3 adds another layer of complexity: "As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable." This doesn't imply that kings are inherently deceptive, but rather that the weight of their responsibilities and the complexities of their decisions often require them to keep their own counsel. Rulers keep close counsel.
Justice, Humility, and Wise Counsel (Proverbs 25:4-10)
These verses delve into the importance of just leadership and the dangers of pride. Just as a silversmith refines silver by removing impurities (Proverbs 25:4), a king must purify his government by removing wicked influences (Proverbs 25:5). This implies that just government requires just officials. Only by surrounding himself with righteous advisors can a leader ensure fairness and integrity in his rule. See Proverbs 14:28-35; 16:10-15; 19:12.
The passage then warns against self-promotion and hasty conflict. "Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men" (Proverbs 25:6). As Solomon will say in Proverbs 27:2, “let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” No one likes to hear a braggart. Jesus told a parable that similarly condemns pride and praises humility (Luke 14:7-11), so let the Lord exalt you. See Proverbs 6:16-17; 13:10; 27:1. Instead, humility and discretion are encouraged. Similarly, Proverbs 25:8-10 advises caution in pursuing legal disputes. Don’t be quick to sue someone. You might be overestimating your chances of winning the case and end up humiliated. Make every effort to settle out of court.
The Power of Words and Trustworthiness (Proverbs 25:11-14)
This section highlights the impact of well-chosen words and the value of a trustworthy character. "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). Most of us don’t like to be corrected, or have to correct someone else, even when such is needed. One reason may be that we don’t know what to say, or we’re afraid our words will be taken in the wrong way. But for our encouragement, Solomon reminds us, A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings. A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring. Even a wise word spoken at the wrong time can stir up flames of anger and cause pain, but the right word at the right time brings healing. The right word, delivered with wisdom and grace, can have a profound and lasting impact.
Conversely, the passage emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness. "Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master" (Proverbs 25:13). Few things are as highly valued as being trustworthy. Employers want employees whom they can trust to work diligently and with integrity. People want friends whom they can confide in without risk of betrayal. Add trustworthiness to your character, then, and watch your usefulness to God expand. You’ll be like the coolness of snow on a harvest day. By contrast, the one who boasts is like clouds and wind without rain (Proverbs 25:14)—all hot air and empty promises.
Moderation, Reliability, and Kindness (Proverbs 25:15-28)
The final verses of Proverbs 25 offer a collection of practical insights on various aspects of life. Proverbs 25:15 reminds us of Jesus’s parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). Patient persistence pays off.
Moderation is key: "If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit" (Proverbs 25:16). It’s possible to have too much of a good thing. A sweet treat tastes great, but overindulgence will make you sick. In the same way, it’s good to be a friendly neighbor. But if you darken your neighbor’s door too often, he’ll get sick of you (Proverbs 25:17). Don’t be high-maintenance.
Reliability is essential: "Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor" (Proverbs 25:18). Solomon has praised trustworthiness. So to what does he compare an unreliable person? A club, a sword, or a sharp arrow . . . a rotten tooth, and a faltering foot. In other words, a person whose words are false inevitably brings harm to others.
Kindness is powerful: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you" (Proverbs 25:21-22). Solomon gives us another dose of godly advice that runs contrary to worldly thinking. Paul drew on this passage in Romans 12:19-21 to remind believers to conquer evil with good. Do good to those who hate you and leave their judgment to God.
Finally, the chapter concludes with warnings against backbiting, nagging, and lack of self-control (Proverbs 25:23-28). These verses graphically demonstrate that our actions can either bless others or wear them out. Solomon condemns the backbiting tongue (Proverbs 25:23), the nagging wife (Proverbs 25:24), the glory seeker (Proverbs 25:27), and the person who does not control his temper (Proverbs 25:28). Do any of these describe you? If so, it’s time to change course. Do you want people to think of you as cold water to a parched throat (Proverbs 25:25) or as a polluted well (Proverbs 25:26)?
Proverbs 25 offers a wealth of practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing humility, pursuing justice, cultivating trustworthiness, and practicing kindness, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us.
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Proverbs 25, a treasure trove of practical wisdom, offers guidance on everything from leadership and personal relationships to self-control and dealing with enemies. It stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of godly principles in everyday life. This chapter, along with chapters 26 through 29, distinguishes itself as a collection compiled approximately 250 years after Solomon's reign by scribes under the direction of King Hezekiah of Judah (Proverbs 25:1). These proverbs, carefully gleaned from other records, were added to the existing scrolls of Solomon's wisdom, highlighting the timeless nature of truth and the importance of preserving it for future generations. The very first verse indicates that these were copied from existing records into the scrolls associated with the proverbs that came before.
The Glory of God and the Honor of Kings (Proverbs 25:1-3)
The chapter opens by contrasting the nature of God and the role of kings. "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out" (Proverbs 25:2). Part of God's glory is revealed in the things about Him we cannot comprehend, since He knows what we cannot know. God, in His perfection, has the prerogative to reveal what He chooses. Kings, on the other hand, are honored for their diligence in pursuing wisdom and understanding. It is the duty and honor of rulers to investigate and discover the wisdom God has concealed in the world. This pursuit of knowledge is not merely academic; it's essential for just and effective governance.
Verse 3 adds another layer of complexity: "As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable." This doesn't imply that kings are inherently deceptive, but rather that the weight of their responsibilities and the complexities of their decisions often require them to keep their own counsel. Rulers keep close counsel.
Justice, Humility, and Wise Counsel (Proverbs 25:4-10)
These verses delve into the importance of just leadership and the dangers of pride. Just as a silversmith refines silver by removing impurities (Proverbs 25:4), a king must purify his government by removing wicked influences (Proverbs 25:5). This implies that just government requires just officials. Only by surrounding himself with righteous advisors can a leader ensure fairness and integrity in his rule. See Proverbs 14:28-35; 16:10-15; 19:12.
The passage then warns against self-promotion and hasty conflict. "Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men" (Proverbs 25:6). As Solomon will say in Proverbs 27:2, “let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” No one likes to hear a braggart. Jesus told a parable that similarly condemns pride and praises humility (Luke 14:7-11), so let the Lord exalt you. See Proverbs 6:16-17; 13:10; 27:1. Instead, humility and discretion are encouraged. Similarly, Proverbs 25:8-10 advises caution in pursuing legal disputes. Don’t be quick to sue someone. You might be overestimating your chances of winning the case and end up humiliated. Make every effort to settle out of court.
The Power of Words and Trustworthiness (Proverbs 25:11-14)
This section highlights the impact of well-chosen words and the value of a trustworthy character. "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). Most of us don’t like to be corrected, or have to correct someone else, even when such is needed. One reason may be that we don’t know what to say, or we’re afraid our words will be taken in the wrong way. But for our encouragement, Solomon reminds us, A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings. A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring. Even a wise word spoken at the wrong time can stir up flames of anger and cause pain, but the right word at the right time brings healing. The right word, delivered with wisdom and grace, can have a profound and lasting impact.
Conversely, the passage emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness. "Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master" (Proverbs 25:13). Few things are as highly valued as being trustworthy. Employers want employees whom they can trust to work diligently and with integrity. People want friends whom they can confide in without risk of betrayal. Add trustworthiness to your character, then, and watch your usefulness to God expand. You’ll be like the coolness of snow on a harvest day. By contrast, the one who boasts is like clouds and wind without rain (Proverbs 25:14)—all hot air and empty promises.
Moderation, Reliability, and Kindness (Proverbs 25:15-28)
The final verses of Proverbs 25 offer a collection of practical insights on various aspects of life. Proverbs 25:15 reminds us of Jesus’s parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). Patient persistence pays off.
Moderation is key: "If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit" (Proverbs 25:16). It’s possible to have too much of a good thing. A sweet treat tastes great, but overindulgence will make you sick. In the same way, it’s good to be a friendly neighbor. But if you darken your neighbor’s door too often, he’ll get sick of you (Proverbs 25:17). Don’t be high-maintenance.
Reliability is essential: "Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor" (Proverbs 25:18). Solomon has praised trustworthiness. So to what does he compare an unreliable person? A club, a sword, or a sharp arrow . . . a rotten tooth, and a faltering foot. In other words, a person whose words are false inevitably brings harm to others.
Kindness is powerful: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you" (Proverbs 25:21-22). Solomon gives us another dose of godly advice that runs contrary to worldly thinking. Paul drew on this passage in Romans 12:19-21 to remind believers to conquer evil with good. Do good to those who hate you and leave their judgment to God.
Finally, the chapter concludes with warnings against backbiting, nagging, and lack of self-control (Proverbs 25:23-28). These verses graphically demonstrate that our actions can either bless others or wear them out. Solomon condemns the backbiting tongue (Proverbs 25:23), the nagging wife (Proverbs 25:24), the glory seeker (Proverbs 25:27), and the person who does not control his temper (Proverbs 25:28). Do any of these describe you? If so, it’s time to change course. Do you want people to think of you as cold water to a parched throat (Proverbs 25:25) or as a polluted well (Proverbs 25:26)?
Proverbs 25 offers a wealth of practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing humility, pursuing justice, cultivating trustworthiness, and practicing kindness, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us.