Proverbs 25
Proverbs 25 is a collection of Solomon's proverbs, which were compiled by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah. These sayings emphasize practical wisdom and advice for righteous living, particularly in the context of relationships with others, leadership, and justice. The proverbs here continue to encourage moral integrity, proper speech, humility, and godly decision-making, giving timeless insights into human behavior.
Proverbs 25:1-3 (NKJV)
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
These verses emphasize that God, in His wisdom, conceals certain things, as His knowledge and purposes are beyond human comprehension. On the other hand, kings (or leaders) are responsible for seeking out truth and administering justice. The depth of a king’s heart and decisions can be mysterious, much like the vastness of the heavens and the earth, highlighting the complexity of leadership.
Proverbs 25:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Just as impurities are removed from silver to make it pure, wickedness must be removed from the presence of a king for his rule to be stable and righteous. A just ruler must surround himself with good counsel and moral integrity to lead with wisdom, ensuring the strength and stability of his kingdom.
Proverbs 25:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;
7 For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
These verses teach the importance of humility, especially in the presence of authority. It is better to be humble and let others promote you than to assume a position of honor and then be humiliated when asked to step down. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:10 about seeking the lowest place at a banquet.
Proverbs 25:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Do not go hastily to court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.
These verses caution against rushing into legal disputes. It is wise to resolve conflicts privately, discussing issues directly with the other party rather than exposing secrets or escalating the situation unnecessarily. If handled poorly, you risk public embarrassment and damage to your reputation.
Proverbs 25:11-12 (NKJV)
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
Words spoken at the right time and with wisdom are compared to beautiful and valuable objects—gold apples set in silver. Similarly, a wise rebuke, when accepted by someone willing to listen and learn, is as precious as fine gold jewelry. This highlights the value of well-timed and constructive communication.
Proverbs 25:13 (NKJV)
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
This verse illustrates how a faithful and reliable messenger brings great comfort and relief to those who send him, much like the refreshing coolness of snow during the heat of harvest. Trustworthy people in positions of responsibility bring peace and satisfaction to those who rely on them.
Proverbs 25:14 (NKJV)
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.
Empty promises of generosity are compared to clouds and wind that bring no rain. Just as people expect rain from clouds, others may expect kindness from a boastful person, but their false claims leave them disappointed. This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and delivering on promises.
Proverbs 25:15 (NKJV)
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
Patience and gentle speech can influence even the most powerful individuals. A calm and persistent approach can achieve more than harsh words or force. Just as gentle persistence can bend what seems unbreakable, wise communication is more effective than aggression.
Proverbs 25:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
These verses warn against overindulgence and overstaying one’s welcome. Just as too much honey can make you sick, excessive visits to a neighbor’s house can wear out the relationship. Moderation and respect for boundaries are key to maintaining good relations.
Proverbs 25:18-19 (NKJV)
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
A false witness causes great harm, likened to dangerous weapons, while relying on an unfaithful person in difficult times is painful and unreliable, like a painful tooth or a sprained foot. Both teach the consequences of dishonesty and unreliability in relationships.
Proverbs 25:20 (NKJV)
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Trying to cheer up someone who is deeply sad with frivolous songs is as ineffective and hurtful as taking away someone’s coat in the cold. It’s important to approach others’ grief with sensitivity rather than lightheartedness that doesn’t match their emotional state.
Proverbs 25:21-22 (NKJV)
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
These verses encourage kindness even to one’s enemies. By showing generosity, you not only obey God’s commands, but you may also cause your enemy to feel remorse for their actions. Ultimately, God will reward such kindness, transforming relationships through mercy.
Proverbs 25:23 (NKJV)
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
Just as the north wind brings rain, gossip and slander provoke anger and conflict. This proverb warns against the destructive power of a malicious tongue, which can stir up tension and harm relationships.
Proverbs 25:24 (NKJV)
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
This proverb highlights the misery of living with constant conflict. It suggests that it is better to live in a small, uncomfortable space than to share a home with someone who is argumentative and difficult, emphasizing the value of peace in relationships.
Proverbs 25:25 (NKJV)
25 As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.
Good news, like refreshing cold water to someone who is thirsty, revives and uplifts the spirit. This emphasizes the importance of positive and encouraging words, especially when coming from a distant place.
Proverbs 25:26 (NKJV)
26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well.
When a righteous person gives in to wickedness or fails to uphold justice, it is as disappointing and harmful as a polluted well or a muddy spring. This imagery stresses the importance of maintaining integrity and strength in the face of adversity.
Proverbs 25:27 (NKJV)
27 It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.
Just as eating too much honey can make one sick, seeking too much personal praise or honor is detrimental. True glory comes from humility and righteousness, not from excessive self-promotion.
Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.
This final verse compares a lack of self-control to a city without walls, vulnerable to attack and destruction. Without self-discipline, a person becomes defenseless against harmful behaviors, highlighting the critical importance of mastering one’s emotions and desires.