Proverbs 25

Authorized King James Version

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More Proverbs of Solomon: Proverbs About Kings

1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. Kingdom: Proverbs 1:1. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 4:32

2 It is the gloryGlory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod). The Hebrew kavod (כָּבוֹד) literally means 'weight' or 'heaviness,' metaphorically denoting glory, honor, or majesty. God's glory (Shekinah) filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and temple (1 Kings 8:11). of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. References God: Deuteronomy 29:29, Job 40:2. Kingdom: Ezra 4:15, 4:19. Parallel theme: Job 29:16, 42:3

3 The heavenHeaven: שָׁמַיִם (Shamayim). The Hebrew shamayim (שָׁמַיִם) means heaven or sky—God's dwelling place and the realm above earth. 'The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's' (Psalm 115:16), yet 'the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him' (1 Kings 8:27). for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 4:29, Psalms 103:11, Isaiah 55:9

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:3, Ezekiel 22:18, 1 Peter 1:7

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Kingdom: Proverbs 20:8, 20:28, 29:14, 1 Kings 2:46, Esther 7:10. Righteousness: Proverbs 16:12, Isaiah 9:7, 16:5. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 2:33 +4

6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:19, 25:27, 27:2, Exodus 3:11

7 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. Parallel theme: Luke 18:14, 1 Peter 5:5

8 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. Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:12, 17:14, 18:6, 30:33, Matthew 5:25

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:13, 20:19

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

11 A wordWord: דָּבָר (Davar). The Hebrew davar (דָּבָר) means word, thing, or matter—God's creative and authoritative speech. 'By the word of the LORD were the heavens made' (Psalm 33:6). fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Word: Proverbs 15:23, Ecclesiastes 12:10, Isaiah 50:4. Parallel theme: Proverbs 24:26

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. Parallel theme: Proverbs 9:8, 15:5, 20:12, Psalms 141:5

13 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. Faith: Proverbs 13:17. Parallel theme: Proverbs 25:25, 26:6

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. Parallel theme: Proverbs 20:6, Luke 14:11, Jude 1:16

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. Parallel theme: Proverbs 15:1, 16:14, Ecclesiastes 10:4

16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Parallel theme: Proverbs 25:27, Ephesians 5:18

17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Word: Proverbs 12:18, Psalms 57:4. Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:3, 9:8, James 3:6

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. Faith: Isaiah 36:6

20 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. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 3:4, Isaiah 58:7, Romans 12:15

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: Parallel theme: Proverbs 24:17, 2 Kings 6:22, 2 Chronicles 28:15, Matthew 5:44

22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. shall reward thee. References Lord: 2 Samuel 16:12. Parallel theme: Matthew 10:13

23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. Parallel theme: Proverbs 26:20, Job 37:22, Psalms 15:3, Romans 1:30, 2 Corinthians 12:20

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. Parallel theme: Proverbs 19:13, 21:9, 21:19

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Good: Proverbs 15:30, Nahum 1:15, Romans 10:15. Parallel theme: Psalms 63:1, Revelation 21:6

26 A righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice. man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own gloryGlory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod). The Hebrew kavod (כָּבוֹד) literally means 'weight' or 'heaviness,' metaphorically denoting glory, honor, or majesty. God's glory (Shekinah) filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and temple (1 Kings 8:11). is not glory. Glory: Philippians 2:3. Parallel theme: Proverbs 27:2, John 5:44

28 He that hath no rule over his own spiritSpirit: רוּחַ (Ruach). The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) means spirit, wind, or breath—invisible but powerful. It describes both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit. God's Spirit gives life and empowers His people. is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Spirit: Proverbs 16:32. Parallel theme: Proverbs 22:24, 1 Samuel 20:30, 25:17, 2 Chronicles 32:5, Nehemiah 1:3