Proverbs 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Original Language Analysis
נְשִׂיאִ֣ים
is like clouds
H5387
נְשִׂיאִ֣ים
is like clouds
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
וְ֭רוּחַ
and wind
H7307
וְ֭רוּחַ
and wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אִ֥ישׁ
Whoso
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
Whoso
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Proverbs 20:6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Jude 1:16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern agriculture desperately needed rain. Clouds and wind raised hopes; no rain brought devastating disappointment. James 2:15-16 condemns similar empty words: 'If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?' Actions must match words.
Questions for Reflection
- What gifts or commitments have you promised but not delivered?
- How do your unfulfilled promises affect others' trust in you?
- What changes would ensure your words match your actions consistently?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoever boasts of gifts never given is like clouds and wind without rain. The Hebrew 'hithalel' (boast/praise oneself) and 'matan sheqer' (false gift/lying donation) describe empty promises. The imagery: clouds and wind promise rain but deliver nothing. Drought-stricken farmers' disappointment when promising clouds pass without rain illustrates promise-breakers' effect. Those who commit but don't deliver frustrate and disappoint. Keep commitments or don't make them.