Proverbs 25:17
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
Original Language Analysis
הֹקַ֣ר
Withdraw
H3365
הֹקַ֣ר
Withdraw
Strong's:
H3365
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)
רַ֭גְלְךָ
thy foot
H7272
רַ֭גְלְךָ
thy foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
2 of 7
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
מִבֵּ֣ית
house
H1004
מִבֵּ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern hospitality valued generosity, but wisdom recognized limits. Even good hosts have limited capacity for guests. Modern culture's connectivity makes this harder - constant texting, social media presence, unlimited accessibility. Boundaries seem unfriendly but actually preserve relationships. Ecclesiastes 3:5 recognizes 'a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.'
Questions for Reflection
- What relationships are you straining by overstaying welcome or demanding constant attention?
- How can you establish healthy boundaries that preserve friendships rather than straining them?
- What does it mean to make your presence 'precious' through appropriate limits?
Analysis & Commentary
Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house, lest he weary of you and hate you. The Hebrew 'yaqar' (rare/precious/honor) your foot and 'quwts' (loathe/be grieved) warns against overstaying welcome. Even good friendships need space. Constant presence breeds contempt; appropriate distance maintains appreciation. This verse teaches relational wisdom: respect boundaries, don't overstay, give space. Familiarity can breed contempt without intentional boundaries.