Proverbs 25:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
מַ֥עֲדֶה
As he that taketh away
H5710
מַ֥עֲדֶה
As he that taketh away
Strong's:
H5710
Word #:
1 of 12
to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)
בְּי֣וֹם
weather
H3117
בְּי֣וֹם
weather
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נָ֑תֶר
upon nitre
H5427
נָ֑תֶר
upon nitre
Strong's:
H5427
Word #:
7 of 12
mineral potash (so called from effervescing with acid)
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Ecclesiastes 3:4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Historical Context
Job's friends initially demonstrated wisdom: 'They sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great' (Job 2:13). Their folly began when they offered theological explanations instead of empathetic presence. Jesus wept with those who mourned (John 11:35). Ecclesiastes 3:4 recognizes 'a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.'
Questions for Reflection
- When have you offered inappropriate cheerfulness to someone needing empathy?
- How can you develop sensitivity to match your response to others' emotional states?
- What does true comfort look like for those carrying heavy hearts?
Analysis & Commentary
Singing songs to a heavy heart is like taking away garments in cold or vinegar on soda. The Hebrew 'shir shiyr' (sing songs) to 'lev ra' (evil/sad heart) creates dissonance. The imagery: removing warmth when cold, adding acid to alkali (creating harsh reaction). Inappropriate cheerfulness to someone grieving is insensitive. Wisdom requires matching response to situation. Romans 12:15 commands: 'Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.' Empathy, not forced cheerfulness, comforts the suffering.