Proverbs 25:7

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ט֥וֹב For better H2896
ט֥וֹב For better
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 2 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲמָר it is that it be said H559
אֲמָר it is that it be said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
לְךָ֗ H0
לְךָ֗
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 12
עֲֽלֵ֫ה unto thee Come up H5927
עֲֽלֵ֫ה unto thee Come up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 5 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הֵ֥נָּה H2008
הֵ֥נָּה
Strong's: H2008
Word #: 6 of 12
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)
מֵֽ֭הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְךָ hither than that thou shouldest be put lower H8213
מֵֽ֭הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְךָ hither than that thou shouldest be put lower
Strong's: H8213
Word #: 7 of 12
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
לִפְנֵ֣י in the presence H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י in the presence
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 8 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
נָדִ֑יב of the prince H5081
נָדִ֑יב of the prince
Strong's: H5081
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָא֣וּ have seen H7200
רָא֣וּ have seen
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 11 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֵינֶֽיךָ׃ whom thine eyes H5869
עֵינֶֽיךָ׃ whom thine eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 12 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis & Commentary

Better to be told 'Come up here' than humiliated before nobles. The Hebrew 'alah' (go up/ascend) versus 'shaphel' (be made low/humiliated) describes honor versus shame. Humility that's later exalted experiences greater glory than pride that's publicly humiliated. Tactical wisdom joins moral virtue here: humility is both right and smart. Pride brings fall; humility brings honor. This anticipates James 4:10: 'Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.'

Historical Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures made public humiliation devastating. Being demoted publicly destroyed reputation and social standing. Conversely, public elevation brought honor to whole family. This verse offers both moral teaching (be humble) and practical wisdom (humility works better). Throughout Scripture, God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Questions for Reflection