Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Original Language Analysis
רִֽ֭יבְךָ
Debate
H7378
רִֽ֭יבְךָ
Debate
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְס֖וֹד
not a secret
H5475
וְס֖וֹד
not a secret
Strong's:
H5475
Word #:
5 of 8
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures made reputation protection crucial. Publicly exposing someone's faults or secrets before attempting private resolution violated social ethics. This wisdom persists: Matthew 18:15-17 prescribes graduated conflict resolution - private confrontation first, witnesses second, church involvement third, public separation last. Always pursue private resolution before public exposure.
Questions for Reflection
- What conflicts have you made public without first attempting private resolution?
- How can you protect others' reputations while still addressing legitimate grievances?
- What secrets or confidences are you tempted to reveal in disputes, and how would wisdom restrain you?
Analysis & Commentary
Debate your case with your neighbor privately; don't reveal another's secret. The Hebrew 'riyb' (dispute/plead) and 'galah sowd' (reveal secret/expose confidence) commands private resolution before public exposure. If offended, confront privately first. Don't gossip or expose secrets during disputes. This wisdom protects both parties' reputations while seeking resolution. Jesus taught identically: 'If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone' (Matthew 18:15).