Proverbs 28:25
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Original Language Analysis
רְחַב
He that is of a proud
H7342
רְחַב
He that is of a proud
Strong's:
H7342
Word #:
1 of 8
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
נֶ֭פֶשׁ
heart
H5315
נֶ֭פֶשׁ
heart
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יְגָרֶ֣ה
stirreth up
H1624
יְגָרֶ֣ה
stirreth up
Strong's:
H1624
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
וּבֹטֵ֖חַ
but he that putteth his trust
H982
וּבֹטֵ֖חַ
but he that putteth his trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Proverbs 11:25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.Proverbs 13:10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.Psalms 84:12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Proverbs 21:24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
Historical Context
Israel's history repeatedly demonstrated this principle: humble trust brought prosperity (Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20); proud self-reliance brought disaster (Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Jesus embodied ultimate humility (Philippians 2:5-11), entrusting Himself to the Father; God exalted Him to the highest place.
Questions for Reflection
- Where does pride create strife in your relationships—and how might humility bring peace?
- What insecurities drive your need to be right, to win arguments, to defend yourself?
- How would deeper trust in God's vindication free you from proud self-assertion?
Analysis & Commentary
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife (רְחַב־לֵב יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן, rechav-lev yegareh madon)—רָחָב (rachav, 'wide, broad') לֵב (lev, 'heart') suggests arrogance, the inflated ego. This גָּרָה (garah, 'stirs up, provokes') מָדוֹן (madon, 'strife, contention, quarreling'). Pride demands its way, refuses correction, resents challenges. Proverbs 13:10: 'Only by pride cometh contention.' James 4:1-2 traces wars to selfish desires.
But he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat (וּבוֹטֵחַ עַל־יְהוָה יְדֻשָּׁן, uvoteach al-YHWH yedusshan)—בָּטַח (batach, 'to trust, be confident, secure') in יהוה (YHWH, the covenant name of God) results in דָּשֵׁן (dashen, 'to be fat, prosperous, flourishing'). Biblical 'fatness' symbolizes abundant blessing (Genesis 27:28, Psalm 36:8). Security rooted in God produces peace; pride produces conflict. Humility trusts God's vindication; pride demands self-vindication.