Proverbs 28:25

Authorized King James Version

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְחַב
He that is of a proud
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
#2
נֶ֭פֶשׁ
heart
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#3
יְגָרֶ֣ה
stirreth up
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
#4
מָד֑וֹן
strife
a contest or quarrel
#5
וּבֹטֵ֖חַ
but he that putteth his trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
יְהוָ֣ה
in the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
יְדֻשָּֽׁן׃
shall be made fat
to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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