Proverbs 25:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 25:10
10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 25 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, truth, obedience. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 25:10
10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Analysis
Lest the hearer reproach you, and your infamy not turn away. The Hebrew 'chasad' (reproach/put to shame) and 'dibah' (infamy/evil report) describe reputational damage from revealed secrets. If you expose others' secrets in disputes, hearers will distrust you - if you revealed their secret, you'll reveal mine. Trustworthiness requires confidence-keeping. Those who expose secrets lose others' trust. This warns: preserving reputation requires preserving others' confidences.
Historical Context
Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes speech's power and discretion's value (11:13, 20:19, 25:9). Ancient communities depended on trust; reputation mattered immensely. Someone known for revealing secrets faced social isolation. Modern social media culture encouraging public exposure violates this wisdom. Viral shaming and public callouts damage both exposed and exposer. Wisdom maintains discretion.
Reflection
- What reputation damage have you suffered from revealing others' secrets or having yours revealed?
- How can you cultivate trustworthiness through confident discretion?
- What temptations to expose others' faults publicly need to be resisted through private resolution?