FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation Proverbs 25:9
KJVDebate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Read it in context
More Proverbs of Solomon
Start reading at Proverbs 25:1 (Proverbs 25:1 to Proverbs 25:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
- 25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
- 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
- 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
- 25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
- 25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
- 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
- 25:7 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.
- 25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
- 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
- 25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
- 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
- 25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
- 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
- 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
- 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
- 25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
- 25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
- 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
- 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
- 25:20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
- 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
- 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
- 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
- 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
- 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
- 25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
- 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
- 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 25:1–29:27): The collected proverbs instruct learners, including those concerned with royal service and public conduct. The named roles are subjects of instruction rather than one assembled audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? More Proverbs of Solomon. Read Proverbs 25:1 through Proverbs 25:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in More Proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs 25:1 to Proverbs 25:28). Start reading at Proverbs 25:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 25:1, Proverbs 25:28, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- with Matt 18:5-17
- a secret to another Prov 11:13 Prov 20:19
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 25
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.