Proverbs 25:14

14 Like ¹clouds and wind without rain is a man who ²boasts of a gift he does not give.

Proverbs 25:14 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:14

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift
Of his charity and alms deeds; bragging of great things he does this way, when he does nothing; or who is very vain in making large promises of what he will give, when he does not perform; either not having it in his heart, or in the power of his hands, to give what he promises; Satan like, who offered to give all the kingdoms of this world to Christ, if he would worship him, when nothing of it belonged unto him, or was in his power to give: and so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "a glorious man"; that is, a vainglorious man, and "not fulfilling promises". It may very well be applied to false teachers, who boast of their gifts and spiritual knowledge, when they have none; speaking great swelling words of vanity, when they are empty of all that is good, and are as follow: [is like] like clouds and wind without rain;
which make a show and appearance of rain, promise much, but produce none; see ( 2 Peter 2:17 2 Peter 2:18 ) ( Jude 1:12 ) .

Proverbs 25:14 In-Context

12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

Cross References

• 1. Jude 12
• 2. Proverbs 20:6