Proverbs 25:14

14 [Like] clouds and wind when there is no rain, [so too is] a man who boasts in a gift of deception.

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 A ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold [is] a rebuke of the wise to the ear of a listener.
13 Like the cold of snow on a day of harvest [is] a faithful messenger to those who send him, and the soul of his master is refreshed.
14 [Like] clouds and wind when there is no rain, [so too is] a man who boasts in a gift of deception.
15 {With patience} a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
16 [If] you find honey, eat what is sufficient for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it out.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.