Proverbs 25:14

14 Like ¹clouds and ²wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

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 an earring of gold and an ornament of fine 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, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

16 Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, That you not have it in excess and vomit it.

Cross References

• 1. Jude 12
• 2. Jeremiah 5:13; Micah 2:11

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "in a gift of falsehood"