Proverbs 25

CHAPTER 25

More Proverbs of Solomon (25:1–28)

1–28 Verses 1–2: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. God doesn’t “conceal” things from us that we need to know; it’s just that His thoughts and ways are too high for us to fully understand (see Romans 11:33–36). An earthly king gets “glory” when he is given wisdom to search out a matter—to learn the truth and to administer justice (1 Kings 3:9; 4:34).

Verses 4–5: Among a king’s advisors there may be some wicked, self-serving people; when these people are removed from his presence, righteousness will prevail in his government (see Proverbs 16:12; 20:8,26).

Verses 6–7: Humans have a natural tendency to seek places of honor, to promote themselves. When they do, they set themselves up for a “demotion”! (see Luke 14:7–11).

Verse 8: This saying warns us not to be hasty in bringing an accusation against someone; if there’s an error in our accusation, we shall end up being put to shame. First of all, we probably don’t know all the facts; the one we are accusing may have a legitimate explanation for his behavior. Second, it’s much better to speak directly to the person we are thinking to accuse; in the case of a fellow Christian, it is required. Jesus taught us what to do when a brother sins against us: we are to go first to that brother (see Matthew 18:15–17).

Verses 9–10: In an argument with a neighbor, we must not betray another man’s confidence—tell his secret—in order to defend ourselves; if we do, we become a gossip (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19). We will also lose our good reputation, which is one of life’s most valuable possessions (Proverbs 22:1).

Verse 14: There are those who boastfully promise what they cannot deliver—or do not intend to deliver. They are unproductive and disappointing, like clouds that bring no rain.

Verse 15: A gentle tongue is very persuasive; it can break a bone—that is, it can break down stiff opposition.

Verses 16–17: Anything taken to excess can become distasteful; moderation leads to the fullest enjoyment of life’s blessings. This principle applies to our own presence as well: it’s possible for our neighbor to see too much of us! We must not “wear out our welcome.”

Verse 20: One who sings songs to a heavy heart lacks sensitivity. Insensitive people cause discomfort to others; they can be irritating—like vinegar poured on soda. We need to develop the qualities of sensitivity and empathy; we need to learn to put ourselves “in other people’s shoes.”

Verses 21–22: These verses teach us how to overcome evil with good; Paul quotes them in Romans 12:20. Jesus commanded us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43–44); Moses told us to be kind to them (Exodus 23:4–5). When we are kind to our enemy, we heap burning coals on his head—that is, we cause him to “burn with shame” over the wrong he has done us. Our kindness may lead him to repent of his wrong and even become our friend. However, the “burning coals” can also symbolize God’s judgment; if our enemy does not repent, our kindness to him makes his offense worse by contrast and his judgment more severe. Regardless of our enemy’s response, the Lord will reward us for the kindness we have shown him.

Verse 23: This saying teaches that just as a north wind brings rain (in the Middle East), so a sly (crafty, scheming) tongue brings angry looks; the results are predictable.

Verse 26: It is bad enough when a simple person gives way to the wicked; it’s even worse when a righteous person does so. That righteous person is like a pure water source that has become muddied or polluted.

Verse 27: This verse describes two things a wise or moderate person should not do: overindulge (verses 16–17), and seek honor (verses 6–7).

Verse 28: It is easier to take a city than to control one’s self (see Proverbs 16:32); self-control is essential to our fruitfulness as Christians. Without self-control we are defenseless against our passions; we are like a city with broken walls. Some people seem to have natural self-control, but it is never complete; controlling one’s self means controlling not only words and actions but also thoughts and feelings—something much more difficult. In fact, we need the Holy Spirit’s help; self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Without the Spirit, we can’t live out these proverbs; without the Spirit, we can’t lead a Christian life.