Proverbs 25:6

6 When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important. ¹

Proverbs 25:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:6

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king
Intrude not thyself into his presence; or rush not into it in a rude and irreverent way; or be not ambitious to be a courtier: or "do not appear glorious", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; or "honour thyself"

---

FOOTNOTES:

F1 as the word signifies; do not appear too gay at court, or make too splendid an appearance, above thy fortune and station; and which may seem to vie with and outdo the king himself, which will not be well taken; princes love not to be equalled, and much less excelled; and stand not in the place of great [men];
where the king's family or his nobles should stand, his ministers and counsellors of state, and those that wait upon him.
F1 (rdhtt la) "ne tibi assumas honorem", Cocceius; "ne honores teipsum", Michaelis; "ne magnificum te facias", Schultens; "ne magnifices te", Pagninus, Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 25:6 In-Context

4 Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce a thing of beauty.

5 Keep evil advisers away from the king and his government will be known for its justice.

6 When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important.

7 It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important.

8 Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?

Cross References

• 1. 25.6, 7Luke 14.8-10.