Proverbs 25:7

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

Proverbs 25:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:7

For better [it is] that it be said unto thee, Come up hither,
&c.] It is much more to thine honour and credit to seat thyself in a place rather beneath than above thee; which being observed by some of the officers at court, or by him whose business it is to look after such things, he will beckon or call to thee to come up to a higher and more honourable place: than that thou shouldest be put lower, in the presence of the prince
whom thine eyes have seen;
than that thou shouldest be thrust away with a severe rebuke for thy boldness and arrogance, in approaching too near the king's person, and taking the place of some great man, which did not become thee, and be forced down to a lower place, to thy great mortification; and the more, as this will be in the presence of the prince thou hadst the curiosity of seeing, and the ambition of making thyself acceptable to, by a gay and splendid appearance; and now with great disgrace turned out of his presence, or at least driven to a great distance from him. Our Lord seems to refer to this passage, in ( Luke 14:8-10 ) .

Proverbs 25:7 In-Context

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?

9 If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets.