Proverbs 25:14

14 Whosoever boasts in a gift of falsehood is like clouds and wind without rain.

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 As an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is he who reproves a wise man who has a docile ear.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those that send him, for he refreshes the soul of his master.
14 Whosoever boasts in a gift of falsehood is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 By long forbearing a prince is persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.
16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010