Proverbs 25:3

3 As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so [is] the heart of kings--there is no searching.

Proverbs 25:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:3

The heaven for height, and the earth for depth
These are eminent for what are ascribed to them; nothing is higher than the heavens, nor anything deeper than the earth; the height of the heavens cannot be reached, and the centre of the earth cannot easily be got unto; the heavens above cannot be measured, and the foundation of the earth cannot be searched beneath; at least not by common persons, whatever may be done in their way by astronomers and geometricians. And thus, as the heavens and the earth are immeasurable, ( Jeremiah 31:37 ) ; so the heart of kings [is] unsearchable;
especially such an one as Solomon was, who had largeness of heart as the sand on the seashore: and this must be understood of such who have the art of governing; for some are so weak in their conduct, and so much expose themselves, that it is easy to see what is in their hearts, and what are the springs of their actions. Wise princes lay their schemes deep, and conceal their designs, and keep their reasons of state secret, so that it is not an easy thing to penetrate into their councils and views: for this does not so much respect the multitude of business they have upon their hearts and hands, as Jarchi and others understand it, as the privacy and secrecy in which they are managed, and the reasons of which are kept from common persons, Who therefore are not proper judges of them; and who yet will often take upon them to censure and condemn, when they are ignorant of the true cause of such conduct.

Proverbs 25:3 In-Context

1 These are also proverbs of Solomon which officials of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 The glory of God conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.
3 As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so [is] the heart of kings--there is no searching.
4 Remove the dross from silver, and it will become a vessel for the smith.
5 Remove the wicked before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Footnotes 1

Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.