Proverbs Chapter 25 — Wisdom for Relationships and Self-Control
Proverbs 25 provides a collection of Solomon's wise sayings regarding humility, conflict resolution, and the importance of self-control in daily life.
1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
4Take away the dross from the silver,
5Take away the wicked from the king’s presence,
6Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
7for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
8Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court.
9Debate your case with your neighbor,
10lest one who hears it put you to shame,
11A word fitly spoken
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
14As clouds and wind without rain,
15By patience a ruler is persuaded.
16Have you found honey?
17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
18A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor
19Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble
20As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.
22for you will heap coals of fire on his head,
23The north wind produces rain;
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop
25Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
26Like a muddied spring and a polluted well,
27It is not good to eat much honey,
28Like a city that is broken down and without walls
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
This verse uses a beautiful metaphor to describe the high value and appropriateness of speaking the right words at the right moment.
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This teaching promotes a radical approach to conflict, encouraging mercy and provision for opponents instead of retaliation.
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.”
It serves as a stark warning that a lack of self-discipline leaves an individual vulnerable to external pressures and moral failure.
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 25 begins by identifying its contents as Solomon's proverbs transcribed by the men of King Hezekiah. The text covers various aspects of social and personal conduct, starting with the distinction between God's glory in mystery and a king's duty to seek out knowledge. It offers practical advice on humility, suggesting it is better to be invited to a higher position than to be demoted after seeking it yourself. Much of the chapter focuses on interpersonal integrity, warning against gossip, false testimony, and hasty legal actions. It uses vivid metaphors, such as comparing a timely word to apples of gold and an unfaithful friend to a broken tooth. A notable portion instructs the reader to treat enemies with kindness by providing food and water. The chapter concludes with a powerful warning about self-discipline, comparing a person lacking self-control to a city with breached walls, vulnerable and without defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
The text states that these proverbs of Solomon were copied out by the men of Hezekiah, who was the king of Judah.
In the context of showing kindness to an enemy, this phrase suggests that unexpected generosity may cause an adversary to feel a burning sense of conviction or shame, potentially leading to reconciliation.
The chapter advises against rushing to court and suggests settling matters privately with one's neighbor to avoid public embarrassment and shame.
It compares a person without self-control to a city with broken-down walls, illustrating that without restraint, a person has no defense against harm or temptation.
Study Note
This chapter begins the second major collection of Solomonic proverbs, curated by King Hezekiah's scribes roughly 250 years after Solomon's death.
Related Chapters
Matthew Chapter 5
Jesus echoes the theme of loving one's enemies and showing mercy in the Sermon on the Mount.
Romans Chapter 12
The apostle Paul directly quotes Proverbs 25:21-22 when instructing believers on how to treat those who mistreat them.
Luke Chapter 14
Jesus uses a similar illustration about taking the lower seat at a feast to teach the value of humility.
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