Proverbs Twenty Five

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Proverbs 25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

proverbs of Solomon. See note on Proverbs 1:1; note on Proverbs 10:1. Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs (1 Kings 4:32).

men of Hezekiah. That Hezekiah had access to the earlier writings of David and Solomon may support the inference that King Hezekiah wrote and/or collected the fifteen “songs of degrees” (Psalms 120-134).

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

conceal a thing. The dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26-28) implies that men should do research to acquire ever fuller understanding of the marvels of creation. It is somehow glorifying to God for men to “think God's thoughts after Him.”

Proverbs 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

heaven for height. Men can never search out the full extent of heaven or the deep interior of the earth. Compare Jeremiah 31:37.

Proverbs 25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Proverbs 25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

Proverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

Proverbs 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Come up hither. Compare Luke 14:7-11.

Proverbs 25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

Proverbs 25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

pictures of silver. This phrase, “pictures of silver,” may anticipate the use of silver in photography.

pictures. This Hebrew word refers to images carved in relief.

Proverbs 25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Proverbs 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Proverbs 25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

Proverbs 25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

Proverbs 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Proverbs 25:20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Proverbs 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

coals of fire. This figure is used by Paul in Romans 12:20. Carrying about on one's head a pan of burning coals was considered an act of contrition. Repaying good for evil may often bring about such a change of heart.

Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

Proverbs 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Proverbs 25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.