Proverbs 25:1-14 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

Bible Comments

Words Fitly Spoken

Proverbs 25:1-14

This collection of proverbs was made. 250years after the time of Solomon by the scribes of King Hezekiah. The glory of God is too great to be disclosed to the vulgar eye of mere curiosity, but it will be unfolded to royal souls that seek for it as for hid treasure…. The great rulers of the world must have their secret counsels, but they should be freed from evil counselors, as gold from dross…. Compare Proverbs 25:6 and Proverbs 25:7 with Luke 14:8-10 …. Second thoughts are best; sleep over your plan or letter; be deliberate in planning and prompt in acting on the plan when formed…. Don't reveal to another a cause of offense that should be adjusted between yourself and your neighbor, Matthew 18:15 …. A word happily adapted to a circumstance is like an apple of gold, that is, an orange, in a basket of silver filigree-work.… As drink cooled with snow refreshes the thirsty reaper, so is a messenger who faithfully executes his errand to the master who sent him.

Proverbs 25:1-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secreta to another:

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

11 A word fitlyb spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

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

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.

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