This chapter opens with a note explaining its origin: these are proverbs of Solomon, copied out by the men of King Hezekiah (v.1), suggesting a later collection or compilation of Solomon’s sayings during Hezekiah’s reign, a period associated with spiritual reform in Judah.
The chapter begins with royal imagery, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, to search out a matter is the glory of kings” (v.2), and continues with counsel about the mysterious, sometimes unknowable nature of a king’s heart and the importance of removing wickedness from his presence to establish justice (vv.3-5).
Much of chapter 25 deals practically with relationships and social conduct. There’s counsel against self promotion before a ruler, “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence… it is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here'” (vv.6-7), a passage that echoes closely in Jesus’ parable about seeking the lowest seat at a banquet (Luke 14:8-11). Wisdom about handling disputes is also given: settle disagreements privately and don’t betray a friend’s confidence carelessly, since “if you tell it, and he hears it, he may shame you” (vv.8-10).
Several verses use memorable, poetic imagery to describe the value of well timed words: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (v.11), and the refreshing effect of a faithful messenger, “Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him” (v.13). Conversely, empty boasting is compared to clouds and wind that bring no rain (v.14), a vivid image of promises never fulfilled.
The chapter also touches on self control and restraint, particularly regarding excess: “It is not good to eat too much honey” (v.27), and the danger of a person without self control, compared to “a city whose walls are broken through” (v.28), vulnerable and exposed.
One of the more theologically rich moments comes in vv.21-22, quoted later by Paul in Romans 12:20, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat… In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” This reflects a radical, countercultural approach to enemies, rooted in trust that God alone administers ultimate justice.
Chapter 25
1 These are more wise sayings of Solomon, copied out by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2 It is the glory of God to keep a thing secret: but the glory of kings is to have it searched out.
3 The heaven is high and the earth is deep, and the hearts of kings may not be searched out.
4 Take away the waste from silver, and a vessel will come out for the silver-worker.
5 Take away evil-doers from before the king, and the seat of his power will be made strong in righteousness.
6 Do not take glory for yourself before the king, and do not put yourself in the place of the great:
7 For it is better to have it said to you, Come up here; than for you to be put down in a lower place before the ruler.
8 Do not be quick to go to law about what you have seen, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour has put you to shame?
9 Have a talk with your neighbour himself about your cause, but do not give away the secret of another:
10 Or your hearer may say evil of you, and your shame will not be turned away.
11 A word at the right time is like apples of gold in a network of silver.
12 Like a nose-ring of gold and an ornament of the best gold, is a wise man who says sharp words to an ear ready to give attention.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of grain-cutting, so is a true servant to those who send him; for he gives new life to the soul of his master.
14 As clouds and wind without rain, so is one who takes credit for an offering he has not given.
15 A judge is moved by one who for a long time undergoes wrongs without protest, and by a soft tongue even bone is broken.
16 If you have honey, take only as much as is enough for you; for fear that, being full of it, you may not be able to keep it down.
17 Let not your foot be frequently in your neighbour’s house, or he may get tired of you, and his feeling be turned to hate.
18 One who gives false witness against his neighbour is a hammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.
19 Putting one’s faith in a false man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a shaking foot.
20 Like one who takes off clothing in cold weather and like acid on a wound, is he who makes melody to a sad heart.
21 If your hater is in need of food, give him bread; and if he is in need of drink, give him water:
22 For so you will put coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will give you your reward.
23 As the north wind gives birth to rain, so is an angry face caused by a tongue saying evil secretly.
24 It is better to be living in an angle of the house-top, than with a bitter-tongued woman in a wide house.
25 As cold water to a tired soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a troubled fountain and a dirty spring, is an upright man who has to give way before evil-doers.
27 It is not good to take much honey: so he who is not looking for honour will be honoured.
28 He whose spirit is uncontrolled is like an unwalled town which has been broken into.
Important Verses:
v.2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” Reflects on the mystery of God’s ways contrasted with human pursuit of understanding.
v.11 “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Celebrates the beauty and value of well timed, wise words.
v.21-22 “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat… the Lord will reward you.” A foundational teaching on kindness toward enemies, echoed by Paul in Romans 12:20.
v.28 “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self control.” Illustrates vulnerability that comes from lacking discipline.
