25:1–29:27 Men during Hezekiah’s reign copied this second and final collection of proverbs attributed to Solomon (see 10:1). Hezekiah reigned for 29 years as a righteous and prosperous king. He is credited with a religious revival in Israel (2 Kgs 18:2–8; 2 Chr 29:3–31:21). |
25:1 are also proverbs of Solomon See note on Prov 1:1.
copied The Hebrew word used here, literally meaning “to move,” is used here in the sense of moving from one book to another.
25:2 The glory of God conceals things This enigmatic proverb contrasts God and the king. God shows His glory by His great and unknowable power, specifically in creation (Job 11:7; 26:14). In contrast, the glory of the king is to know and understand in order to rightly govern his people (1 Kgs 3:9).
25:6–7 This proverb warns against self-promotion: it is better to remain humble and be promoted than to be presumptuous and be rebuked. Jesus teaches a similar lesson in Luke 14:7–11, applying it to all of life. |
25:9 Argue your argument with your neighbor Recommends dealing with conflicts tactfully to preserve the reputation of both parties from damage caused by misinformed gossip.
25:11 Apples of gold A decorative motif used in jewelry. Compare to the pomegranate in Exod 39:24–25; 1 Kgs 7:18.
25:13 the cold of snow Likely indicates a cool or refreshing break from the heat of summer, since literal snowfall would devastate the crops.
a day of harvest Typically April (for grain or barley) through September (for grapes or olives).
25:16 eat what is sufficient for you Proverbs 24:13–14 compares honey’s sweetness to the sweetness of wisdom. This proverb warns against gluttony and over-consumption (23:20–21).
25:17 he become weary of you A satirical reference to the previous proverb (v. 16). Just as the glutton gets sick from eating too much honey, someone can get too much of a guest; in both instances the Hebrew word sava' is used.
25:18 who bears false witness against his neighbor In the law, a false witness was given the same punishment as the accused (Deut 19:18–19; see note on Prov 6:19).
25:20 natron The Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the ot) translates the Hebrew word used here, nether (literally rendered as “soda”), with the Greek word helkos, meaning “wound.” In this sense, acting joyfully toward someone in sorrow is like pouring vinegar on a wound—a painful act. Alternatively, if the reference to soda is retained, the image is one of counter-productivity: Vinegar and soda neutralize and destroy each other.
25:21–22 Earlier proverbs warned against revenge (20:22; 24:29) or rejoicing at an enemy’s defeat (24:17–18). This proverb goes further, encouraging readers to show generosity to their enemies; generosity shames the enemy and hopefully encourages repentance. Paul quotes this proverb in Romans when he encourages his readers to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:17–21). |
25:24 Better to live upon the corner of a roof See note on Prov 21:9.
25:27 To eat much honey is not good The emphasis of this proverb is different than v. 16. While the first proverb focused on gluttony (see note on v. 16), this proverb addresses humility (vv. 6–7; 27:2).
About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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