---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Proverbs 25"
description: "CHAPTER 25   :-. 1. The character of these
proverbs sustains the title (see  :-). also—refers to the
former part of the book. copied out—literally,
\"trans"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/proverbs/25"
---

CHAPTER 25

.

**1.** The character of these
proverbs sustains the title (see ).
**also**—refers to the
former part of the book.
**copied out**—literally,
"transferred," that is, from some other book to this; not
given from memory.

**2.** God's unsearchableness
impresses us with awe (compare [Isaiah 45:15](../../../kjv/isaiah/45/15);
[Romans 11:33](../../../kjv/romans/11/33)). But kings, being
finite, should confer with wise counsellors;

**3.** Ye wisely keeping state
secrets, which to common men are as inaccessible heights and depths.

**4, 5.** As separating impurities
from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors
leaves a wise and beneficent government.

**5. before**—or, "in
presence of," as courtiers stood about a king.

**6, 7.** Do not intrude into the
presence of the king, for the elevation of the humble is honorable,
but the humbling of the proud disgraceful ().

**8.** (Compare ).
**lest . . . shame**—lest
you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or "lest thou
art shut out from doing any thing."

**9, 10.** (Compare , *Margin*).
**secret**—that is, of your
opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having
discussed your difficulties with him.

**11. a word fitly**—literally,
"quickly," as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison *as
apples . . . silver* gives a like sense.
**apples,** &c.—either
real apples of golden color, in a silver network basket, or
imitations on silver embroidery.

**12.** Those who desire to know and
do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel ([Proverbs 9:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/9/9);
[Proverbs 15:31](../../../kjv/proverbs/15/31)). The listening ear is
better than one hung with gold.

**13.** Snow from mountains was used
to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger ().

**14. clouds**—literally, "vapors"
([Jeremiah 10:13](../../../kjv/jeremiah/10/13)), clouds only in
appearance.
**a false gift**—promised,
but not given.

**15.** Gentleness and kindness
overcome the most powerful and obstinate.
**long forbearing**—or,
"slowness to anger" ([Proverbs 14:29](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/29);
[Proverbs 15:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/15/18)).

**16, 17.** A comparison, as a
surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however
agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate
you.

**18.** A *false witness* is as
destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body ().
**beareth . . .
witness**—literally, "answereth questions," as before a
judge, against his neighbor.

**19.** *Treachery* annoys as
well as deceives.

**20.** Not only is the incongruity
of songs (that is, joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of
sadness, by want of sympathy, is implied.

**21, 22.** (Compare [Matthew 5:44](../../../kjv/matthew/5/44);
[Romans 12:20](../../../kjv/romans/12/20)). As metals are melted
by heaping coals upon them, so is the heart softened by kindness.

**23.** Better, "As the north
wind bringeth forth ([Psalms 90:2](../../../kjv/psalms/90/2))
or produces rain, so does a concealed or slandering tongue produce
anger."

**24.** (Compare [Proverbs 21:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/21/9);
[Proverbs 21:19](../../../kjv/proverbs/21/19)).

**25.** (Compare ).
**good news**—that is, of
some loved interest or absent friend, the more grateful as coming
from afar.

**26.** From troubled fountains and
corrupt springs no healthy water is to be had, so when the righteous
are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or
destroyed.

**27.** Satiety surfeits (); so men who are self-glorious find shame.
**is not glory**—"not"
is supplied from the first clause, or "is grievous," in
which sense a similar word is used ().

**28.** Such are exposed to the
incursions of evil thoughts and successful temptations.

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