Proverbs 25:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

NIV: Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

NASB: Like clouds and wind without rain Is a person who boasts of his gifts falsely.

CSB: The one who boasts about a gift that does not exist is like clouds and wind without rain.

NLT: A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

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

NKJV: Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.

In the dry climate of the Middle East farmers might look at the gathering clouds, feel a wind, and anticipate rain. This would be a welcome benefit to their crops. When clouds and wind passed without rain, it would be disappointing. The clouds and sky would suggest one thing, but not deliver on those signs. In a comparable way, a person who brags about their generosity without ever acting on it is disappointing. Giving others hope, only to let them down, brings a bad reputation. So, too, does taking credit for the accomplishments of others.

New Testament passages echo the idea of failing to live up to claims. Jude 1:12 depicts false teachers as "waterless clouds, swept along by winds." Second Peter 2:17 also refers to false teachers, using the same basic imagery of a cloud that produces no water. Hollow bragging might fool people on earth, but in the final judgment, no one will be able to fool Christ. Jesus indicted false religious teachers as hypocrites and announced: "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:22–23).

Proverbs 25:11–14 includes four comparisons. These use vivid imagery to explain how others react to certain kinds of people. In this passage, descriptions are given of those who speak wise words, who faithfully deliver a message, and those who brag about things they haven't done.

This chapter includes more statements from Solomon, copied by scribes of King Hezekiah many years later. The first section speaks about the risks of arrogance. The next gives comparisons which teach spiritual lessons. The last segment teaches about relationships, reputation, and self-control.

Chapter 25 begins to relate more wise statements from Solomon. Depending on where they are divided or combined, these amount to around one hundred portions of godly wisdom. These were compiled and added about 250 years after Solomon's reign by men under the direction of King Hezekiah. The phrasing used in verse 1 suggests these were copied from other records into the scrolls associated with the prior proverbs. This collection runs through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.