What does Proverbs 25:23 mean?
ESV: The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
NIV: Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
NASB: The north wind brings rain, And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.
CSB: The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
NLT: As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!
KJV: The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
NKJV: The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
Verse Commentary:
All proverbs are general statements, rather than absolute claims. This teaching refers to the fact that weather usually comes in patterns: north winds mean rain. Of course, an earlier proverb (Proverbs 25:14) noted that rain clouds might not make good on their promise. In the same way—in general, but not in every case—speaking about others with ill intent leads to angry responses. The exact Hebrew phrase used here implies something deceptive, secretive, or slanderous. Cutting others down with gossip and criticism damages one's own reputation.
These verbal sins, referred to as slander, backbiting, gossip, and so forth, are condemned in many Scriptures. Paul denounced those who rejected nature's witness to God, the Creator. He writes that "God gave them up to dishonorable passions" (Romans 1:26) and "to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done" (Romans 1:28). He describes them as full of "all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice…envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless" (Romans 1:29–31).
A Christian tempted to defame others should recall that slander appears in these lists of sins. The apostle Peter commanded his readers to "put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander" (1 Peter 2:1). He indicated that putting those sins away was necessary for spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 25:15–28 provides sound counsel about personal relationships. Most of the teachings involve the best way to interact with others, whether they are friends, enemies, spouses, or strangers. Also included are suggestions about self-control.
Chapter Summary:
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 Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
Accessed 11/21/2024 9:53:24 AM
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