Proverbs 25:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great,

NIV: Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;

NASB: Do not boast in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the same place as great people;

CSB: Don't boast about yourself before the king, and don't stand in the place of the great;

NLT: Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great.

KJV: Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

NKJV: Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;

This verse advises readers not to barge into the presence of a king or pretend to be great. The imagery is someone overstating their importance, only to be "put in their place." This teaching indicates that it's better to be overly humble, then lifted up, rather than be embarrassed when overreaching and being put down. The danger is expressed in the second half of the proverb (Proverbs 25:7). Jesus used nearly this exact scenario in His parable of the wedding feast (Luke 14:8–11).

The book of Esther shows how Esther humbly presented herself to King Ahasuerus. At significant risk she presented herself to the king on behalf of her people who faced genocide. The king extended his golden scepter toward Esther as a sign of his favor, but Esther did not rush to make her request known. Instead, she touched the tip of the scepter and waited for him to ask (Esther 5:2–3). In contrast to Esther's humble approach to King Ahasuerus, wicked Haman boldly asked to destroy the Jews (Esther 3:1–11; 6:4). Later, when the king asked for Haman's input on how to honor the man in whom he delighted, Haman foolishly shared his elaborate ideas, thinking this meant his own benefit (Esther 6:6–9). As it happened, those honors went to the very Jewish man Haman hoped to destroy, and Haman was embarrassed (Esther 6:10–13).

Proverbs 25:1–10 contains sage advice regarding kingship, both for the ruler and their subjects. Avoiding arrogance is also mentioned. It's better to be humble, then praised by others, instead of being dismissed for exaggeration. This extends also to disputes and lawsuits. Most disputes are best settled in private, when such is possible.

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.