(Prov 25:1 NASB) These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
Prov 25:1: Apparently King Hezekiah had more proverbs of Solomon transcribed a couple hundred years after the previous section was written.
(Prov 25:2 NASB) It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
Prov 25:2: It is Elohim’s glory to conceal a matter. This matter He is referring to is likely prophecy in Scripture. It is the glory of kings to search out that which Elohim has hidden.
Torah refers to these concealed things as “secret things.” But the things revealed to man, His Torah, belong to man forever (Deut 29:29).
(Prov 25:3 NASB) As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Prov 25:3: The heart of kings is “unsearchable.” It is likely that Solomon was speaking of himself because of the wisdom granted him by Elohim (1 Kings 4:29-34).
(Prov 25:4 NASB) Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith;
(Prov 25:5 NASB) Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
Prov 25:5: This is likely speaking of the taking away of the wicked at the time of the return of Messiah (Isa. 9:7)
(Prov 25:6 NASB) Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men;
(Prov 25:7 NASB) For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
Prov 25:7: Yeshua was referring to this passage when He was speaking of being humble (Luke 14:7-11).
(Prov 25:8 NASB) Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, When your neighbor puts you to shame?
Prov 25:8: This section speaks of dealngs with our neighbors. This verse speaks of a lawsuit. Do not hastily conduct a lawsuit against your neighbor or you could be put to shame.
(Prov 25:9 NASB) Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another,
(Prov 25:10 NASB) Lest he who hears it reproach you, And the evil report about you not pass away.
Prov 25:10: This is still speaking of conducting a lawsuit against your neighbor. Young’s Literal Translation states this clearer by saying that the secret counsel of another should not be revealed.
(Prov 25:11 NASB) Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
(Prov 25:12 NASB) Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
(Prov 25:13 NASB) Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Prov 25:13: The right words at the right time are precious, as is a faithful messenger.
(Prov 25:14 NASB) Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.
Prov 25:14: The gifts of a boasting man does not compare with his statements of them.
(Prov 25:15 NASB) By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
Prov 25:15: Self-restraint and gentle persuasion are effective against stubborn opposition.
(Prov 25:16 NASB) Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, Lest you have it in excess and vomit it.
Prov 25:16: Honey is an excellent source of nutrients, but if eaten in excess, it will make one sick. This could also be speaking of any good thing in excess (Ecc. 2:10-11).
(Prov 25:17 NASB) Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
Prov 25:17: This reminds me of the time after I was married and all my friends came over every day. It did not make my married life a happy one.
(Prov 25:18 NASB) Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
(Prov 25:19 NASB) Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
Prov 25:19: Bearing false witness against your neighbor is pure evil.
Misplaced confidence in a faithless man will often lead to long-lasting problems.
(Prov 25:20 NASB) Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.
Prov 25:20: This is self explanatory. Do you not sing to a sad person. Most people should not sing to a happy person either.
(Prov 25:21 NASB) If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
(Prov 25:22 NASB) For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.
Prov 25:22: We are to love those among us that are our brothers, but with whom we have disagreements (enemies) (Matt. 5:43-47). Paul quoted this passage also (Romans 12:18-21).
(Prov 25:23 NASB) The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
Prov 25:23: A backbiting tongue will bring forth a storm of anger.
(Prov 25:24 NASB) It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
Prov 25:24: Solomon apparently thought this passage was worth repeating.
(Prov 25:25 NASB) Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.
(Prov 25:26 NASB) Like a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
Prov 25:26: Compromise cannot take place with the wicked.
(Prov 25:27 NASB) It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
Prov 25:27: To search out one’s own glory is nauseating to everyone else.
(Prov 25:28 NASB) Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit.
Prov 25:28: This is another warning against having a quick temper and not exercising restraint.
Patrick McGuire
Copyright 2014 Patrick McGuire and Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly All rights reserved, no portion of this Lesson may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly Fort Smith, Arkansas