Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
A number of short, individual proverbs are related.
II. Photo
The author teaches a lesson: “Like cold water to a parched throat is good news from a distant land!” (v. 25)
III. Select Verses
v. 6: Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence; Do not stand in the place of nobles.
v. 17: Visit your neighbor sparingly, Lest he have his surfeit of you and loathe you.
vv. 21-22: If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink. You will be heaping live coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.
v. 25: Like cold water to a parched throat Is good news from a distant land.
v. 26: Like a muddied spring, a ruined fountain, Is a righteous man fallen before a wicked one.
IV. Outline
1. Title
2-7b. A king
7c-10. Quarreling with a friend, keeping a secret
11. The value of a wise saying
12. The value of good reproach
13. A trusty messenger
14. Gifts not given
15. Patience
16. Too much honey
17. Do not wear out your welcome
18. False testimony
19. False trust
20. Attempting to cheer a person in sorrow
21-22. Do kindness to your enemy
23. Secrecy
24. A contentious wife
25. Good news
26. When the righteous fall before the wicked
27. Too much honey; too much honor
28. An impetuous man
V. Comment
Proverbs 25 is a collection of assorted sayings, and it is introduced as “the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.” Many of the chapter’s sayings use striking metaphors and similes, e.g., v. 14: “Like clouds, wind — but no rain — Is one who boasts of gifts not given.” Some of the topics include the king, eating too much honey, treating an enemy kindly, good news, and a messenger.
VI. Works Used
Picture copied from http://web.me.com/waltermoore/WalterMooreForMayor/Essays/Entries/2007/7/20_Water_files/waterglass.jpg
