Proverbs 25:10
Proverbs 25:10 in Multiple Translations
lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.
Or your hearer may say evil of you, and your shame will not be turned away.
otherwise whoever hears it will make you ashamed and you'll never lose your bad reputation.
Least he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamie doe not cease.
Lest the hearer put thee to shame, And thine evil report turn not back.
lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thy infamy turn not away.
Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.
If others find out that you have told secrets, you will be ashamed, and from that time on, ◄you will have a bad reputation/people will think badly about you►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 25:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּֽן
יְחַסֶּדְ/ךָ֥
שֹׁמֵ֑עַ
וְ֝/דִבָּתְ/ךָ֗
לֹ֣א
תָשֽׁוּב
פֶּֽן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יְחַסֶּדְ/ךָ֥
châçad
H2616
be kind
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
שֹׁמֵ֑עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
וְ֝/דִבָּתְ/ךָ֗
dibbâh
H1681
slander
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָשֽׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:10
פֶּֽן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יְחַסֶּדְ/ךָ֥
châçad
H2616
"be kind"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or be ashamed, often used to describe being put to shame or reproved. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament. In the KJV, it is translated as 'shew self merciful' or 'put to shame'.
Definition: 1) to be good, be kind 1a) (Hithpael) to show kindness to oneself
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: shew self merciful, put to shame. See also: 2 Samuel 22:26; Psalms 18:26; Proverbs 25:10.
שֹׁמֵ֑עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ֝/דִבָּתְ/ךָ֗
dibbâh
H1681
"slander"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to slander or evil reports, as seen in Leviticus 19:16 where God warns against spreading false rumors.
Definition: 1) whispering, defamation, evil report 1a) whispering 1b) defamation, defaming 1c) evil report, unfavourable saying
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. See also: Genesis 37:2; Psalms 31:14; Proverbs 10:18.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָשֽׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
8do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,
10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:39 | Turn away the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good. |
Proverbs 25:10 Summary
Proverbs 25:10 reminds us to be careful with our words and actions, because they can have lasting consequences and bring shame to ourselves. If we are not mindful, others may hear about our mistakes and we could be disgraced, as also warned in Proverbs 10:9. This verse encourages us to think before we act or speak, and to consider how our behavior might affect others (Proverbs 12:18). By being thoughtful and wise, we can avoid bringing shame to ourselves and instead build strong, respectful relationships with those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of Proverbs 25:10?
The main concern of Proverbs 25:10 is that our words and actions may bring shame and lasting infamy if we are not careful, as seen in the warning against hasty and unwise behavior (Proverbs 25:8-9).
How can I avoid bringing shame to myself according to this verse?
To avoid bringing shame, it is essential to be mindful of our words and actions, and to consider the potential consequences, just as Proverbs 15:1 advises us to use gentle answers to turn away wrath.
What is the relationship between Proverbs 25:10 and the preceding verses?
Proverbs 25:10 serves as a warning and conclusion to the preceding verses (Proverbs 25:8-9), emphasizing the importance of handling conflicts and sharing information wisely, lest we face shame and disgrace, as also cautioned in Proverbs 11:13.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom in the book of Proverbs?
Proverbs 25:10 contributes to the overall theme of wisdom by highlighting the need for careful consideration and discretion in our interactions with others, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs, such as in Proverbs 10:32 and Proverbs 12:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to be more mindful of my words and actions to avoid bringing shame to myself or others?
- How can I balance the need to share information or concerns with others while avoiding the risk of bringing shame or infamy, as warned in Proverbs 25:10?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of careful consideration and discretion in my daily interactions, as encouraged by this verse and other passages like Proverbs 17:27-28?
- What role does humility and a willingness to listen play in avoiding the kind of shame and infamy mentioned in Proverbs 25:10, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:10
Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame,.... Or, "reproach thee" (c) with treachery and deceit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. Lest he that heareth (it) (thee revealing thy neighbour's secret) put thee to shame.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
Put thee to shame; reproach thee for thy gross violation of the laws of prudence, and justice, and charity, and friendship therein. And thine infamy turn not away; and that disgrace which thou didst design against another fall and be fastened upon thyself.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
Proverbs 25:10 Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.Ver. 10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame.] Repute thee and report thee an evil conditioned fellow, a backbiter, and a tale bearer, one not fit to be trusted with secrets. True it is that dearest friends are in some cases to be accused and complained of to those that may do good upon them, as Joseph brought his brethren’ s evil report to his father, and as the household of Chloe told Paul of the Corinthian contentions. But this must be done wisely and regularly, with due observation of circumstances, as Solomon elegantly sets forth in the following proverb.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
(10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame.—Lest he cry shame upon thee for thy treachery, and thine infamy be not forgotten.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:10
10. put thee to shame] Or, revile thee, R.V.; ὀνειδίσῃ, LXX.; insultet, Vulg.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:10
9, 10. Debate thy cause… neighbour — Reason with him — plead with him.