Proverbs 25:14
Proverbs 25:14 in Multiple Translations
Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
As clouds and wind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
As clouds and wind without rain, so is one who takes credit for an offering he has not given.
Someone who boasts about a gift they never give is like cloud and wind without rain.
A man that boasteth of false liberalitie, is like cloudes and winde without raine.
Clouds and wind, and rain there is none, [Is] a man boasting himself in a false gift.
As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
Whoever boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man that boasteth, and doth not fulfill his promises.
When someone promises to give a gift to us but never gives it, that disappoints us as much as [SIM] clouds and wind that come but do not bring any rain.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:14
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 25:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְשִׂיאִ֣ים
וְ֭/רוּחַ
וְ/גֶ֣שֶׁם
אָ֑יִן
אִ֥ישׁ
מִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ל
בְּ/מַתַּת
שָֽׁקֶר
נְשִׂיאִ֣ים
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-mp
וְ֭/רוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Conj | N-cs
וְ/גֶ֣שֶׁם
geshem
H1653
rain
Conj | N-ms
אָ֑יִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Hithpael
בְּ/מַתַּת
mattâth
H4991
gift
Prep | N-fs
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:14
נְשִׂיאִ֣ים
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-mp
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
וְ֭/רוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Conj | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ/גֶ֣שֶׁם
geshem
H1653
"rain"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shower or rain, like a refreshing downpour from the sky. It appears in the Bible to describe weather. In the KJV, it is translated as rain or shower.
Definition: rain, shower
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: rain, shower. See also: Genesis 7:12; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Psalms 68:10.
אָ֑יִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Hithpael
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
בְּ/מַתַּת
mattâth
H4991
"gift"
Prep | N-fs
Mattah means a gift or reward, and is used to describe something given to someone.
Definition: gift, reward
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: gift. See also: 1 Kings 13:7; Ecclesiastes 5:18; Proverbs 25:14.
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:14
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:14
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:6 | Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? |
| 2 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 3 | 2 Peter 2:15–19 | They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. |
| 4 | Jude 1:16 | These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 11:31 | The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying. |
| 6 | Jude 1:12–13 | These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 7 | Luke 18:10–14 | “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 22:11 | Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’” |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 11:13–18 | For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast. |
Proverbs 25:14 Summary
[This verse warns us about the dangers of making empty promises or boasting about things we never actually give. It's like saying it's going to rain, but the clouds just pass by without bringing any water. As the Bible says in Proverbs 25:14, a person who does this is like clouds and wind without rain. We should strive to be people of our word, following through on our commitments and being honest about our intentions, just like it says in Psalm 15:4, where we are encouraged to keep our promises even if it hurts.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to boast of gifts never given?
This phrase refers to someone who claims to have given or plans to give something, but never actually follows through, similar to the warnings against false promises found in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.
How does this verse relate to honesty and integrity?
This verse emphasizes the importance of being truthful and transparent in our words and actions, as Proverbs 10:9 reminds us that the integrity of the upright guides them.
What are the consequences of boasting about gifts never given?
Boasting about unfulfilled promises can damage relationships and erode trust, as seen in Proverbs 25:14, where such a person is compared to clouds and wind without rain, offering no real substance or benefit.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of our words and actions, ensuring that we follow through on our commitments, and being honest about our intentions, as encouraged in Psalm 15:4, where we are called to swear to our own hurt and not change.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prone to boasting or exaggerating about my abilities or intentions?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and honesty in my interactions with others, especially when it comes to making promises or commitments?
- What are some potential consequences of boasting about gifts never given, and how can I avoid this pitfall in my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the value of integrity and follow-through in my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift,.... Of his charity and alms deeds; bragging of great things he does this way, when he does nothing; or who is very vain in making large promises of what he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. Whose boasteth himself of a false gift - raising expectations by promises which he never fulfills. (Is like) clouds and wind without rain.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift, pretending that he hath given, or promising that he will give, a man those gifts, which he neither hath given, nor intendeth to give him, is like clouds and wind without rain; like empty clouds carried about with wind, and not affording that rain which by their appearance they promise.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
Proverbs 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain.Ver. 14. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift] As Ptolemy, surnamed Dωσων, from his fair promises, slack performances; as Sertorius, the Roman, that fed his creditors and clients wlth fair words, but did nothing for them, Pollicitis dives quilibet esse potest; as that pope and his nephew, of whom it is recorded that the one never spoke as he thought, the other never performed what he spoke; lastly, as the devil who promised Christ excelsa in excelsis, mountains on a mountain, and said, "All this will I give thee," whenas that all was just nothing more than a show, a representation, a semblance, or if it had been something, yet it was not his to give; for "the earth is the Lord’ s, and the fulness thereof." Physicians call their drugs Dοσεις, gifts, and yet we pay dear for them. Apothecaries set fair titles upon their boxes and gaily pots, but there is oftentimes aliud in titulo, aliud in pyxide, nothing but a bare title. Such are vain boasters, pompous preachers, painted hypocrites, Popish priests, such as was Tecelius [Tetzel], that sold iudulgences in Germany, and those other mass mongers in Gerson’ s time that preached publicly to the people, that if any man would hear a mass he should not on that day be smitten with blindness, nor die a sudden death, nor want sufficient sustenance, &c. These were clouds without rain, that answer not expectation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
(14) Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift—i.e., talks loudly of what he is going to do for another, and then does nothing. Clouds and wind.—Generally followed by heavy rain, (Comp. 1 Kings 18:45.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
Verse 14. A false gift] מתת שקר mattath shaker, a lying gift, one promised, but never bestowed. "Whoso maketh greate boastes, and giveth nothing;" COVERDALE. SO the VULGATE: "Vir gloriosus, et promissa non complens;" "A bragging man, who does not fulfil his promises," is like clouds which appear to be laden with vapour, and like the wind which, though it blow from a rainy quarter, brings no moistness with it. So the vain boaster; he is big with promise, but performs nothing.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:14
14. Lit., Clouds and wind and no rain; A man who boasts himself of a gift of falsehood. The rising wind and gathering clouds (1 Kings 18:45) which, un-accompanied by rain, disappoint the expectation of the thirsty earth are an apt emblem of a man who promises much and performs nothing. The Vulg. is true to the original, and forcible: Nubes et ventus et pluviae non sequentes, Vir gloriosus et promissa non complens.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:14
The disappointment caused by him who promises much and performs little or nothing, is likened to the phenomena of an eastern climate; the drought of summer, the eager expectation of men who watch the
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
14. A false gift — This is understood of one that boasts of an intended gift which he never bestows. Like clouds… without rain — Clouds and wind sometimes give promise of rain that comes not.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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That They Cause Those Who Have Them to Be Fluent, Fervent, and Abundant, in Talking of the Things of Religion, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards warns against judging the genuineness of one's faith based solely on their fluency, fervency, and abundance in talking about religion, as this can lead to both unj |
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The Virtue of Dependableness by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the virtue of dependableness as a fundamental quality that defines a person's character, arguing that true worth is not measured by achievements or eloquence |
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Loyalty by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Jonathan from the Bible and how his loyalty to God and his faith inspired others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of e |
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(Proverbs) ch.20:6 - 21:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in both earthly and spiritual matters. He references the book of Proverbs, which repeatedly teache |
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Paul Before Agrippa - Part 4 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, constancy, and stability in relationships, drawing parallels between human vows and God's faithfulness. It highlights the nee |
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Demonstration 1 (Of Faith) by Aphraates | Aphraates preaches about the importance of faith as the foundation of all good works, emphasizing that faith in Christ is the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of a belie |
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |