Proverbs 25:20
Proverbs 25:20 in Multiple Translations
Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
Like one who takes off clothing in cold weather and like acid on a wound, is he who makes melody to a sad heart.
Singing happy songs to someone who's broken-hearted is like taking off your coat on a cold day, or pouring vinegar onto an open wound.
Hee that taketh away the garment in the colde season, is like vineger powred vpon nitre, or like him that singeth songs to an heauy heart.
Whoso is taking away a garment in a cold day, [Is as] vinegar on nitre, And a singer of songs on a sad heart.
As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre; so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart.
Singing to someone who is depressed just causes him to feel worse; it is like [SIM] taking off clothes on a very cold day or like putting vinegar on a wound.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:20
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 25:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַ֥עֲדֶה
בֶּ֨גֶד
בְּ/י֣וֹם
קָ֭רָה
חֹ֣מֶץ
עַל
נָ֑תֶר
וְ/שָׁ֥ר
בַּ֝/שִּׁרִ֗ים
עַ֣ל
לֶב
רָֽע
מַ֥עֲדֶה
ʻâdâh
H5710
to advance
V-Hiphil
בֶּ֨גֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
קָ֭רָה
qârâh
H7135
cold
N-fs
חֹ֣מֶץ
chômets
H2558
vinegar
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נָ֑תֶר
nether
H5427
lye
N-ms
וְ/שָׁ֥ר
shîyr
H7891
to sing
Conj | V-Qal
בַּ֝/שִּׁרִ֗ים
shîyr
H7892
song
Prep | N-cp
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
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 25:20
מַ֥עֲדֶה
ʻâdâh
H5710
"to advance"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to adorn or decorate oneself with ornaments, and is used in 2 Samuel 1:24 to describe the Israelites' adornment. It also appears in Ezekiel 23:40, where it talks about the decorating of a bed.
Definition: 1) to pass on, advance, go on, pass by, remove 1a) (Qal) to pass on, put on 1b) (Hiphil) to remove Aramaic equivalent: a.dah (עֲדָה "to pass on/over/away" H5709)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away. See also: Job 28:8; Jeremiah 31:4; Proverbs 25:20.
בֶּ֨גֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
קָ֭רָה
qârâh
H7135
"cold"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means cold, describing a low temperature. It is used in the book of Job to describe cold weather. The word is used to describe a feeling.
Definition: cold
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cold. See also: Job 24:7; Psalms 147:17; Proverbs 25:20.
חֹ֣מֶץ
chômets
H2558
"vinegar"
N-ms
Vinegar is a sour liquid, mentioned in the Bible as something Jesus was offered on the cross. It appears in the Old Testament as a drink for the poor. The Hebrew word for vinegar is chômets.
Definition: vinegar
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: vinegar. See also: Numbers 6:3; Psalms 69:22; Proverbs 10:26.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נָ֑תֶר
nether
H5427
"lye"
N-ms
This word refers to a type of mineral called natron or nitre, used for cleaning and purification. It is mentioned in the Bible as a substance used for cleansing.
Definition: natron, nitre, soda, carbonate of soda
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: nitre. See also: Proverbs 25:20; Jeremiah 2:22.
וְ/שָׁ֥ר
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
בַּ֝/שִּׁרִ֗ים
shîyr
H7892
"song"
Prep | N-cp
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:20
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
18Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
19Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
20Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 3:4 | a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, |
| 3 | Isaiah 58:7 | Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? |
| 4 | James 2:15–16 | Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? |
| 5 | Psalms 137:3–4 | for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.” How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land? |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 24:12–17 | If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset, so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you, and this will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God. Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:26 | Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him. |
| 8 | Job 24:7–10 | Without clothing, they spend the night naked; they have no covering against the cold. Drenched by mountain rains, they huddle against the rocks for want of shelter. The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt. Without clothing, they wander about naked. They carry the sheaves, but still go hungry. |
| 9 | Daniel 6:18 | Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him. |
| 10 | James 5:15 | And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. |
Proverbs 25:20 Summary
[This verse teaches us that trying to cheer someone up when they're already hurting can actually make things worse, like pouring vinegar on a wound. Instead, we should try to understand and validate their feelings, as seen in Proverbs 17:17. We can offer a listening ear and a comforting presence, which can be a powerful way to show we care, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2. By being sensitive to others' emotional states, we can build stronger, more supportive relationships.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to sing songs to a heavy heart?
It means to try to cheer someone up or offer them joy when they are already hurting or struggling, which can come across as insensitive or dismissive of their pain, much like pouring vinegar on a wound (Proverbs 25:20).
Is it ever okay to try to cheer someone up when they are down?
While it's natural to want to help someone feel better, it's essential to be sensitive to their emotional state and timing, as seen in Proverbs 25:20, and instead offer empathetic listening and support, as encouraged in Romans 12:15 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
How can I know when to offer words of comfort versus when to just listen?
This requires discernment and a willingness to listen actively, as exhorted in James 1:19, and to consider the other person's emotional state, as illustrated in Proverbs 25:20, before offering any words or advice.
What's the alternative to singing songs to a heavy heart?
Instead of trying to cheer someone up, we can offer a listening ear, a comforting presence, and practical support, as seen in Proverbs 17:17 and Galatians 6:2, which can help them feel heard, validated, and supported in their time of need.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I've tried to 'sing songs to a heavy heart' without realizing it, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for those who are hurting, and what role can I play in offering comfort and support?
- In what ways can I balance the desire to help someone feel better with the need to respect their emotional boundaries and allow them to process their pain?
- What does it mean to 'mourn with those who mourn' (Romans 12:15), and how can I apply this principle in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:20
[As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather,.... Either takes it off of himself, or another person, when it would be rather more proper to put another garment on, and so is exposed to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:20
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
In cold weather, when it is most seasonable and necessary. As vinegar upon nitre, which dissolves the nitre, and makes it useless and ineffectual. So is he, he is no less absurd and impertinent, that singeth songs to an heavy heart; whose grief is not relieved, but increased by it, as common experience showeth, and divers learned authors have observed.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
Proverbs 25:20 [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.Ver. 20. As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather.] Music in mourning is held most unseasonable; that was a heathenish custom that the Jews had taken up Cantabat moestis tibia faneribus, saith Ovid, We should rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep. Nabla et lyra lugentibus ingrata, saith Plutarch. Music and mourning agree like harp and harrow; like thin clothing and cold weather; or like nitre and vinegar, saith Solomon. There are those who read the words otherwise, and accordingly sense them thus, As he that putteth on a garment in the cold season, or vinegar on nitre; so is he that singeth songs to a sad heart - that is, Tristitiam dissolvit cantus, ut vestes discutiunt frigus, et acetum dissolvit nitrum. As a garment warmeth the body, and vinegar dissolveth nitre, so a sweet singer, by his delightsome ditty, cheereth up the pensive soul and driveth sorrow out of it. See 1 Samuel 16:23 2 Kings 3:15 Daniel 6:18. Fast., lib. iv. Junius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
(20) As vinegar upon nitre, by which the nitre is rendered useless. Is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.—Not the true sympathy advised by St. Paul. (Romans 12:15.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
Verse 20. As vinegar upon nitre] The original word נתר nather is what is known among chemists as the natron of the ancients and of the Scriptures, and carbonate of soda. It is found native in Syria and India, and occurs as an efflorescence on the soil. In Tripoli it is found in crystalline incrustations of from one third to half an inch thick. It is found also in solution in the water of some lakes in Egypt and Hungary. The borders of these lakes are covered with crystalline masses, of a grayish white or light brown colour; and in some specimens the natron is nearly pure carbonate of soda, and the carbonate is easily discovered by effervescing with an acid. It appears to have its Hebrew name from נתר nathar, to dissolve or loosen: because a solution of it in water is abstersive, taking out spots, c. It is used in the East for the purposes of washing. If vinegar be poured on it, Dr. Shaw says a strong fermentation immediately takes place, which illustrates what Solomon says here: "The singing of songs to a heavy heart is like vinegar upon natron:" that is, "there is no affinity between them and opposition, colluctation, and strife, are occasioned by any attempt to unite them." And poureth vyneger upon chalke. - COVERDALE.
This also will occasion an effervescence. See Jeremiah 2:22.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:20
20. taketh away] Better, taketh off. nitre] The Heb. word nether, occurs only here and in Jeremiah 2:22, where see note in this Series. The substance meant is not saltpetre, which is now what we understand by nitre, but native carbonate of soda, which was found, as Pliny tells us, in the Soda Lakes of Egypt (Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. nitre). The untimeliness of singing songs to a heavy heart is illustrated by the first comparison. It is doing exactly the opposite of that which the circumstances demand. It is like taking off a garment just when one ought to put it on. The second comparison teaches vividly that the action which is thus untimely is also irritating when it ought to be soothing, and hurtful when it ought to be helpful. It is like “vinegar on nitre,” like acid on soda, which produces effervescence, calling into active exercise the natural antipathies of the substances, and destroying the virtue of the soda.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:20
Examples of unwisdom and incongruity sharpen the point of the proverb. Pouring vinegar upon nitre or potash utterly spoils it.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
20. As he that taketh away — Rather, putteth off. In cold weather — Literally, in a day of cold.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi |
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(Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended u |
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Justification by Works by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before |
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Human Rights by Brother Andrew | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful encounter with a street child who wandered into their church service. The child, barefoot and filthy, mistakenly believed he was the c |
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Why Do the Righteous Suffer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal story about a doctor friend who gained sympathy for those in pain after experiencing kidney stones himself. The speaker the |
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(Basics) 38. Jesus Valued People More Than Things by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the upside-down values of the world, where money is often prioritized over God and people. He emphasizes that Christians should believe and |
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Live Expressed by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap |