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Proverbs 25:7

Proverbs 25:7 in Multiple Translations

for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom thine eyes have seen.

For it is better to have it said to you, Come up here; than for you to be put down in a lower place before the ruler.

for it's better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be humiliated before a nobleman. Even though you've seen something with your own eyes,

For it is better, that it be saide vnto thee, Come vp hither, then thou to be put lower in the presece of the prince whom thine eyes haue seene.

For better [that] he hath said to thee, 'Come thou up hither,' Than [that] he humble thee before a noble, Whom thine eyes have seen.

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.

For better it is that it be said to thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thy eyes have seen.

For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the prince.

it is better if someone tells you to sit closer to the king than for someone to tell you, while the king is listening, to sit further away in order that someone who is more important may sit closer to the king.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:7

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 25:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֤י ט֥וֹב אֲמָר לְ/ךָ֗ עֲֽלֵ֫ה הֵ֥נָּה מֵֽ֭/הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְ/ךָ לִ/פְנֵ֣י נָדִ֑יב אֲשֶׁ֖ר רָא֣וּ עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
ט֥וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
אֲמָר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/ךָ֗ Prep | Suff
עֲֽלֵ֫ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הֵ֥נָּה hênnâh H2008 here/thus Adv
מֵֽ֭/הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְ/ךָ shâphêl H8213 to abase Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
נָדִ֑יב nâdîyb H5081 noble Adj
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
רָא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינֶֽי/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:7

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ט֥וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
אֲמָר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/ךָ֗ "" Prep | Suff
עֲֽלֵ֫ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
הֵ֥נָּה hênnâh H2008 "here/thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
מֵֽ֭/הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְ/ךָ shâphêl H8213 "to abase" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To humble or abase oneself, to lower one's expectations or pride. In the Bible, it can mean to bring someone or something down, like in Proverbs 29:23, where a person's pride is humbled.
Definition: 1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased 1a) (Qal) to be or become low 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate 1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement 1b3) to make low, sit down
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er). See also: 1 Samuel 2:7; Isaiah 2:17; Psalms 18:28.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
נָדִ֑יב nâdîyb H5081 "noble" Adj
Noble or generous, describing someone of high rank or character, like a prince, or a person with a willing and liberal heart, as seen in the stories of David and Solomon.
Definition: : noble n m 1) noble one adj 2) inclined, willing, noble, generous 1a) incited, inclined, willing 1b) noble, princely (in rank) 1c) noble (in mind and character)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). See also: Exodus 35:5; Psalms 113:8; Psalms 47:10.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
רָא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
עֵינֶֽי/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

Study Notes — Proverbs 25:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Luke 14:7–11 When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
2 Luke 18:14 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.”
3 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
4 Revelation 4:1 After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.”
5 Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 25:7 Summary

This verse teaches us that it's better to be humble and wait for others to recognize our worth than to try to promote ourselves and risk being put down. It's a reminder that true honor comes from others, not from our own self-promotion, as seen in Proverbs 25:7. By being humble and waiting for others to invite us 'to come up here,' we can avoid the shame of being demoted and instead experience the joy of being lifted up by others, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6. This principle can be applied in our daily lives by being mindful of our actions and attitudes, especially in the presence of those in authority, and remembering that humility is a key virtue, as noted in Proverbs 15:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be demoted in the presence of a prince?

To be demoted in the presence of a prince means to be humbled or lowered in status, often due to pride or arrogance, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which states that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Why is it better for someone to say 'Come up here!' than to be demoted?

It is better because being invited to come up is a sign of honor and respect, whereas being demoted is a sign of shame and humiliation, as noted in Proverbs 25:7, and is reminiscent of the honor bestowed upon the humble in Proverbs 15:33.

What does 'Even what you have seen with your own eyes' mean in this context?

This phrase suggests that even if you have personally witnessed something, it is still important to exercise humility and not rush to judgment, as advised in Proverbs 18:13, which warns against answering before listening.

How does this verse relate to our interactions with those in authority?

This verse reminds us to approach those in authority with humility and respect, recognizing that true honor comes from them, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, which instructs us to submit to governing authorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways can I apply the principle of humility in my daily interactions, especially with those in positions of authority?
  2. How can I balance confidence in my abilities with humility in the presence of others, as encouraged in Proverbs 25:7?
  3. What are some common pitfalls of pride and arrogance that I need to be aware of in my own life, and how can I avoid them, as warned in Proverbs 16:18?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate respect and deference to those in authority over me, as taught in Romans 13:1-2?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:7

For better [it is] that it be said unto thee, Come up hither,.... It is much more to thine honour and credit to seat thyself in a place rather beneath than above thee; which being observed by some of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:7

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:7

For better it is, it is more for thy credit and comfort, that it be said unto thee, by some public officer, or by the king himself. Whom thine eyes have seen; into whose presence and acquaintance thou hast so boldly intruded thyself, who as before he observed thy impudence, so now he sees and suffers this public disgrace to be cast upon thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:7

Proverbs 25:7 For better [it is] that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.Ver. 7. For better it is that it be said unto thee.] From this text our Saviour takes that parable of his, put forth to those that were bidden to a feast. Now, if before an earthly prince men should carry themselves thus modestly and humbly, how much more before the King of heaven! And if among guests at a feast, how much more among the saints and angels in the holy assemblies! That is an excellent saying of Bernard, Omnino oportet nos orationis tempore curiam intrare coelestern, in qua Rex regum stellato sedet solio, circumdante innumerabili et ineffabili beatorum spirituum exercitu. Quanta ergo cum reverentia, quanto timore, quanta illuc humilitate accedere debet e palude sua procedens et repens vilis ranuncula? At prayer time we should enter into the court of heaven, where sitteth the King of kings with a guard of innumerable blessed spirits. With how great reverence then, with how great fear and self abasement, should we come, like so many vile vermin creeping and crawling out of some sorry pool or puddle! Bernard., De Divers.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:7

(7) In the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen, and whose place thou hast shamelessly taken. The same lesson was repeated by our Lord in Luke 14:10, sqq., and enforced on the ground of His own example. (Matthew 20:25, sqq.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:7

Verse 7. Come up hither] Our Lord refers to this, see Lu 14:8, and the notes there. Be humble; affect not high things; let those who are desperate climb dangerous precipices; keep thyself quiet, and thou shalt live at ease, and in peace. Hear the speech of a wise heathen on this subject: - Quid fuit, ut tutas agitaret Daedalus alas; Icarus immensas nomine signet aquas? Nempe quod hic alte, dimissus ille volabat. Nam pennas ambo nonne habuere suas? Crede mihi; bene qui latuit, bene vixit; et infra Fortunam debet quisque manere suam. Vive sine invidia; mollesque inglorius annos Exige: amicitias et tibi junge pares. OVID, Trist. lib. iii., El. 4, ver. 21. "Why was it that Daedalus winged his way safely, while Icarus his son fell, and gave name to the Icarian sea? Was it not because the son flew aloft, and the father skimmed the ground? For both were furnished with the same kind of wings. Take my word for it, that he who lives privately lives safely; and every one should live within his own income. Envy no man; pray for a quiet life, though it should not be dignified. Seek a friend, and associate with thy equals."

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:7

7. Come up hither] Comp. Luke 14:8-10, and Introd. p. 33. whom thine eyes have seen] This aggravates the disgrace: you have pressed presumptuously into the inner circle, so as to stand face to face with the prince, and there “in his presence” shalt thou be humiliated.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:7

6, 7. Put not forth thyself — The meaning is, “Do not bear thyself proudly.” — Conant. Do not make a display. “Spread not thyself” (Miller) before the king, to attract his attention, nor intrude among those of high rank.

Sermons on Proverbs 25:7

SermonDescription
Paris Reidhead Cost of Discipleship - Part 5 by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a young man who committed his life to Christ despite his mother and grandmother's disapproval. The young man expressed his deep lov
Jackie Pullinger The Wedding Banquet - 1 by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the great banquet from Luke chapter 14. The story is about a man who invites many guests to a banquet but they all make excuses
Zac Poonen Parables of Jesus - 06 Spiritual Pride by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard from Matthew's Gospel chapter 20. The parable tells the story of a man who hires workers at diffe
Roy Hession The Way Up Is Down by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses a parable from Luke's Gospel chapter 14 about a wedding feast. The parable illustrates the principle of humility and not seeking the highest p
R.A. Torrey How to Find Honor Here and Recompense Hereafter Luke 14:7-14 by R.A. Torrey R.A. Torrey emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness in seeking honor and recompense, drawing from Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:7-14. He explains that true honor comes
Zac Poonen The Parables of Jesus by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on various aspects of entering God's Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of good soil for spiritual growth, the need to be properly clothed with Christ's righte
Phil Beach Jr. Will You Also Be His Disciples? by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. preaches on the importance of being true disciples of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for humility, teachability, and a heart that is transformed to bear the mora

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