Proverbs 25:9
Proverbs 25:9 in Multiple Translations
Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, And disclose not the secret of another;
Have a talk with your neighbour himself about your cause, but do not give away the secret of another:
Discuss the case with your neighbor himself, and don't betray someone else's secret,
Debate thy matter with thy neighbour, and discouer not the secret to another,
Thy cause plead with thy neighbour, And the secret counsel of another reveal not,
Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself ; and reveal not a secret to another:
Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the secret to a stranger:
If you and someone else think differently about some matter, settle it between yourselves, and do not tell others any secret that he has told you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:9
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 25:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רִֽ֭יבְ/ךָ
רִ֣יב
אֶת
רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/ס֖וֹד
אַחֵ֣ר
אַל
תְּגָֽל
רִֽ֭יבְ/ךָ
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs | Suff
רִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וְ/ס֖וֹד
çôwd
H5475
counsel
Conj | N-ms
אַחֵ֣ר
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּגָֽל
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:9
רִֽ֭יבְ/ךָ
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
רִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/ס֖וֹד
çôwd
H5475
"counsel"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.
Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.
אַחֵ֣ר
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּגָֽל
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:9
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
7for it is better to be told, “Come up here!” than to be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 18:5–17 | And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:13 | A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. |
| 3 | Proverbs 20:19 | He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. |
Proverbs 25:9 Summary
This verse is telling us to be honest and respectful when we have a problem with someone, and to keep secrets that are told to us in trust. It's like when someone tells you a secret, and you promise not to tell anyone else - you should keep that promise, as seen in Proverbs 17:9. By being honest and keeping confidences, we can build strong and healthy relationships with others, and show them the love and respect that God wants us to have for each other, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40 and John 13:34-35.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another's confidence?
This means that when you have a disagreement or issue with someone, you should discuss it with them directly and honestly, without sharing confidential information that was told to you in trust, as seen in Proverbs 11:13 and Proverbs 17:9.
How does this verse relate to being a good friend or neighbor?
This verse emphasizes the importance of being a trustworthy and respectful friend or neighbor, by keeping confidences and dealing honestly with others, as also taught in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.
What are the consequences of betraying another's confidence?
Betraying another's confidence can lead to damaged relationships, loss of trust, and even public shame, as warned in Proverbs 25:10, and as seen in the story of David and Uriah in 2 Samuel 11:1-27.
How can I balance being honest with keeping confidences?
This can be done by being mindful of what information is shared with you in confidence, and only sharing it with others when necessary and with permission, as guided by principles in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 3:8-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to argue my case with a neighbor or friend, and how can I do it in a way that honors God?
- How can I ensure that I am keeping confidences and being a trustworthy friend or neighbor, and what are some areas where I need to improve?
- What are some potential consequences of betraying another's confidence, and how can I avoid them in my own relationships?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of loving my neighbor as myself, as taught in Mark 12:31 and Romans 13:9?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself],.... Between thee and him alone; lay the matter before him, and hear what he has to say for himself, by which you will better judge of the nature of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Debate thy cause with thy neighbour (himself), and discover not a secret to another.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; if thou hast any quarrel with him, first try to compose it by private discourse with him. Compare 18:15 . Discover not a secret; any secret. Let no heat of contention provoke thee to divulge any of his secret counsels committed to thy trust, or to reproach him with any of his secret faults, as is usual in lawsuits and other contentions. Or, the secret; any secret difference between thee and him, which therefore is fittest to be ended secretly between you, and not to be imparted to any other.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
Proverbs 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another:Ver. 9. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, &c.] What shall I do then, may some say, if I may not right myself by law? You may, saith he, so you do it deliberately, and have first privately debated the cause out of desire of agreement, and moved for a compromise. See Matthew 18:15. And discover not the secret of another.] Merely to be revenged on him for some supposed injury. There are those who in their rage care not what they disclose to the prejudice of another. Charity chargeth the contrary. It claps a plaster on the sore, and then covers it with her hand, as surgeons use to do, that the world may be never the wiser.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
(9) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour.—As our Lord says, “If thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone” (Matthew 18:15). Or it may mean, “If you must go to law with another, do not drag others into the matter by disclosing their secrets in order to help your cause.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
Verse 9. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour] Take the advice of friends. Let both sides attend to their counsels; but do not tell the secret of thy business to any. After squandering your money away upon lawyers, both they and the judge will at last leave it to be settled by twelve of your fellow citizens! O the folly of going to law! O the blindness of men, and the rapacity of unprincipled lawyers! On this subject I cannot but give the following extract from Sir John Hawkins's Life of Dr. Johnson, which he quotes from Mr. Selwin, of London: "A man who deliberates about going to law should have, 1. A good cause; 2.
A good purse; 3. A good skilful attorney; 4. Good evidence; 5. Good able counsel; 6. A good upright judge; 7. A good intelligent jury; and with all these on his side, if he have not, 8. Good luck, it is odds but he miscarries in his suit." O the glorious uncertainty of the law!
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:9
9. a secret to] Rather, the secret of, A.V. marg. and R.V. The warning would seem to be against being betrayed by a litigious spirit into dishonourable conduct, and incurring the indelible shame of betraying confidence through eagerness to win your suit.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:9
An anticipation of the highest standard of ethical refinement Matthew 18:15, but with a difference. Here the motive is prudential, the risk of shame, the fear of the irretrievable infamy of the betrayer of secrets.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:9
9, 10. Debate thy cause… neighbour — Reason with him — plead with him.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
|
The Ministry of the Church by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a new pastor who constantly hears comparisons to the previous pastor's sermons and services. One day, the new pastor visits a young |
|
Homily 14 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches about the baptism of Mattidia in a secret place by the sea, highlighting the importance of privacy and reverence in spiritual practices. Peter encounters a |
|
Touch of Love by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a little boy who grew up in poverty and desperation. The boy's mother would sell sticks in the forest to make a living, while his f |
|
The Cross by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of taking up our cross and losing our soul-life for the sake of Christ, as taught in Matthew 10:38-39. He explains that the soul-life, which e |
|
Mark 9:33-37. Christ Teaches Humility by the Example of a Child. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the private conversations of Jesus with his disciples, highlighting the depth of wisdom and patience displayed in those moments. Despite the discipl |
|
Family Group Care by George Mueller | George Mueller discusses the evolution of child care in his time, emphasizing the transition from large institutional homes to smaller family group homes that foster a more natural |