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Proverbs 28:25

Proverbs 28:25 in Multiple Translations

A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.

Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.

He that is of a proude heart, stirreth vp strife: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be fatte.

Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on Jehovah is made fat.

One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

He that boasteth, and puffeth up himself, stirreth up quarrels: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be healed.

Greedy people cause trouble/strife; those who trust in Yahweh will prosper [IDM].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:25

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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 28:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB רְחַב נֶ֭פֶשׁ יְגָרֶ֣ה מָד֑וֹן וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ עַל יְהוָ֣ה יְדֻשָּֽׁן
רְחַב râchâb H7342 broad Adj
נֶ֭פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs
יְגָרֶ֣ה gârâh H1624 to stir up V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
מָד֑וֹן mâdôwn H4066 strife N-ms
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ bâṭach H982 to trust Conj | V-Qal
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
יְדֻשָּֽׁן dâshên H1878 to prosper V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:25

רְחַב râchâb H7342 "broad" Adj
This word means broad or wide, describing something that is roomy or spacious. It can also mean proud or arrogant, and is used to describe a person's attitude. In the KJV, it is translated as broad or large.
Definition: broad, wide Also means: ra.chav (רָחָב ": arrogant" H7342I)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide. See also: Genesis 34:21; Job 30:14; Psalms 101:5.
נֶ֭פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יְגָרֶ֣ה gârâh H1624 "to stir up" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To stir up or cause strife, this verb is often used to describe conflict or anger. It can also mean to meddle or contend with someone, and is used in various stories in the Bible, including those of war and disagreement. The KJV translates it as 'contend' or 'stir up'.
Definition: 1) to cause strife, stir up, contend, meddle, strive, be stirred up 1a) (Piel) to stir up strife, excite strife 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to excite oneself against, engage in strife 1b2) to excite oneself (against foe), wage war
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: contend, meddle, stir up, strive. See also: Deuteronomy 2:5; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 28:4.
מָד֑וֹן mâdôwn H4066 "strife" N-ms
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ bâṭach H982 "to trust" Conj | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
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.
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יְדֻשָּֽׁן dâshên H1878 "to prosper" V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To prosper or be fat is the meaning of this word, which can also mean to anoint or satisfy. It is often used to describe God's blessing and prosperity.
Definition: 1) to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint 1a) (Qal) of prosperity (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make fat, anoint 1b2) to find fat (of offering-acceptable) 1b3) to take away ashes (from altar) 1c) (Pual) to be made fat 1d) (Hothpael) to fatten oneself (of Jehovah's sword)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat. See also: Exodus 27:3; Proverbs 11:25; Psalms 20:4.

Study Notes — Proverbs 28:25

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 11:25 A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
2 1 Timothy 6:6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
3 Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
4 Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
5 Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
6 Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.
7 Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
8 Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
9 Proverbs 21:24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.
10 Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

Proverbs 28:25 Summary

This verse teaches us that when we are greedy, we can cause problems and conflict with others, but when we trust in God, we can have peace and prosperity. It's not about having no possessions or wealth, but about not letting our desires for these things control us, as stated in Matthew 6:24, where it is written that we cannot serve both God and money. By trusting in God, we can find contentment and avoid the strife that comes from greed. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can have a sense of peace and security that goes beyond our material possessions, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4, where it is written that we should trust in the Lord and do good, and He will give us the desires of our heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between greed and strife in Proverbs 28:25?

The verse teaches that a greedy person stirs up strife, indicating that an excessive desire for wealth or material possessions can lead to conflict and tension, as seen in James 4:1-3 where it is written that selfish desires can lead to quarrels and fights.

How can trusting in the Lord lead to prosperity?

Trusting in the Lord means having faith in His goodness and provision, which can lead to a sense of contentment and peace, as stated in Philippians 4:19, where it is written that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Is it wrong to desire wealth or material possessions?

While it is not wrong to have some wealth or possessions, the Bible warns against allowing these desires to become excessive or all-consuming, as stated in 1 Timothy 6:10, where it is written that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

How can I apply Proverbs 28:25 to my everyday life?

By recognizing the dangers of greed and instead choosing to trust in the Lord, you can cultivate a sense of contentment and peace, and avoid stirring up strife in your relationships, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:5, where it is written that God will never leave us or forsake us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that greed can manifest in my life, and how can I recognize its influence?
  2. How can I balance my desire for financial security with a trust in God's provision?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize trusting in the Lord over trusting in my own abilities or wealth?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a sense of contentment and peace in my life, rather than striving for more wealth or possessions?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife,.... Or, of a "large heart" (c), or has an enlarged one; not with useful knowledge and understanding, as Solomon had; nor a heart enlarged with love and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:25

He that is of a proud heart, whose property it is to overvalue himself, and to trust to himself and his own wit, or wealth, or strength, stirreth up strife, because he makes it his great business to advance and please himself, and hateth and opposeth all that stand in his way, and despiseth other men, and is very jealous of his honour, and impatient of the least slighting, or affront, or injury, and indulgeth his own passions; and therefore shall not be fat, but lean and miserable, as is implied from the opposite clause. That putteth his trust in the Lord; which is mentioned as a plain and certain evidence of a humble man, who is mean and vile in his own eyes, and therefore trusts not to himself, but to God only, making God’ s will, and not his own will, and passion, and interest, the rule of all his actions, and can easily deny himself, and yield to others, all which are excellent preventives of strife. Shall be made fat; shall live happily and comfortably, because he avoids that strife which make men’ s lives miserable.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:25

Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.Ver. 25. He that is of a proud heart.] Latus animo. He that through pride and ambition cannot keep within bounds of his calling or condition, but thinks great thoughts of himself, and therefore seeks great things for himself, this man, if crossed, is easily kindled, and shall be made lean; God will tame him, and take him a link lower, as we say. This largeness of heart is but as the bigness of a blown bladder, &c. But he that putteth his trust in the Lord, shall be fat.] He shall laugh and be fat, as the saying is; he shall live at a great deal of heart’ s ease, and others shall live quietly by him. That which would break a proud man’ s heart will not break a humble man’ s sleep. He is content with his present condition, be it better or worse, hath a self-sufficiency, studies to be quiet, seeks peace and ensues it, depends upon God for direction and success in all businesses, and what should all this man but that he may grow fat? The Irish would ask him, if they knew his wealth, what he meant to die?

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:25

(25) He that is of a proud heart.—Who thinks much of himself, “stirreth up strife” by his struggles with others for pre-eminence, and mostly gains only vexation and disappointment for his trouble; “but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat,” being richly rewarded with that “peace which passeth all understanding.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:25

Verse 25. Shall be made fat.] Shall be prosperous.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:25

25. of a proud heart] Lit. wide of soul. This may mean having his soul enlarged, either by the elation of pride, as A.V. (comp. wide of heart, Proverbs 21:4; Psalms 101:5), or by the desire of gain, He that is of a greedy spirit, R.V. The expression breadth or width of heart is used in a good sense, 1 Kings 4:29 [Hebrews 5:9]. Comp. Psalms 119:32; Isaiah 60:5; 2 Corinthians 6:11.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:25

Shall be made fat - He shall enjoy the two-fold blessing of abundance and tranquility (compare Proverbs 11:25).

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:25

25. Of a proud heart — Inflated of soul, or wide of desire — of large cupidity. Zockler, “Proud spirited, arrogant.” Shall be made fat — Shall have abundance. Comp. Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 13:10.

Sermons on Proverbs 28:25

SermonDescription
Jackie Pullinger Testimony - Part 2 by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being led by God to Hong Kong 18 years ago. He arrived without a plan but prayed for guidance, and God directed him to the city
Zac Poonen (Basics) 61. Selfishness by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on our lives. He compares sin to various physical ailments, stating that sin is worse than sickness, i
Otto Koning A Widow Who Becomes a Channel of God's Power by Otto Koning Otto Koning shares a powerful testimony about a widow who, despite her poverty, becomes a channel of God's blessings by committing to give everything above her basic needs to suppo
Otto Koning The Hitchhiking Story by Otto Koning In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of hitchhiking and relying on God's provision. He recounts how he was stranded in Columbus and prayed for a ride to continu
John Piper A Fast for Waters That Do Not Fail (Part 1) by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker, Doug Nichols, emphasizes the importance of taking action and praying for more missionaries to bring the gospel to children suffering from malnutrition
Zac Poonen Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6 by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contra
Zac Poonen Three Stages Spiritual Growth - Part 6 by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing the word of God to dwell in us, meditating on it, and making it a part of our lives to overcome sin and Satan. It encourages movin

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