Hezekiah’s Collection of Proverbs

Proverbs 25:1-17

”These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.” (Proverbs 25:1)

About three hundred years after Solomon’s time, Hezekiah made a determined effort to turn Judah back to God.  As part of that effort, he published the following collection of Solomon’s proverbs.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2)

The greatness of god is exhibited by his ability to do things in ways man cannot understand.  The king or government is respected for their ability to accurately analyze a situation and make good choices.

“The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.” (Proverbs 25:3)

Some things are beyond understanding.  We cant understand just how big the universe is or just what all is down in the earth.  We also cannot understand the attitudes and logic of government. 

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.  Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.” (Proverbs 25:4-5)

Eliminating the impurities from silver makes it fit for casting and making into a useable vessel.   By eliminating corruption in the government, its continued power is assured.

“Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 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.” (Proverbs 25:6-7)

It’s better to do your job and earn a promotion than to push your way in and get booted out for crashing the party.

“Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.  Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” (Proverbs 25:8-10)

Don’t get in a hurry to get involved in a fight when you aren’t sure what the details are because it’s embarrassing to find out you were in the wrong.  It is better to settle conflicts privately to avoid embarrassment and shame at having been wrong.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.  As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25:11-12)

Carefully chosen words at the right moment are like gold trim and decorations on a silver background.  A loving warning is like giving a piece of gold jewelry to a person who is willing to listen and obey. 

“As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.” (Proverbs 25:13)

For many crops, harvest is during the hottest time of the year.   Where refrigeration is not available, a little ice or snow to cool off with is a very appealing thought.  Somebody who can be depended on to do what he is supposed to is just as refreshing to those who send him to do the job.

“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” (Proverbs 25:14)

People who brag about what all they are going to do for you and don’t deliver are like clouds and wind that promise a lot and disrupt your plans but don’t produce any real benefit. 

“By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” (Proverbs 25:15)

Gentle persuasion and persistence changes people’s minds when force and manipulation or nagging and complaining can’t.

“Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” (Proverbs 25:16)

You can get too much of a good thing.  Learn to limit yourself so that you don’t cause yourself problems. 

“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” (Proverbs 25:17)

People get tired of having somebody lord it over them and boss them around and begin to resent or even hate them.  Nobody really likes being bossed around so don’t do it.