Proverbs 25:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 25:4-5

This shows that the vigorous endeavour of a prince to suppress vice, and reform the manners of his people, is the most effectual way to support his government. Observe, 1. What the duty of magistrates is: To take away the wicked, to use their power for the terror of evil works and evil workers, not only to banish those that are vicious and profane from their presence, and forbid them the court, but so to frighten them and restrain them that they may not spread the infection of their wickedness... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:5

Take away the wicked from before the king ,.... Wicked ministers and counsellors; they are the "dross", worthless and useless; yea, hurtful and pernicious. The king is the "refiner", for whom the vessel is; the kingdom is the silver vessel refined; and which becomes much the better, when wicked men are removed from the court and cabinet council of kings; as well as the king is the happier, and his throne more firm and secure, as follows: and his throne shall be established in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:2-5

Kings: their attributes and duties I. CONTRAST BETWEEN DIVINE AND HUMAN GOVERNMENT . Divine government is a mystery in its principles and its ends. Partial revelation only is given of its method in the Scriptures and in the actual course of the world. Actual relations are one thing, their secret spring another. The former may be known, the latter is veiled from our scrutiny. On the contrary, human government should be founded on principles intelligible to all and commendable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:2-7

Proverbs concerning kings. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:4-5

A tetrastich in an emblematical form. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:5

Take away the wicked from before the king. Let the wicked be removed from the presence of the king, as dross is separated from the pure silver (see the same metaphor, Isaiah 1:25 ; Jeremiah 6:29 , etc.). And his throne shall be established in righteousness ( Proverbs 16:12 : Proverbs 29:14 ). The king detects the evil and punishes them; and this confirms his rule and secures the continuance of his dynasty. Thus righteousness triumphs, and wickedness is properly dealt with.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:4-5

Proverbs 25:4-5. Take away the dross from the silver, &c. When the dross is separated from the silver, and not before, it becomes so pliable, that the finer may cast or work it into what form he pleases; thus, take away the wicked from before the king Remove from his court and counsels those who, by their wicked advices and practices, provoke God’s displeasure against him, blast his reputation, and alienate the hearts of his subjects from him, and his throne shall be established in... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:1-28

25:1-29:27 MORE PROVERBS OF SOLOMONRelations with others (25:1-28)God has no obligation to explain to anyone the reasons for his actions. A king, however, has a duty to his people to investigate the causes of events that affect them, though he need not reveal to them his deepest thoughts (25:1-3). Some advisers to the king may be ungodly or treacherous, and should be removed if the king is to rule righteously (4-5). It is better to wait to be invited to a higher rank than to be boastfully... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 25:5

Take away, &c. Illustrations: David ( 1Ki 2:5 , 1 Kings 2:6 . Compare Pro 25:46 ); Asa (1 Kings 15:13 ). the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 25:5

5. before—or, "in presence of," as courtiers stood about a king. read more

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