Proverbs 25:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 25:6-7

Here we see, 1. That religion is so far from destroying good manners that it reaches us to behave ourselves lowly and reverently towards our superiors, to keep our distance, and give place to those to whom it belongs ?Put not forth thyself rudely and carelessly in the king's presence, or in the presence of great men; do not compare with them? (so some understand it); ?do not vie with them in apparel, furniture, gardens, house-keeping, or retinue, for that is an affront to them and will waste... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 the officers at court, or by him whose business it is to look after such things, he will beckon or call to thee to come up to a higher and more honourable place: than that thou shouldest be put lower, in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen ; than that thou shouldest be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 25:7

Come up hither - Our Lord refers to this, see Luke 14:8 ; (note), 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,... 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 25:6-7

Another proverb (a pentastich) connected with kings and great men. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:6-7

A lesson in courtly manners Nothing in conduct is unimportant. Fitting and graceful manners are those which become our station in life. Here the relations to our superiors are touched upon. I. WE SHOULD KNOW OUR PLACE , AND NOT STEP OUT OF IT . ( Proverbs 25:6 .) As the Arabic proverb finely says," Sit in thy place, and no man can make thee rise." "All that good manners demand," says a great writer," is composure and self-content." We may add to this "an equal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:6-7

Modesty and self-assertion Some amount of self-assertion is no doubt necessary for honourable success and fruitful achievement. But nothing is more common than for this quality to go beyond its true limit and become distasteful and even offensive both to God and man. What Solomon here deprecates, our Lord also condemns; what he honours, the Divine Teacher also prefers (see Luke 14:9 ). I. THE DANGER OF SELF - ASSERTION . Its temptation is to assume such proportions that ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:7

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither. It is better for the prince to select you for elevation to a high post; to call you up near his throne. The reference is not necessarily to position at a royal banquet, though the maxim lends itself readily to such application. This warbling against arrogance and presumption was used by our blessed Lord in enforcing a lesson of humility and self-discipline ( Luke 14:7 , etc ). Septuagint, "For it is better for thee that it should... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:6-7

Proverbs 25:6-7. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king Hebrew, אל תתהדר , do not magnify, or glorify thyself, before the king; namely, by vaunting or vain-glorious speech, or behaviour; but, which is implied, conduct thyself in an humble and modest manner, which is most pleasing to kings, princes, and other superiors, and most becoming and safe for thee; and stand not in the place of great men Do not affect frequent and familiar society with greater persons than thyself;... 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

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