King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:25 Mean?

Proverbs 24:25 in the King James Version says “But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. a good: Heb. a blessing of good” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. a good: Heb. a blessing of good”

Proverbs 24:25 · KJV

Context

23

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. a good: Heb. a blessing of good

26

Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. that: Heb. that answereth right words

27

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

Read Proverbs 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides the positive counterpart to verse 24. 'But to them that rebuke him' (וְלַמּוֹכִיחִים יִנְעָם/velammokhichim yin'am, but to those who reprove will be pleasantness/delight) describes judges who convict the guilty. 'Shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them' (וַעֲלֵיהֶם תָּבוֹא בִּרְכַּת־טוֹב/va'aleyhem tavo birkhat-tov, and upon them will come a blessing of good) promises both immediate satisfaction ('delight') and lasting blessing. Righteous judgment brings joy—the relief of seeing justice done, evil punished, innocence vindicated. It also brings God's blessing. The Psalmist declared: 'Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times' (Psalm 106:3). Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes that righteousness brings blessing (10:6; 11:18; 13:21). This motivates judges to courage—despite potential backlash from convicting powerful wrongdoers, God's blessing far outweighs human threats.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical history honors judges who courageously convicted the guilty despite opposition. Nathan confronted David over Uriah's murder (2 Samuel 12:1-14)—risky, as kings could execute messengers bringing bad news. Daniel confronted Belshazzar on the night of Babylon's fall (Daniel 5:17-28). John the Baptist rebuked Herod for adultery, costing John his life (Mark 6:17-29). Yet these prophets are remembered with honor while the wicked kings they confronted are remembered with shame. In the early church, elders were commanded to 'rebuke them that sin before all, that others also may fear' (1 Timothy 5:20). Church discipline required courage to confront sin publicly (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13). Throughout history, prophetic voices confronting injustice—from Wilberforce against slavery to Bonhoeffer against Nazism—initially faced opposition but ultimately received honor and blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you had opportunity to 'rebuke' wrongdoing but remained silent out of fear?
  2. How does the promise of 'delight' and 'blessing' for righteous reproof encourage you to speak truth despite potential cost?
  3. In what relationships or contexts do you need courage to lovingly confront sin or injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְלַמּוֹכִיחִ֥ים1 of 6

“But to them that rebuke”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

יִנְעָ֑ם2 of 6

“him shall be delight”

H5276

to be agreeable (literally or figuratively)

וַֽ֝עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם3 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תָּב֥וֹא4 of 6

“shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בִרְכַּת5 of 6

“blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

טֽוֹב׃6 of 6

“and a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 24:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 24:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 5:20Proverbs 28:231 Samuel 3:13Nehemiah 13:8-111 Kings 21:19-20Nehemiah 13:28

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