King James Version

What Does Proverbs 25:23 Mean?

Proverbs 25:23 in the King James Version says “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. driveth: or, bringeth forth rain: so...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. driveth: or, bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance”

Proverbs 25:23 · KJV

Context

21

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

23

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. driveth: or, bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance

24

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Read Proverbs 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The north wind brings forth rain; a backbiting tongue brings angry looks. The Hebrew 'chuwl' (brings forth/births) and 'ragan' (whisper/slander) describes gossip's inevitable consequences. Meteorological observation becomes moral lesson: gossip produces anger as surely as north wind produces rain. Cause-effect relationship is predictable. If you gossip, expect angry response when discovered. Slander breeds anger; truthful speech builds trust.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Proverbs repeatedly condemns gossip and slander (11:13, 16:28, 18:8, 20:19, 26:20-22). Ancient communities' closeness made gossip especially destructive. James 3:5-6 describes tongue's destructive power: 'Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.' Modern social media exponentially amplifies gossip's reach and damage. Wisdom requires guarding speech carefully.

Reflection Questions

  1. What gossip or backbiting speech have you engaged in, and what angry consequences resulted?
  2. How can you cultivate speech patterns that build trust rather than breeding anger?
  3. What accountability would help you avoid backbiting and slander?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ר֣וּחַ1 of 8

“wind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

צָ֭פוֹן2 of 8

“The north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל3 of 8

“driveth away”

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

גָּ֑שֶׁם4 of 8

“rain”

H1653

a shower

וּפָנִ֥ים5 of 8

“countenance”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים6 of 8

“so doth an angry”

H2194

properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged

לְשׁ֣וֹן7 of 8

“tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

סָֽתֶר׃8 of 8

“a backbiting”

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

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 25:23 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 25:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:30Job 37:22Proverbs 26:20Psalms 15:32 Corinthians 12:20Psalms 101:5

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Proverbs 25 with CommentaryAll Proverbs ChaptersComplete Proverbs QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes