King James Version

What Does Proverbs 25:7 Mean?

Proverbs 25:7 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 25:7 · KJV


Context

5

Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: Put: Heb. Set not out thy glory

7

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.

8

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.

9

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: a secret: or, the secret of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Better to be told 'Come up here' than humiliated before nobles. The Hebrew 'alah' (go up/ascend) versus 'shaphel' (be made low/humiliated) describes honor versus shame. Humility that's later exalted experiences greater glory than pride that's publicly humiliated. Tactical wisdom joins moral virtue here: humility is both right and smart. Pride brings fall; humility brings honor. This anticipates James 4:10: 'Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures made public humiliation devastating. Being demoted publicly destroyed reputation and social standing. Conversely, public elevation brought honor to whole family. This verse offers both moral teaching (be humble) and practical wisdom (humility works better). Throughout Scripture, God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced God 'moving you up' after humble service or 'moving you down' after prideful presumption?
  2. How does pursuing humility strategically (for promotion) differ from pursuing humility virtuously (for godliness)?
  3. What would complete indifference to human honor and shame look like if you only sought God's approval?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֥וֹב2 of 12

For better

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

אֲמָר3 of 12

it is that it be said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֗4 of 12
H0
עֲֽלֵ֫ה5 of 12

unto thee Come up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הֵ֥נָּה6 of 12
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

מֵֽ֭הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְךָ7 of 12

hither than that thou shouldest be put lower

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 12

in the presence

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

נָדִ֑יב9 of 12

of the prince

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר10 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רָא֣וּ11 of 12

have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינֶֽיךָ׃12 of 12

whom thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)


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 25:7 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 25:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study