King James Version
Proverbs 25:9 in the King James Version says “Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: a secret: or, the secret of” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: a secret: or, the secret of”
Proverbs 25:9 · KJV
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.
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.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: a secret: or, the secret of
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. fitly: Heb. spoken upon his wheels
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Debate”
H7378properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
“not a secret”
H5475a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
“himself and discover”
H1540to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
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.
Proverbs 25:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 25:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge