King James Version

What Does Proverbs 28:25 Mean?

Proverbs 28:25 in the King James Version says “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.”

Proverbs 28:25 · KJV

Context

23

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer . a destroyer: Heb. a man destroying

25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Read Proverbs 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife (רְחַב־לֵב יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן, rechav-lev yegareh madon)—רָחָב (rachav, 'wide, broad') לֵב (lev, 'heart') suggests arrogance, the inflated ego. This גָּרָה (garah, 'stirs up, provokes') מָדוֹן (madon, 'strife, contention, quarreling'). Pride demands its way, refuses correction, resents challenges. Proverbs 13:10: 'Only by pride cometh contention.' James 4:1-2 traces wars to selfish desires.

But he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat (וּבוֹטֵחַ עַל־יְהוָה יְדֻשָּׁן, uvoteach al-YHWH yedusshan)—בָּטַח (batach, 'to trust, be confident, secure') in יהוה (YHWH, the covenant name of God) results in דָּשֵׁן (dashen, 'to be fat, prosperous, flourishing'). Biblical 'fatness' symbolizes abundant blessing (Genesis 27:28, Psalm 36:8). Security rooted in God produces peace; pride produces conflict. Humility trusts God's vindication; pride demands self-vindication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history repeatedly demonstrated this principle: humble trust brought prosperity (Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20); proud self-reliance brought disaster (Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Jesus embodied ultimate humility (Philippians 2:5-11), entrusting Himself to the Father; God exalted Him to the highest place.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where does pride create strife in your relationships—and how might humility bring peace?
  2. What insecurities drive your need to be right, to win arguments, to defend yourself?
  3. How would deeper trust in God's vindication free you from proud self-assertion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
רְחַב1 of 8

“He that is of a proud”

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

נֶ֭פֶשׁ2 of 8

“heart”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

יְגָרֶ֣ה3 of 8

“stirreth up”

H1624

properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger

מָד֑וֹן4 of 8

“strife”

H4066

a contest or quarrel

וּבֹטֵ֖חַ5 of 8

“but he that putteth his trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

עַל6 of 8
H5921

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

יְהוָ֣ה7 of 8

“in the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יְדֻשָּֽׁן׃8 of 8

“shall be made fat”

H1878

to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

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 28:25 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 28:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 11:251 Timothy 6:6Proverbs 13:10Proverbs 10:12Proverbs 13:4Proverbs 21:24

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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