TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
If you do, and he hears of it, he will disgrace you, and your bad reputation will stick.
World English Bible Messianic
lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Least he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamie doe not cease.
Young's Literal Translation
Lest the hearer put thee to shame, And thine evil report turn not back.
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Commentary on Proverbs 25 verses 8–10
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:
10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
I. Here is good counsel given about going to law: - 1. "Be not hasty in bringing an action, before thou hast thyself considered it, and consulted with thy friends about it: Go not forth hastily to strive; do not send for a writ in a passion, or upon the first appearance of right on thy side, but weigh the matter deliberately, because we are apt to be partial in our own cause; consider the certainty of the expenses and the uncertainty of the success, how much care and vexation it will be the occasion of, and, after all, the cause may go against thee; surely then thou shouldst not go forth hastily to strive." 2. "Bring not an action before thou hast tried to end the matter amicably (Pro 25:9): Debate thy cause with thy neighbour privately, and perhaps you will understand one another better and see that there is no occasion to go to law." In public quarrels the war that must at length end might better have been prevented by a treaty of peace, and a great deal of blood and treasure spared. It is so in private quarrels: "Sue not thy neighbour as a heathen man and a publican until thou hast told him his fault between thee and him alone, and he has refused to refer the matter, or to come to an accommodation. Perhaps the matter in variance is a secret, not fit to be divulged to any, much less to be brought upon the stage before the country; and therefore end it privately, that it may not be discovered." Reveal not the secret of another, so some read it. "Do not, in revenge, to disgrace thy adversary, disclose that which should be kept private and which does not at all belong to the cause."
II. Two reasons he gives why we should be thus cautious in going to law: - 1. "Because otherwise the cause will be in danger of going against thee, and thou wilt not know what to do when the defendant has justified himself in what thou didst charge upon him, and made it out that thy complaint was frivolous and vexatious and that thou hadst no just cause of action, and so put thee to shame, non-suit thee, and force thee to pay costs, all which might have been prevented by a little consideration." 2. "Because it will turn very much to thy reproach if thou fall under the character of being litigious. Not only the defendant himself (Pro 25:8), but he that hears the cause tried will put thee to shame, will expose thee as a man of no principle, and thy infamy will not turn away; thou wilt never retrieve thy reputation."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–10. Public domain.
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Evagrius PonticusAD 399
SCHOLIA ON PROVERBS 304:25.10
Solomon frequently mentions “friend” and “friendship.” Therefore, it is fitting now to look into what he means by friendship. He says [in effect] that grace and friendship liberate. Also, the Savior in the gospels says to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Again, Paul writes, “Christ freed us from the curse of the law.” Hence, if “friendship sets free” and “truth sets free” and the Savior sets free, then Christ is both truth and friendship. Therefore, all who possess the knowledge of Christ are friends to each other. Therefore, the Savior calls his disciples “friends,” and John the Baptist is a friend of the bridegroom, and so are Moses and all the saints. And it is in virtue of that friendship alone, that his friends are also friends to each other.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:10 issues a solemn warning against the profound and enduring consequences of indiscretion, particularly the careless revelation of private matters or secrets. It highlights that such a betrayal of trust not only exposes the speaker to public humiliation but also attaches a lasting disgrace, or "infamy," that is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. The proverb thus underscores the critical importance of discretion, integrity, and the diligent guarding of one's words to preserve personal reputation and foster trustworthy relationships within the community.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 25:10 functions primarily as a Proverbial Warning, clearly articulating a severe negative consequence to deter a specific behavior: the indiscreet revelation of secrets. It employs potent Cause and Effect reasoning, implicitly stating that the act of revealing a secret (the cause, building on the instruction in Proverbs 25:9) will inevitably lead to public shame and lasting infamy (the effect). The phrase "turn not away" utilizes powerful Figurative Language to convey the permanence and persistence of the disgrace. This suggests that the infamy is not a fleeting embarrassment but like a persistent shadow, an indelible mark, or a reputation that clings stubbornly and cannot be easily erased. This strong imagery serves as a compelling deterrent, highlighting the high stakes involved in guarding one's words and respecting confidences.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on the power and sanctity of speech, viewing words not merely as sounds but as instruments with the capacity to build up or tear down, to bless or to curse. Theologically, it aligns with God's character as truth and light, contrasting sharply with the darkness of deceit, slander, and irresponsible communication. It underscores the divine value placed on integrity, trustworthiness, and the preservation of one's good name, which is consistently presented in Scripture as a reflection of one's character before God and humanity. The lasting nature of "infamy" reminds us that our words have significant, often far-reaching, consequences, contributing to the kind of legacy we leave. Ultimately, the proverb calls for speech that honors God, builds up others, and fosters genuine trust, rather than tearing down through indiscretion or malice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 25:10 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient contexts, speaking directly to the critical importance of discretion and integrity in all our relationships, especially in today's interconnected world. In an age saturated with instant communication, social media, and the rapid dissemination of information, this proverb serves as a vital anchor, reminding us that every word we utter, particularly concerning others' private matters, carries immense weight and potential for harm. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of trustworthiness, recognizing that betraying a confidence or engaging in gossip not only harms the subject of our words but also corrodes our own character and reputation. Our words are a profound reflection of our hearts and inner character, and a commitment to discreet, thoughtful, and edifying speech is a testament to our maturity, empathy, and respect for others. By internalizing this proverb, we are called to be vigilant guardians of trust, fostering environments of safety, respect, and genuine communion rather than contributing to cycles of shame and dishonor through careless or malicious communication.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "secret" is implied in this proverb?
Answer: The "secret" implied here, especially when read in conjunction with Proverbs 25:9, refers primarily to private or sensitive information related to a "neighbor" or acquaintance. It is not necessarily a matter of national security or a criminal act, but rather personal or confidential details—be it a private conflict, a personal flaw, or a sensitive personal situation—that, if revealed, could cause embarrassment, shame, or significant damage to someone's reputation. The proverb emphasizes the profound betrayal of trust inherent in disclosing such information, whether through gossip, loose talk, or deliberate slander.
Does this proverb mean one should never speak out about wrongdoing?
Answer: No, this proverb primarily addresses the betrayal of personal confidences and the spreading of gossip or slander, which leads to the shaming of the speaker and the subject. It does not negate the broader biblical principle of confronting sin or seeking justice, especially when harm is being done or a person is in danger. Other scriptures provide clear guidance on how to address wrongdoing, such as the steps for church discipline outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, or the necessity of legal processes for criminal acts. The focus of Proverbs 25:10 is on protecting private matters and maintaining personal integrity and trustworthiness, not on enabling or concealing evil.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:10, with its stark warning against the lasting shame of indiscretion, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several interconnected ways. First, Jesus Christ Himself perfectly embodied the virtues of discretion, truthfulness, and integrity in speech. His words were always seasoned with grace and truth (John 1:14), never engaging in gossip, slander, or the betrayal of confidences, even when falsely accused and reviled. He spoke with divine authority and wisdom, demonstrating the ultimate model of righteous and trustworthy speech (1 Peter 2:22). Second, the proverb's emphasis on "infamy" and "shame" powerfully points to Christ's ultimate redemptive sacrifice. Though innocent and without sin, Jesus bore the ultimate "infamy" and "shame" of the cross, becoming a public spectacle and enduring the disgrace of humanity's sin, so that we might be freed from eternal shame and clothed in His righteousness (Hebrews 12:2). Through His atoning work, the "infamy" of our sin is indeed "turned away" from us, and we are granted a new name and an unblemished standing before God. Finally, as followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in our speech. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are exhorted to put off "filthy language" and "slander" and instead speak words that are "helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29), ensuring our words bring grace, honor, and life, rather than lasting shame or destruction.