Proverbs 25:10

KJV

Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest he that heareth {H8085} it put thee to shame {H2616}, and thine infamy {H1681} turn not away {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you do, and he hears of it, he will disgrace you, and your bad reputation will stick.

Berean Standard Bible

lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.

American Standard Version

Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" ([Proverbs 25:1](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - The Collection of Hezekiah")). It forms a crucial and direct continuation of the preceding verse, [Proverbs 25:9](/proverbs/25-9 "Proverbs 25:9 - Debating with Your Neighbor"). While [Proverbs 25:9](/proverbs/25-9 "Proverbs 25:9 - Debating with Your Neighbor") provides the positive instruction—"Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another"—[Proverbs 25:10](/proverbs/25-10 "Proverbs 25:10 - The Consequence of Indiscretion") serves as the dire warning, presenting the inevitable and undesirable outcome if that wise counsel is disregarded. The two verses function as a tightly integrated unit, offering both prescriptive wisdom and a powerful deterrent, emphasizing the severe repercussions of violating trust through loose speech.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, honor and shame were foundational social constructs, far more potent than in many modern individualistic cultures. A person's "good name" or reputation was considered an invaluable asset, often equated with or even surpassing material wealth ([Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Precious")). Society was deeply communal, meaning public perception profoundly influenced an individual's standing, social acceptance, and even economic viability. Within such a framework, gossip, slander, and the betrayal of confidences were not mere social missteps but acts capable of inflicting irreparable damage, leading to profound public humiliation and ostracization. The spoken word held immense power in an oral culture, where words, once uttered, could not be easily retrieved, thus elevating discretion to a highly esteemed virtue.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 25:10](/proverbs/25-10 "Proverbs 25:10 - The Consequence of Indiscretion") significantly contributes to several pervasive themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **power of the tongue** and the profound impact of speech, a recurring motif that highlights how words can bring life or death, blessing or curse ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue")). Secondly, the proverb underscores the vital importance of **discretion and trustworthiness**, portraying a person's integrity as intrinsically linked to their ability to guard confidences and refrain from spreading harmful or private information. This aligns with the broader theme of wisdom versus folly, where the wise individual is consistently characterized by careful, controlled, and edifying speech. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the **enduring nature of shame and reputation**, demonstrating that once a good name is sullied by indiscretion, the resulting "infamy" is not easily removed, thereby reinforcing the supreme value of a blameless character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **infamy (Hebrew, _dibbâh'_):** From the root _dâbab_, which suggests furtive or creeping motion, this word (H1681) denotes slander, an evil report, or defamation. In this context, "infamy" refers to a public disgrace or dishonor that is brought upon someone through malicious or careless speech. It emphasizes a reputation that is not merely damaged but actively and negatively defined by the revelation of secrets or harmful information, suggesting a pervasive and creeping stain on one's character.
* **put thee to shame (Hebrew, _châçad'_):** While the primary meaning of this root (H2616) is "to be kind" or "merciful," in rare and specific contexts, it can carry the sense of reproving or putting to shame. Here, it signifies the act of exposing someone to public disgrace or humiliation. The implication is that the person who overhears the indiscreet revelation will then turn and actively cause the original speaker to experience public dishonor, often by exposing their untrustworthiness.
* **turn not away (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back," "to return," or "to retreat." When used in the negative, as "turn not away," it powerfully emphasizes the permanence or extreme difficulty of reversing the infamy. It suggests that once the shame or disgrace has been incurred due to indiscretion, it will not easily depart or be removed, leaving a lasting, almost indelible, stain on one's character and public standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest he that heareth [it]":** This initial clause introduces the potential negative consequence, serving as a cautionary preface. "He that heareth [it]" refers to the third party who becomes privy to the secret or sensitive information that the speaker has indiscreetly revealed. The warning is directed at the one who speaks carelessly, implying that the listener is not a passive recipient but one who might actively use or disseminate the information, thereby becoming an agent of the speaker's downfall.
* **"put thee to shame":** This is presented as the immediate and direct consequence for the indiscreet speaker. The listener, having heard the secret or gossip, may then expose the speaker's lack of trustworthiness, integrity, or judgment. This act of exposure leads to the speaker's own public humiliation or disgrace. It highlights a powerful boomerang effect: the very act of betraying another's confidence (or revealing a secret not their own) leads directly to one's own shaming.
* **"and thine infamy turn not away":** This concluding clause underscores the lasting and severe nature of the consequence. The "infamy"—the public disgrace or evil report—that attaches to the speaker as a result of their indiscretion is depicted as something that will not easily "turn away" or depart. It implies a permanent or extremely difficult-to-remove stain on one's character and reputation, emphasizing the irreversible damage done by loose lips and the profound societal cost of betraying trust.

#### 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](/proverbs/25-9 "Proverbs 25:9 - Debating with Your Neighbor")) 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.

* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5-6 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue")
* [Proverbs 11:13](/proverbs/11-13 "Proverbs 11:13 - The Talebearer and the Faithful Spirit")
* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Precious")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life (personal conversations, professional interactions, social media presence) am I most tempted to speak carelessly or reveal information that is not mine to share?**
* **How does my current communication style contribute to building or eroding trust in my relationships and community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater discretion, thoughtfulness, and a habit of pausing before I speak, especially when sensitive information is involved?**
* **How does the concept of "lasting infamy" motivate me to guard my tongue and prioritize integrity and confidentiality in all my communication?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "secret" is implied in this proverb?**

Answer: The "secret" implied here, especially when read in conjunction with [Proverbs 25:9](/proverbs/25-9 "Proverbs 25:9 - Debating with Your Neighbor"), 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](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Confronting a Brother's Sin"), 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), 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](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Speech")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). 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](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")), ensuring our words bring grace, honor, and life, rather than lasting shame or destruction.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 119:39

¶ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments [are] good.