Proverbs 25:20

¶ [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

As he that taketh away {H5710} a garment {H899} in cold {H7135} weather {H3117}, and as vinegar {H2558} upon nitre {H5427}, so is he that singeth {H7891} songs {H7892} to an heavy {H7451} heart {H3820}.

Like removing clothes on a chilly day or like vinegar on soda is someone who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

Commentary

Proverbs 25:20 delivers a profound lesson on empathy and appropriate conduct, using vivid analogies to illustrate the jarring effect of ill-timed cheerfulness. The verse states, "As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart."

Context

This verse is part of a collection known as the "Proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Proverbs 25:1). These proverbs offer practical wisdom for daily living, focusing on social interactions, righteous behavior, and the consequences of actions. Chapter 25, in particular, contains many insights into relationships, speech, and the proper way to navigate various social situations, emphasizing the importance of discretion and discernment in communication.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Empathy and Discernment: The core message highlights the necessity of understanding another person's emotional state before offering comfort or interaction. What might be joyful in one context can be deeply hurtful or irritating in another.
  • The Pain of Inappropriateness: The two analogies powerfully convey the negative impact.
    • Taking away a garment in cold weather is an act of cruelty or extreme thoughtlessness, exposing someone to harsh discomfort.
    • Pouring vinegar on nitre (an alkaline salt) causes an unpleasant, effervescent reaction, neutralizing its cleansing properties and creating a useless, irritating fizz. Similarly, forced gaiety upon a sorrowful soul is discordant and counterproductive.
  • The Value of Silence and Presence: Sometimes, the best comfort is not words or songs, but empathetic silence and a shared presence, acknowledging the pain rather than trying to dismiss it with superficial cheer. This aligns with the biblical counsel to "weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15).

Linguistic Insights

The term "nitre" (Hebrew: neter) in this verse likely refers to natron, a naturally occurring mineral salt (sodium carbonate) commonly used in ancient times for washing and cleansing. When vinegar (an acid) is applied to natron (an alkali), it causes a strong chemical reaction, producing bubbles and foam. This reaction is not only useless for cleansing but also jarring and unpleasant, perfectly illustrating the disruptive effect of misplaced cheerfulness on a heavy heart.

Practical Application

Proverbs 25:20 serves as a timeless reminder for us to cultivate sensitivity and emotional intelligence. In a world that often encourages quick fixes or superficial positivity, this proverb teaches us the importance of genuine compassion. Instead of trying to "fix" someone's sorrow with forced cheer, we are called to meet people where they are, offering understanding, a listening ear, or simply a comforting presence. There is indeed "a time to weep, and a time to laugh," and wisdom lies in discerning which time it is for those around us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 12:15

    Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:4

    A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

  • Isaiah 58:7

    [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

  • James 2:15

    If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

  • James 2:16

    And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

  • Daniel 6:18

    ¶ Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

  • Deuteronomy 24:12

    And if the man [be] poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:
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