Proverbs 25:8

¶ 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.

Go not forth {H3318} hastily {H4118} to strive {H7378}, lest thou know not what to do {H6213} in the end {H319} thereof, when thy neighbour {H7453} hath put thee to shame {H3637}.

don't rush to present in a dispute. For what will you do later on, if your neighbor puts you to shame?

do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

Go not forth hastily to strive, Lestthou know notwhat to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:8 offers timeless wisdom on the importance of prudence and restraint in conflict, warning against the dangers of hasty confrontation.

Context

This verse is part of the collection of Solomon's proverbs, specifically those "copied out by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah" (Proverbs 25:1). Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, providing practical advice for navigating life's complexities. In ancient Israel, disputes, whether personal grievances or legal matters, were often handled within the community. Rash actions could lead to public humiliation and loss of standing, making discretion and careful consideration paramount.

Key Themes

  • Prudence Over Haste: The core message is to avoid acting impulsively in disputes. "Go not forth hastily to strive" advises against rushing into arguments, lawsuits, or confrontations without proper thought and preparation. This theme resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on patience and wisdom.
  • Consequences of Rashness: The verse highlights the negative outcome of impulsivity: "lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof." A quick temper or eagerness to quarrel can lead to a situation where one loses control, lacks a clear strategy, and ultimately faces an unfavorable resolution.
  • Preserving Reputation and Avoiding Shame: The ultimate warning is against public disgrace: "when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame." In ancient societies, honor and reputation were highly valued. A poorly handled dispute could result in significant social embarrassment and a damaged standing within the community. This aligns with other proverbs that counsel avoiding contention, such as Proverbs 20:3, which states it is an honour for a man to cease from strife.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strive" (ריב, riv) often refers to a quarrel, contention, or even a legal dispute. It implies engaging in argument or litigation. The phrase "go not forth hastily" (בבהל, b'vahalah) conveys the idea of acting in agitation, with undue speed, or without proper deliberation, emphasizing the impulsive nature the verse warns against.

Practical Application

Proverbs 25:8 remains highly relevant in contemporary life. It encourages us to:

  • Exercise Self-Control: Before engaging in an argument or confronting someone, take time to consider the situation, gather facts, and think through potential outcomes. This applies to personal relationships, professional disagreements, and even interactions on social media.
  • Seek Peaceful Resolution: Rather than immediately escalating a conflict, explore avenues for peaceful resolution. As the New Testament teaches, "Agree with thine adversary quickly" is a principle that echoes this wisdom.
  • Protect Your Reputation: Being known as someone who is quick to anger or confrontational can harm one's standing. Prudence in dealing with disputes helps maintain respect and avoids unnecessary embarrassment. Wisdom dictates that "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water" – once started, it's hard to stop.

In essence, the verse is a powerful reminder that wisdom dictates patience and foresight in resolving conflicts, lest one find themselves unprepared and shamed by the consequences of their own haste.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 5:25

    Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

  • Proverbs 17:14

    ¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

  • Proverbs 30:33

    Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

  • Proverbs 18:6

    ¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

  • Proverbs 14:12

    ¶ There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

  • Jeremiah 5:31

    The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

  • 2 Samuel 2:26

    Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

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