Proverbs 28:25

Translation
King James Version
¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
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KJV (with Strong's)
He that is of a proud H7342 heart H5315 stirreth up H1624 strife H4066: but he that putteth his trust H982 in the LORD H3068 shall be made fat H1878.
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Complete Jewish Bible
A grasping disposition stirs up strife, but he who trusts in ADONAI will prosper.
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Berean Standard Bible
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
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American Standard Version
He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
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World English Bible Messianic
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
He that is of a proude heart, stirreth vp strife: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be fatte.
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Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on Jehovah is made fat.
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See also
1 Timothy 6:6Proverbs 11:25Proverbs 10:12Proverbs 13:4Proverbs 13:10Proverbs 15:30Proverbs 29:25
In the KJVVerse 17,222 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 28:25 masterfully contrasts two opposing dispositions of the heart and their inevitable outcomes: the destructive path of pride, which inevitably ignites conflict and discord, versus the flourishing and abundant life that springs from humble reliance and trust in the sovereign LORD. This antithetical proverb underscores a foundational principle of biblical wisdom, revealing that true well-being and harmonious relationships are not found in self-exaltation but in profound dependence upon God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 28 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs, specifically within a section (chapters 25-29) that was copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah. This chapter, like many in Proverbs, frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting the righteous with the wicked, the wise with the foolish, and their respective consequences. Verse 25 fits seamlessly into this pattern, immediately following a verse that speaks of the blessings of giving to the poor, as seen in Proverbs 28:27, and preceding one that warns against the wicked in power and praises the righteous, found in Proverbs 28:28. The chapter's overarching theme is the pursuit of righteousness and justice, emphasizing the internal disposition of the heart as the root of external behavior and its subsequent results in both personal life and societal well-being.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in covenant relationship with Yahweh. Wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but practical skill in living righteously and successfully in God's world. The concept of "pride" (Hebrew: râchâb) was antithetical to the communal, covenantal values of Israel, often associated with rebellion against God and disregard for others. Trusting in the LORD was the bedrock of their faith and societal order, a principle echoed in Jeremiah 17:7. The imagery of being "made fat" (Hebrew: dâshên) in an agrarian society symbolized abundance, health, prosperity, and divine favor—a stark contrast to scarcity or emaciation. This was a holistic concept of well-being, encompassing spiritual, physical, and material flourishing, understood as a direct blessing from God, not merely a result of human effort.
  • Key Themes: This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the wisdom literature and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights The Peril of Pride and Self-Reliance, portraying pride as an internal disposition that inevitably leads to external conflict and relational breakdown, as also seen in Proverbs 16:18. A proud heart, being self-sufficient and unwilling to yield, naturally clashes with others. Secondly, it champions The Promise of Trust and Humility in God, presenting absolute reliance on the LORD as the path to true security and flourishing. This trust is not passive but an active, humble submission to God's will and provision, contrasting sharply with the self-assertion of pride. Finally, the proverb underscores the Principle of Consequences, a hallmark of wisdom literature, demonstrating that distinct moral choices—pride versus trust—yield distinct and predictable outcomes: strife for the proud, and holistic abundance for the trusting. This echoes the broader biblical principle that trusting in the Lord leads to a secure and fruitful life, as highlighted in Proverbs 3:5-6.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Proud (Hebrew, râchâb', H7342): This word (H7342) from a primitive root, literally means "roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively; broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide." When applied to the heart or spirit, it conveys an inflated sense of self, an expansive ego, or a haughty disposition that fills too much space, leaving no room for others or for God. This "broadness" of heart signifies arrogance, self-importance, and a lack of humility, which is the internal source of the external strife.
  • Stirreth up (Hebrew, gârâh', H1624): This word (H1624) from a primitive root, properly, means "to grate, i.e. (figuratively) to anger; contend, meddle, stir up, strive." It implies an active provocation, a deliberate fanning of flames, or an instigation of conflict. A proud heart doesn't just passively cause strife; it actively incites it, rubbing others the wrong way, challenging authority, or refusing to compromise, thereby creating an environment of contention.
  • Made fat (Hebrew, dâshên', H1878): This word (H1878) from a primitive root; also denominatively (from דֶּשֶׁן), means "to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices); accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat." In the ancient Near East, fatness was a sign of health, prosperity, abundance, and well-being. It implies being well-nourished, thriving, and experiencing a rich, full life, both materially and spiritually. This is not merely physical weight but a holistic state of flourishing and contentment that comes from divine blessing.

Verse Breakdown

  • "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife": This initial clause identifies the cause and immediate effect. A person whose inner being (heart) is characterized by arrogance, self-exaltation, and an inflated sense of importance (a "proud heart") cannot coexist peacefully. This internal disposition actively (stirreth up) provokes and incites (strife), leading to arguments, quarrels, and discord in relationships and communities. Pride is inherently disruptive and alienating.
  • "but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat": This contrasting clause presents the alternative path and its blessed outcome. In stark opposition to the proud, the individual who humbly places their complete reliance and confidence in Yahweh (putteth his trust in the LORD) will experience profound flourishing. The phrase "shall be made fat" is a powerful metaphor for holistic abundance, spiritual nourishment, material prosperity, and deep contentment—a state of being well-provided for and thriving in every aspect of life, directly resulting from divine favor and faithfulness.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 28:25 is a classic example of Antithetical Parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse presents two contrasting lines, where the second line expresses the opposite thought or consequence of the first, thereby highlighting the stark difference between two paths or behaviors. Here, the destructive outcome of pride is set against the blessed outcome of trust in the LORD. The phrase "shall be made fat" functions as a powerful Metaphor. While literally referring to physical plumpness, it symbolically represents spiritual, emotional, and material prosperity, abundance, and well-being. It is a vivid image of flourishing and contentment in an agrarian society where "fatness" indicated health and plenty. The proverb also demonstrates a clear Cause and Effect relationship: pride causes strife, while trust in the LORD causes (or results in) spiritual and material abundance.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on humility as a prerequisite for divine favor and true wisdom, contrasting it sharply with the destructive nature of pride. The "proud heart" is consistently depicted in Scripture as an abomination to God, leading to downfall and opposition, whereas trust in the LORD is the foundation of a righteous life, promising security, peace, and abundance. This trust is not merely intellectual assent but a radical dependence that reorients one's entire being away from self and towards God. The "fatness" promised is a comprehensive picture of God's blessing, encompassing not just material wealth but spiritual vitality, relational harmony, and inner contentment, demonstrating God's desire for His people to thrive in all aspects of life when they walk in humble obedience and faith.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 28:25 offers a profound challenge and comfort for contemporary believers. It compels us to honestly examine the root causes of conflict in our personal lives, families, churches, and communities. Is our own pride—our need to be right, to control, to be recognized, or to elevate ourselves—contributing to discord? This verse calls us to a radical humility, a willingness to relinquish our self-sufficiency and instead place our complete confidence in God. True peace and flourishing are not found in asserting our will or defending our ego, but in surrendering to His. When we genuinely trust in the LORD, we find not only inner contentment and spiritual nourishment but also the wisdom and grace to navigate relationships with humility, fostering harmony rather than strife. This trust allows God to "make us fat" in the truest sense—filling our lives with His abundance, peace, and purpose, far beyond what any self-reliance could ever achieve.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life might a "proud heart" be subtly stirring up strife, even unintentionally?
  • What does it practically look like for me to "put my trust in the LORD" more fully in my daily decisions and relationships?
  • How does the biblical concept of "being made fat" challenge or affirm my understanding of true prosperity and well-being?
  • What steps can I take today to cultivate greater humility and dependence on God, thereby fostering peace rather than conflict?

FAQ

What does "stirreth up strife" mean in a practical sense?

Answer: "Stirreth up strife" (Hebrew: gârâh mâdôwn) means to actively provoke, incite, or cause conflict and contention. A proud person, due to their self-centeredness, arrogance, and unwillingness to yield or acknowledge others' perspectives, often creates friction. This can manifest as arguments, disputes, gossip, or a general atmosphere of discord. For example, someone with a proud heart might refuse to admit fault, always seek to dominate conversations, or dismiss the opinions of others, all of which stir up strife within relationships or groups. This is in contrast to the peacemaking efforts encouraged elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Matthew 5:9.

Does "shall be made fat" refer only to material wealth?

Answer: While "made fat" (Hebrew: dâshên) certainly includes the idea of material prosperity and abundance, its primary meaning in this context extends far beyond mere physical or financial gain. In ancient Israel, "fatness" was a metaphor for holistic well-being, health, vitality, spiritual nourishment, and deep contentment. It signifies a state of being richly blessed and fully satisfied by God's provision in every aspect of life—spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically. It implies a thriving existence, free from the anxieties and emptiness that often accompany self-reliance, and points to the fullness of life that comes from trusting in the Lord, as described in John 10:10.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 28:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound illustration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the antithesis of the "proud heart" that stirs up strife. Instead of asserting His divine prerogative, Christ "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness," as beautifully articulated in Philippians 2:7. His entire life was an embodiment of humility and perfect trust in the Father, even to the point of death on a cross, as Philippians 2:8 declares. He did not stir up strife for His own gain but became the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) through His self-giving sacrifice. Those who "put their trust in the LORD" are ultimately putting their trust in Jesus, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). In Him, believers are truly "made fat"—not in a worldly sense of material excess, but in being spiritually nourished, fully satisfied, and having all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19) dwelling within them. Through Christ, we receive the bread of life (John 6:35) and are made complete, lacking nothing (Colossians 2:10), experiencing the ultimate abundance that flows from a life surrendered in trust to God.

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Commentary on Proverbs 28 verse 25

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

Note, 1. Those make themselves lean, and continually unquiet, that are haughty and quarrelsome, for they are opposed to those that shall be made fat: He that is of a proud heart, that is conceited of himself and looks with a contempt upon all about him, that cannot bear either competition or contradiction, he stirs up strife, makes mischief, and creates disturbance to himself and every body else. 2. Those make themselves fat, and always easy, that live in a continual dependence upon God and his grace: He who puts his trust in the Lord, who, instead of struggling for himself, commits his cause to God, shall be made fat. He saves the money which others spend upon their pride and contentiousness; he enjoys himself, and has abundant satisfaction in his God; and thus his soul dwells at ease, and he is most likely to have plenty of outward good things. None live so easily, so pleasantly, as those who live by faith.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 25. Public domain.
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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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