Proverbs 28:25

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

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}.

A grasping disposition stirs up strife, but he who trusts in ADONAI will prosper.

A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

Proverbs 28:25 presents a powerful antithesis, characteristic of wisdom literature, contrasting the destructive nature of pride with the rewarding outcome of trusting in the LORD. It reveals two distinct paths and their inevitable consequences for human relationships and personal well-being.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, offering guidance for daily living rooted in the fear of the LORD. This particular verse fits within a larger section that emphasizes the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the consequences of their actions and attitudes. It speaks to the inner disposition of the heart as the source of outward behavior and its subsequent results.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Pride: The first part of the verse, "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife," points directly to the destructive nature of arrogance. A "proud heart" (Hebrew: gōaḥ, denoting arrogance or haughtiness) inherently breeds conflict and division. Individuals driven by self-importance often seek to dominate, refuse correction, or prioritize their own agenda above others, leading to "strife" (Hebrew: māḏôn, contention, discord). This theme is consistent throughout wisdom literature, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, where pride precedes destruction.
  • The Promise of Trust in God: In stark contrast, the second part offers a profound promise: "but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat." Trusting in God implies humility, reliance, and submission to His will. The phrase "shall be made fat" uses the Hebrew word dāšen, which signifies not merely physical weight, but rather a state of spiritual and material prosperity, abundance, and well-being. It suggests being well-nourished, thriving, and secure, a holistic blessing that comes from relying on God's provision and guidance. 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.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "proud heart" translates the Hebrew gōaḥ, which conveys the idea of an inflated ego, arrogance, and self-exaltation. This internal posture is identified as the root cause of external contention.
  • "Made fat" comes from the Hebrew verb dāšen. While literally meaning to become fat, in this context, it is a metaphor for flourishing, being richly blessed, prosperous, and experiencing abundance in all aspects of life—spiritually, emotionally, and materially. It signifies a state of being well-provided for and content.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers and a guide for all. It challenges us to examine the source of conflict and dissatisfaction in our lives. Is it rooted in personal pride, a desire for control, or a lack of humility? It calls for a profound shift from self-reliance to an unreserved dependence on God. By choosing humility, seeking peace, and placing our confidence entirely in the LORD, we open ourselves to His blessings, leading to true contentment, abundance, and harmonious relationships, rather than the discord that pride inevitably brings.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • Proverbs 11:25

    ¶ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

  • Proverbs 10:12

    ¶ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

  • Proverbs 13:4

    ¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

  • Proverbs 13:10

    ¶ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.

  • Proverbs 15:30

    ¶ The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.

  • Proverbs 29:25

    ¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
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