Proverbs 25:19

¶ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble [is like] a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Confidence {H4009} in an unfaithful man {H898} in time {H3117} of trouble {H6869} is like a broken {H7465} tooth {H8127}, and a foot {H7272} out of joint {H4154}.

Relying on an untrustworthy person in a time of trouble is like [relying on] a broken tooth or an unsteady leg.

Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Islikea broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Commentary

Proverbs 25:19 delivers a vivid and painful analogy, warning against the profound disappointment and harm that comes from placing trust in an unreliable or treacherous individual, especially during times of great need. The verse likens such misplaced confidence to two extremely debilitating physical ailments: a broken tooth and a dislocated foot.

Context

This proverb is part of the collection of Solomon's proverbs that were copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah (Proverbs 25:1). The book of Proverbs is a treasury of practical wisdom for daily living, offering guidance on everything from personal conduct to interpersonal relationships and the nature of true wisdom. This specific verse highlights the critical importance of discernment in choosing whom to rely upon, a recurring theme throughout the book.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Misplaced Trust: The central message is a stark warning against building hope or security upon someone who lacks integrity or faithfulness. Such reliance is not just futile but actively detrimental.
  • Painful Consequences: The imagery of a "broken tooth" and a "foot out of joint" powerfully conveys the immediate, acute, and debilitating pain, instability, and dysfunction caused by the failure of an unfaithful person when their support is most crucial. Just as these physical injuries render one unable to function properly, so too does the betrayal of trust incapacitate and harm.
  • Importance of Discernment: The proverb implicitly calls for wisdom and caution in assessing character before entrusting others, particularly when facing adversity. It underscores that superficial appearances or promises are insufficient grounds for confidence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "unfaithful man" is boged (בּוֹגֵד), which carries the connotation of one who deals treacherously, acts deceitfully, or is disloyal. This isn't merely about incompetence or inability, but a deliberate or inherent lack of reliability and integrity. The comparisons to a "broken tooth" (שֵׁן רֹעָה, shen ro'ah - literally "bad tooth") and a "foot out of joint" (רֶגֶל מוּעֶדֶת, regel mu'edet - literally "tottering foot" or "shaken foot") are universally understood symbols of pain, instability, and a fundamental inability to bear weight or provide support when needed most.

Practical Application

Proverbs 25:19 serves as a timeless reminder to exercise profound discernment in our relationships and partnerships. In life's "time of trouble," whether personal, professional, or financial, relying on those who are unfaithful or undependable will only compound distress and lead to greater pain. This verse encourages us to:

  • Be Cautious with Trust: Do not readily place your deepest confidence in those whose character is questionable or whose past actions demonstrate unreliability.
  • Seek Godly Counsel: Walk with the wise and seek counsel from those who exhibit faithfulness and integrity.
  • Trust in the Lord: Ultimately, the proverb points us to the one true source of unwavering confidence. As Psalms 118:8 declares, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." God alone is perfectly faithful and reliable in every circumstance.

Understanding this proverb helps us navigate relationships with greater wisdom, protecting ourselves from unnecessary heartache and ensuring we place our confidence where it will truly bring strength and support.

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

  • Ezekiel 29:6 (5 votes)

    And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I [am] the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 29:7 (5 votes)

    When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

  • Isaiah 36:6 (5 votes)

    Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

  • Job 6:14 (5 votes)

    ¶ To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

  • Job 6:20 (5 votes)

    They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

  • 2 Timothy 4:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:20 (2 votes)

    And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.