Question 1

What does it mean that it is the glory of God to conceal a thing?

Accepted Answer

The verse about God’s glory in hiding a matter shows that God’s wisdom and plans are far above human reach. He knows everything and is not bound to explain all His reasons to us. Some things He reveals, but many things remain in His own counsel. This teaches us to be humble, to accept that we are limited, and to trust God even when we do not understand what He is doing. It also prepares us to see that human rulers are not like God and must search things out carefully.

Question 2

Why is it the honour of kings to search out a matter?

Accepted Answer

A king cannot act like God, who already knows all things. A good ruler must carefully examine cases, seek truth, and judge fairly. To “search out a matter” means to look into complaints, evidence, and motives instead of being careless or hasty. This is called the honour of kings because it shows they care about justice and are not ruling by whim or by hidden purposes. It reminds anyone in authority today to be diligent, transparent, and fair when making decisions.

Question 3

What does removing dross from silver teach about leadership?

Accepted Answer

Dross is the waste that must be removed from melted silver before it can become a good vessel. The picture teaches that a ruler needs to remove wicked and corrupt people from close influence, just as a refiner takes away dross. It is not enough that the ruler tries to be upright personally. Those who advise, serve, and surround the ruler must also be honest. When bad counsellors and wicked helpers are cleared away, the ruler’s throne becomes steadier and more just.

Question 4

Why are we warned not to push ourselves forward before great people?

Accepted Answer

The passage warns against taking the highest place in front of a king or important people. The lesson is simple: it is better to be called up than to be told to move down in front of everyone. This teaches humility and patience. We should not assume we deserve honour or power. If we quietly take a lower place, we avoid shame and leave room for God or others to lift us up in due time. It corrects our tendency to seek our own glory and status.

Question 5

How should we handle conflicts with a neighbour according to this passage?

Accepted Answer

The sayings tell us not to rush into a public quarrel or court case. Instead, we are told to discuss the matter directly with our neighbour and try to settle it privately. We are also warned not to reveal secrets during a dispute, because that can lead to lasting shame. This teaches us to be slow to fight, careful with other people’s reputations, and eager to reconcile quietly if possible. It guides us away from gossip and public strife toward honest, face-to-face peace-making.

Question 6

What is a word fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver?

Accepted Answer

A word fitly spoken is a timely, suitable word that matches the need of the moment. The picture of golden apples set in silver frames shows beauty, value, and right placement. Wise words are not just true; they are spoken at the right time, in the right way, and to the right person. Such speech can comfort, guide, or correct without needless harm. This encourages us to think before we speak and to aim for words that help, not just words that show what we know.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about kindness to an enemy?

Accepted Answer

The sayings tell us that if an enemy is hungry, we should give him bread, and if he is thirsty, we should give him water. This goes far beyond simple fairness. It calls for active kindness toward someone who has wronged us. The picture of heaping coals of fire on his head points to overcoming evil with good so that his conscience is stirred and his heart may change. God sees this mercy, and the passage promises that the Lord Himself will reward such loving behaviour.

Question 8

Why is trusting an unfaithful person in trouble like a broken tooth?

Accepted Answer

Relying on someone who is unfaithful in a time of need is compared to biting with a broken tooth or stepping on a dislocated foot. Both are painful and useless when you need them most. This vivid picture shows that character matters more than showy words or promises. Someone who does not keep their word will fail you exactly when help is needed. The verse calls us to be faithful ourselves and to be careful about whom we lean on in hard times.

Question 9

What does it mean that a person without self-control is like a city without walls?

Accepted Answer

In ancient times a city without walls was open to every enemy and fear. Saying that a person who does not rule their own spirit is like such a city means that anger, desires, or fears can rush in and take over at any moment. Without inner restraint, a person is easily led into sin, broken relationships, and shame. This proverb urges us to seek mastery over our tempers and urges, by God’s help, so that our hearts are guarded as well as a strong city.

Question 10

How does this passage speak to seeking our own glory?

Accepted Answer

The sayings warn that just as it is not good to eat too much honey, it is not good to search out our own glory. Honey is sweet, but too much leads to sickness. In the same way, praise and honour may feel pleasant, but chasing them for their own sake harms the soul. This passage points us away from self-promotion and constant concern for how we appear and pushes us toward quiet faithfulness, humility, and letting God and others decide what honour, if any, we should receive.

Proverbs 25:1

These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

More Proverbs of Solomon

More Proverbs of Solomon

Cross References

Proverbs 25:1

These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

Share Options

All Verses

Verse + Context

Current Verse

More Proverbs of Solomon

More Proverbs of Solomon

Cross References