Proverbs 15:25 kjv

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

Proverbs 15:25 nkjv

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

Proverbs 15:25 niv

The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow's boundary stones in place.

Proverbs 15:25 esv

The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries.

Proverbs 15:25 nlt

The LORD tears down the house of the proud,
but he protects the property of widows.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 25 Meaning

The Lord actively demolishes the secure foundation, legacy, and pride of the arrogant, while He Himself firmly establishes and protects the land boundaries and rights of the vulnerable widow. This verse illustrates God's active, divine justice: humbling the proud and vindicating the oppressed.

Proverbs 15 25 Context

Proverbs 15 contrasts wisdom with folly and righteousness with wickedness, primarily through short, antithetical couplets. Verse 25 fits directly into this theme by illustrating the divine consequences of these two opposing paths: the proud face demolition, while the vulnerable, often targets of injustice, receive divine protection and establishment of their rights. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, a "house" represented not just a dwelling but a family line, inheritance, reputation, and security. Widows (Hebrew: almanah) were among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking male protectors and susceptible to exploitation, especially regarding their inherited land or meagre resources. Moving a landmark (gevul) was a severe injustice, equivalent to stealing property or diminishing a family's livelihood. The verse serves as a theological statement about God's active involvement in maintaining justice in human affairs. It directly opposes the common perception that the strong always prevail and the weak are always victimized, presenting God as the ultimate judge who intervenes on behalf of the marginalized.

Proverbs 15 25 Word analysis

• בֵּית זֵדִים יַהֲסוֹ ה' (Bēt zedîm yahªsô Adonai) – "The house of the proud He will demolish, O Lord."

  • ה' (Adonai): The personal, covenantal name for God (often rendered LORD). Emphasizes God Himself as the active agent. This is not an impersonal force but the holy and just God who intervenes.
  • יַהֲסוֹ (yahªsô): From the verb המס (H-M-S), meaning "to tear down," "demolish," "destroy," "undo." It signifies complete and violent ruin, not just decay. This strong verb shows God's decisive and thorough judgment against pride.
  • בֵּית (bēt): "House," "household," "dynasty," "family." This implies not just a physical structure but the entire lineage, accumulated wealth, reputation, and security that a family or individual might build. God demolishes their very foundation and legacy.
  • זֵדִים (zēdîm): Plural of זֵד (zed), meaning "proud," "arrogant," "insolent," "presumptuous." This refers to those who are haughty, defying God and man, acting with contempt and self-assurance, often exploiting others due to their perceived power or position.

• וְיַצֵּב גְּבוּל אַלְמָנָה (vəyaṣṣēḇ gevûl ’almānâ) – "But He establishes the boundary of the widow."

  • וְיַצֵּב (vəyaṣṣēḇ): "But He establishes," "He sets up," "He makes firm." This is from the verb נצב (N-Ṣ-B), implying firmly setting something in place, making it stable and secure. It stands in stark contrast to "demolish." The "but" (vav) introduces a strong antithesis, highlighting God's dual action.
  • גְּבוּל (gevûl): "Boundary," "landmark," "territory." This refers to the demarcated lines of inherited land. In ancient Israel, land was essential for survival and a symbol of inheritance and covenant blessing. Moving a boundary marker was a serious sin against justice. Here, it implies God protecting and restoring the rightful possession, rights, and security of the widow.
  • אַלְמָנָה (’almānâ): "Widow." Represents the epitome of vulnerability in ancient society—often without legal or social protection, dependent on the community's integrity and God's law for their well-being. By explicitly naming the widow, the proverb highlights God's special care for the weakest and most marginalized, whose rights might otherwise be easily trampled by the "proud."

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The house of the proud He will demolish": This phrase encapsulates divine judgment on arrogance and oppression. It signifies a complete reversal of fortune for those who believe themselves self-sufficient and untouchable. Their power, status, and material gains, often acquired at others' expense, are ultimately nullified by God's decree.
  • "But He establishes the boundary of the widow": This counterpoint showcases divine justice as a restoring and protective force. God intervenes directly to safeguard the property, rights, and security of the most vulnerable. It underlines God's concern for justice and His active role as the protector of the defenseless, validating their place and inheritance in society.

Proverbs 15 25 Bonus section

The term "proud" ( Hebrew: zedim) extends beyond simple arrogance to describe a defiant and contemptuous attitude toward God and His ways, often leading to oppression of others. This is contrasted with the Hebrew word for humble or poor, which often denote reliance on God. The concept of God "establishing the boundary" speaks to His role as the ultimate guarantor of property rights and justice, especially for the defenseless. It highlights that true security comes not from worldly power or wealth, but from being in right standing with God, who cares for His people. This proverb teaches about the reversal of fortunes common in biblical themes, where the exalted are humbled and the lowly are lifted up by divine intervention.

Proverbs 15 25 Commentary

Proverbs 15:25 powerfully articulates God's character as a righteous judge who is actively involved in human affairs, balancing the scales of justice. On one hand, He confronts and brings low the "proud" (zedim). This "house" is not just a building but signifies their entire identity, lineage, accomplishments, and false sense of security built upon their own might or ill-gotten gains. God actively "demolishes" their structure, implying a complete undoing of their worldly achievements and an exposing of their folly. On the other hand, the very same God "establishes the boundary of the widow." Widows, being archetypal examples of the unprotected and oppressed, had their livelihood and dignity intrinsically tied to their ancestral land or limited resources. Moving their boundary was an act of profound injustice. God's action here is a profound act of restorative justice, securing what is rightfully hers, ensuring her dignity, and providing her protection and provision where society often failed. The verse provides assurance to the oppressed and a stern warning to those who would oppress, declaring that ultimately, it is God's will and justice, not human might or arrogance, that prevails.