Proverbs 25:10 kjv

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Proverbs 25:10 nkjv

Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.

Proverbs 25:10 niv

or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.

Proverbs 25:10 esv

lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.

Proverbs 25:10 nlt

Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 10 Meaning

Proverbs 25:10 cautions against revealing private matters or secrets confided by another. The verse warns that if one carelessly or maliciously exposes a confidence, the person who hears or is affected by the disclosure will ultimately bring disgrace upon the revealer. Furthermore, the infamy or bad reputation resulting from this betrayal of trust will not easily be undone or forgotten, clinging to the individual permanently.

Proverbs 25 10 Context

Proverbs chapter 25 is part of a collection of proverbs "copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah" (Prov 25:1). This section contains diverse sayings related to royal wisdom, societal conduct, and personal character. Proverbs 25:9-10 forms a couplet, presenting a unified instruction. Verse 9 advises settling disputes directly with a neighbor and not revealing the private secret of another person. Verse 10 serves as the compelling rationale for this counsel, describing the disastrous and lasting consequences of failing to guard a secret. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, honor and shame were paramount, and one's public reputation was of immense value. Betraying trust, especially through gossip or divulging confidences, was a grave social offense that could lead to public humiliation and irrecoverable social ostracism, thus directly impacting the offender's standing within the community.

Proverbs 25 10 Word analysis

• Lest (פן - pen): This conjunction introduces a negative consequence or warning, emphasizing what must be avoided. It highlights the serious implications of the action previously described (revealing a secret).
• he that heareth it (שֹׁמֵעַ - shomea): Literally, "the listener" or "the hearer." This refers to the person to whom the secret is revealed, or it could broadly encompass anyone who comes to know about the secret. It underscores that the consequences come through human agency, specifically from the response of others.
• put thee to shame (יְחַסֶּדְךָ - yeḥassedkha from חסד - ḥesed): The Hebrew word ḥesed often means "loving-kindness" or "steadfast love." However, in the Piel stem, as seen here, it can take on an antithetical meaning, signifying "to disgrace," "to expose," "to reproach," or "to put to shame." This occurs because one has betrayed the ḥesed (loyalty, faithfulness) expected in a trusting relationship, leading to their exposure and reproach by the listener for their lack of integrity. It implies that the betrayal of trust itself will lead to public disgrace.
• and thine infamy (וְדִבָּתְךָ - ve'dibbateka from דבה - dibbah): The word dibbah denotes "evil report," "slander," "bad rumor," or "infamy." It signifies the damage to one's reputation, a deeply rooted and widespread negative perception that becomes public knowledge.
• remain (לֹא תָשׁוּב - lo tashuv): Literally, "not return" or "not be recalled/withdrawn." This powerful phrase conveys the irreversible and permanent nature of the disgrace. Once one's reputation is sullied by such a betrayal, the infamy cannot be easily removed or rectified; it lingers, affecting one's standing indefinitely.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame": This phrase directly links the action of disclosing a secret to the reaction of the listener. The shaming is not just a general social consequence but a direct, active response from the one who is privy to the betrayal, potentially exposing the speaker's treachery or holding them in contempt. It speaks to a swift and personal rebuke.
• "and thine infamy remain": This part highlights the lasting legacy of the act. Beyond immediate reproach, the betrayal creates a persistent stain on one's character and public perception. This infamy is portrayed as something that becomes a permanent part of one's identity, affecting future interactions and standing within the community. The wisdom literature often emphasizes the long-term consequences of choices, and this phrase underscores the irreversible nature of a damaged reputation.

Proverbs 25 10 Bonus section

The deep resonance of this proverb lies in its universal application of a critical principle for harmonious community life: the maintenance of trust. It highlights that discretion is not merely a polite social custom but a foundational pillar for healthy relationships and social order. Breaking confidences disrupts social cohesion and creates an environment of suspicion, corroding the bonds between individuals. The emphasis on "infamy remain" suggests that forgiveness from the wronged party, while spiritually vital, does not necessarily erase the social consequence or the memory of betrayal. This aligns with biblical wisdom emphasizing the value of one's name as an external reflection of internal character, a theme consistently explored in the wisdom literature.

Proverbs 25 10 Commentary

Proverbs 25:10 offers profound wisdom on the sanctity of trust and the grave repercussions of loose speech. Following the injunction in verse 9 to settle disputes discreetly and not reveal confidences, this verse provides the compelling "why." It reveals that carelessly betraying a secret carries a dual punishment: immediate reproach from those who witness or are affected by the revelation, and a lasting stain on one's reputation. The phrase "put thee to shame" hints at the justice or exposure inherent in betraying trust; the very person who learns of the breach might scorn or disgrace the gossiper. The ultimate consequence, "thine infamy remain," underscores that a good name, painstakingly built, can be destroyed in a moment by a careless tongue, and such a reputation, once broken, is exceedingly difficult to restore. This proverb is a timeless call for discretion, loyalty, and prudence in speech, recognizing the devastating and enduring power of words to establish or ruin character.