Proverbs 25:14 kjv

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

Proverbs 25:14 nkjv

Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.

Proverbs 25:14 niv

Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

Proverbs 25:14 esv

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

Proverbs 25:14 nlt

A person who promises a gift but doesn't give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 14 Meaning

Proverbs 25:14 depicts the deep disappointment caused by someone who makes grand claims or promises but fails to deliver. Such a person is likened to clouds and wind that appear to signify forthcoming rain, vital for life and crops, yet ultimately provide nothing but emptiness and dashed hopes. It condemns hollow boasts, hypocrisy, and unfulfilled pledges, emphasizing the emptiness of words divorced from action, particularly in matters of generosity or helpfulness.

Proverbs 25 14 Context

Proverbs chapter 25 is part of "Proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Prov 25:1). This section expands upon various practical wisdom themes, including the conduct of kings, fools, neighbors, and oneself. It contrasts integrity with deceit, diligence with sloth, and true generosity with mere show. The historical context is ancient Israel, an agrarian society where rainfall was critically important for survival and prosperity. The appearance of clouds and wind naturally generated hope for rain, making the absence of actual precipitation a deeply disappointing and often disastrous occurrence. This makes the proverb’s analogy profoundly resonant with the daily experiences and anxieties of its original audience. The wisdom imparted herein transcends cultural boundaries, warning against hypocrisy and emphasizing the importance of substance over pretense.

Proverbs 25 14 Word analysis

• Like clouds (עָב, ‘av): Represents an outward appearance or sign. Clouds naturally bring expectation of life-sustaining rain, signifying promise, hope, and potential.
• and wind (רוּחַ, ruach): Refers to the movement of air, often accompanying or preceding rainfall. It adds to the impression of impending precipitation, reinforcing the initial promise conveyed by the clouds.
• without rain (לֹא גֶשֶׁם, lo geshem): This is the critical negative qualifier. Lo is a strong negation, and geshem means rain. This phrase starkly highlights the ultimate barrenness and uselessness of the atmospheric signs. It symbolizes profound disappointment, unfulfilled promise, and the futility of an outward display that yields nothing.
• is a man (אִישׁ, ish): Indicates a specific individual, emphasizing personal responsibility and character.
• who boasts (מִתְהַלֵּל, mithallel): Derived from the root halal (to praise, commend). The Hithpael form denotes self-praise, self-exaltation, or boasting. It points to someone who talks himself up, often exaggerating or creating a false image, seeking acclaim for something he does not truly possess or intends to deliver.
• of a gift (מַתָּת, mattat): Refers to a present, offering, or act of generosity. It’s something of value that is expected to be given, implying benefit to another.
• he does not give (לֹא יִתֵּן, lo yitten): Parallel to "without rain," this negates the very act of giving. Lo is negation, and yitten is from natan, to give. This phrase reveals the true character of the boastful person: all talk, no action. The promised beneficence never materializes, making the boast entirely hollow and deceptive.

Words-group analysis

• "Like clouds and wind without rain": This vivid simile forms the illustrative core of the proverb. It effectively communicates the concept of a grand, promising appearance that lacks any real substance or positive outcome. It's a picture of deception by expectation, where natural phenomena (or human words) build hope, only to leave emptiness. The contrast between expectation and reality creates a sense of profound letdown and futility, highlighting a situation that looks good but proves useless or even harmful by fostering false hope.
• "is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give": This phrase directly applies the simile to human character and behavior. It describes a hypocrite, someone whose public self-aggrandizement about their generosity or intentions is a façade for their actual unwillingness to act or give. This person talks much about what they will do or have but never follows through. This action, or lack thereof, breaks trust, disappoints recipients, and reveals a character driven by pride and deceit rather than genuine generosity or integrity.

Proverbs 25 14 Bonus section

The proverb can also be seen as an indirect warning against those who offer spiritual "refreshment" or "truth" but are devoid of actual substance, akin to the "waterless springs" or "clouds without water" mentioned in the New Testament (2 Pet 2:17, Jude 1:12). This speaks to the crucial difference between genuine spiritual nourishment and empty religious talk or false teachings that fail to quench the soul's thirst. Furthermore, the wisdom principle underlines the importance of being a person of one's word. Integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness are cornerstones of godly character, contrasting sharply with the unreliability portrayed in this verse. God, who gives rain in its season (Jer 5:24), is consistently faithful, and His people are called to reflect that steadfastness, not merely imitate its appearance.

Proverbs 25 14 Commentary

Proverbs 25:14 powerfully exposes the emptiness of a life built on outward show without corresponding substance. The proverb condemns hypocrisy in its purest form, likening a boastful person who talks about gifts they never bestow to the cruel disappointment of rain-promising clouds and wind that ultimately bring no life-giving water. This serves as a vital lesson that true worth and virtue lie not in words, declarations, or intentions alone, but in tangible actions and demonstrable integrity. A person of genuine wisdom and character fulfills their promises, acts on their stated principles, and lets their deeds speak louder than their boasts. This wisdom applies across all facets of life: whether it is spiritual profession without spiritual fruit, leadership promising much but delivering little, or personal relationships where words of affection or commitment are not backed by loving actions. It warns against a performative life, reminding us that integrity demands alignment between speech and behavior, for "a gift he does not give" is ultimately no gift at all.

Examples:

• A person loudly announcing their intention to donate a large sum to charity but never actually giving the money.
• A leader promising sweeping changes or benefits for their people but failing to implement any reforms or deliver on promises.
• Someone who frequently expresses love or concern for another but consistently neglects to offer practical help or support when needed.