Proverbs 25:2 kjv
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Proverbs 25:2 nkjv
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
Proverbs 25:2 niv
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
Proverbs 25:2 esv
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
Proverbs 25:2 nlt
It is God's privilege to conceal things
and the king's privilege to discover them.
Proverbs 25 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 29:29 | The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us... | God's hidden counsel and revealed will. |
| Job 11:7 | "Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?" | God's unsearchable nature. |
| Isa 55:8-9 | "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways..." | God's transcendent wisdom and plans. |
| Rom 11:33 | Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments... | God's inscrutable judgments and ways. |
| 1 Cor 2:7 | ...we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages... | God's wisdom is often veiled, then revealed. |
| Ps 139:6 | Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. | Human inability to fully comprehend God. |
| Prov 2:4-5 | If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD... | Diligent searching for wisdom. |
| Prov 25:3 | As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. | A king's heart/motives require searching. |
| Matt 7:7 | "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find..." | Encouragement to seek truth and knowledge. |
| Jer 29:13 | And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. | Diligent seeking yields divine discovery. |
| Ps 19:1 | The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. | God's glory revealed in creation. |
| Ps 97:2 | Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. | God's mystery intertwined with justice. |
| Job 28:12 | "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" | Human quest for wisdom's source. |
| Prov 20:8 | A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. | A king's role in discerning and judging. |
| Prov 16:12 | It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness. | Righteousness as a foundation for rulers. |
| 1 Kgs 3:9 | "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil..." | Solomon's request for discerning wisdom. |
| 1 Kgs 4:29-30 | And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding... | God blessing diligent kings with wisdom. |
| Prov 8:15-16 | By Me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly. | Wisdom's role in just rule. |
| Lk 8:17 | For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known... | Future revelation of all hidden things. |
| Jn 1:18 | No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. | Christ as the ultimate revelation of God. |
| Rom 1:20 | For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen... | God reveals Himself through His creation. |
| Heb 1:1-2 | God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son... | God's progressive self-revelation. |
Proverbs 25 verses
Proverbs 25 2 Meaning
Proverbs 25:2 presents a profound insight into the nature of divine and human wisdom. It teaches that the immense, unknowable aspects of God’s nature and His unsearchable wisdom contribute to His glory, emphasizing His transcendent sovereignty. Conversely, the honor of human leaders, epitomized by kings, is found in their diligent, laborious pursuit of understanding, uncovering truth, and wisely applying knowledge for governance and the good of society. This verse establishes a delicate balance between God’s hidden counsel and man’s active responsibility in seeking knowledge within the created order.
Proverbs 25 2 Context
Proverbs chapter 25 marks the beginning of a collection of Solomonic proverbs transcribed by the "men of Hezekiah," implying a later compilation during the reign of King Hezekiah (8th century BC). This particular chapter often addresses wisdom pertinent to kings, governance, and social etiquette, as well as the dynamics of human relationships and character. Verse 2 specifically acts as a theological and governmental preamble to this section, setting the stage for discussions about knowledge, authority, and divine oversight. Historically, the monarchy in Israel was expected to embody justice, wisdom, and adherence to divine law, and Hezekiah's period involved efforts to restore proper worship and governance according to God's commandments.
Proverbs 25 2 Word analysis
- It is the glory (כָּבוֹד - kavod): Literally "weight" or "heaviness," but metaphorically signifies honor, dignity, majesty, splendor, or renown. For God, it represents His intrinsic worth, perfect nature, and infinite transcendence. For kings, it denotes their rightful honor, respect, and standing derived from their office and conduct.
- of God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): The common Hebrew name for God, emphasizing His power, creatorship, and sovereignty over all things.
- to conceal (לְהַסְתִּיר - l'hastir): To hide, keep secret, veil, or place beyond immediate discovery. This action implies deliberation and sovereignty; God chooses what to hide and what to reveal.
- a matter (דָּבָר - davar): Broadly, a word, thing, affair, or abstract concept. It can refer to anything from a specific fact to a deep truth or principle.
- To search out (לַחֲקֹר - lachaqor): To diligently investigate, examine, explore, probe, or scrutinize deeply. It conveys an active, intentional, and often arduous process of discovery, requiring effort and dedication.
- is the glory (כָּבוֹד - kavod): Repeats the same term, emphasizing a parallel principle; the glory comes from distinct, contrasting actions.
- of kings (מְלָכִים - m'lakhim): Plural of "king," representing rulers, those in positions of authority, or more broadly, humanity tasked with discerning and applying wisdom within the world.
Words-group analysis
- "The glory of God to conceal a matter": This highlights God's sovereignty and His infinite nature. Some aspects of His being, His wisdom, or His plan remain beyond human comprehension, precisely because He is God and not man. His mystery is not a defect but an attribute of His majesty, guarding against human arrogance or a reductive view of the Divine.
- "To search out a matter is the glory of kings": This juxtaposes divine hiddenness with human responsibility. Kings, as earthly authorities, derive honor not from revealing every secret (unlike God), but from diligently applying themselves to discern and discover truth, understand God's creation, administer justice, and govern wisely. This necessitates hard work, intellectual curiosity, and practical investigation, reflecting humanity's proper role in understanding and stewarding the world.
Proverbs 25 2 Bonus section
The verse sets a foundational principle for intellectual humility and vigorous inquiry. It suggests that while some ultimate mysteries about God will remain, humanity has a dignified purpose in earnestly seeking knowledge within the world He has made and the revelation He has given. This applies not only to theological truths but also to all fields of human endeavor where discovery leads to greater understanding and benefits. The "kings" in this proverb represent any figure in authority—political, academic, parental—whose honor is tied to the responsible and diligent exercise of wisdom in their sphere. The verse also implicitly warns against spiritual pride that claims full understanding of God, and intellectual laziness that shies away from seeking available knowledge.
Proverbs 25 2 Commentary
Proverbs 25:2 beautifully articulates the appropriate relationship between the divine and the human realms concerning knowledge. God’s ultimate glory resides partly in His profound and incomprehensible wisdom, meaning that there are aspects of His being and will that remain purposefully veiled from human understanding. This divine concealment protects His infinite majesty and fosters humility in His creation. In stark contrast, human leaders, personified by kings, gain their honor not from omniscience or divine mystery, but through dedicated effort in exploring, researching, and applying the truths God has made available to be found. This encourages diligent pursuit of wisdom in all areas—spiritual, moral, and practical—recognizing that true human flourishing and effective governance require intellectual rigor and a continuous search for understanding within the boundaries God has set.
- Examples: A scientist who unravels complex biological processes. A detective diligently piecing together clues to solve a case. A righteous judge carefully examining evidence to render a just verdict. A devout believer studying scripture to understand God's principles for life.