Proverbs 25:23 kjv

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Proverbs 25:23 nkjv

The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

Proverbs 25:23 niv

Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue?which provokes a horrified look.

Proverbs 25:23 esv

The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

Proverbs 25:23 nlt

As surely as a north wind brings rain,
so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 23 Meaning

Proverbs 25:23 conveys a profound truth about human nature and the consequences of speech. It uses a natural phenomenon—the north wind producing rain—as an analogy to illustrate that just as surely as this natural event occurs, a backbiting tongue inevitably generates anger, resentment, or angry countenances. The verse establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting that deceptive or slanderous words, often spoken in secret, lead to visible emotional turmoil and discord. It underscores the destructive power of malicious gossip and hidden accusation.

Proverbs 25 23 Context

Proverbs chapter 25 is part of "the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied." This collection often offers wisdom for interactions in royal courts, among neighbors, and within society. The broader context of Proverbs highlights the importance of wise speech versus foolish or wicked speech, which has real consequences for oneself and others. Verses surrounding Proverbs 25:23 often address self-control, wise engagement with others, and the repercussions of certain behaviors. Historically and culturally, the reputation and integrity of an individual and their family were paramount in ancient Israelite society. Slander (backbiting) directly undermined this, often leading to deep social wounds and conflicts. This proverb highlights an aspect of the moral order that reflects God's design: sinful actions, like malicious speech, have predictable negative outcomes, much like natural phenomena follow established laws.

Proverbs 25 23 Word analysis

• The north wind (רוּחַ צָפוֹן - ruach tsafon):
  • Ruach means "wind," "spirit," "breath."
  • Tsafon means "north" or "hidden place."
  • In parts of the ancient Near East, especially from areas north of Israel like Lebanon, the north wind was indeed associated with bringing moisture and rain, particularly storms in winter. This illustrates a natural, observable cause-and-effect. It is a predictable agent that naturally produces a specific result.
• brings forth (תְּחוֹלֵל - t'cholēl):
  • From the root חוּל (chul), meaning "to whirl," "to twist," "to dance," or, in the Hiphil form used here, "to bring forth," "to produce," "to cause to travail."
  • It signifies something being actively and inherently generated or brought into existence, much like giving birth or a violent churning that culminates in an outcome. The emphasis is on a natural, causative, and often intense, process.
• rain (גֶּשֶׁם - geshem):
  • Meaning "rain" or "downpour."
  • This is the natural and anticipated result of the meteorological condition described by the north wind. It represents the tangible and inevitable outcome.
• and (וְ - v' ):
  • Conjunction, "and," "but," "so," "then," "likewise."
  • It establishes a direct comparison or parallel. What is true for the natural world is true for human behavior; the latter is as predictable in its negative consequence as the former in its meteorological effect.
• a backbiting tongue (לְשׁוֹן סֶתֶר - leshon seter):
  • Leshon means "tongue," referring to speech.
  • Seter means "a hiding," "a secret place," "concealment."
  • Together, "tongue of secret" denotes secret slander, whispering campaigns, hidden defamation, or malicious gossip spoken behind someone's back. It emphasizes the insidious and often cowardly nature of such speech, done not in open confrontation but in concealment. This makes the harm more profound as the victim often cannot defend themselves against what is unknown.
• angry countenances (פְּנֵי נִרְזָם - p'nē nirzam):
  • P'nē is the plural construct of פָּנֶה (paneh), meaning "face," "countenance," or "presence." Often refers to the expression of the face as an indicator of emotion.
  • Nirzam is the Niphal participle of רָזַם (razam), which can mean "to be enraged," "to be angry," "to be full of wrath," or potentially "to be whispered against." The primary scholarly consensus favors "enraged."
  • Thus, "angry countenances" refers to the visible outward expression of inner anger, indignation, or resentment. These are the natural and often unavoidable consequences in the one who is the target of the backbiting, or in those who hear and become aware of the malicious gossip. It signifies emotional fallout and disturbed relationships.
• Word Group Analysis:
  • "The north wind brings forth rain": This forms a common proverb pattern—an observable natural phenomenon whose cause-and-effect relationship is well-understood. It sets up the predictable outcome as a given. This establishes a baseline for understanding the moral analogy. The divine order is reflected in both physical and ethical realms.
  • "and a backbiting tongue, angry countenances": This completes the analogy, drawing a direct, parallel cause-and-effect in the moral realm. Just as a physical agent brings a physical outcome, so a specific kind of speech brings a specific relational and emotional outcome. The parallelism emphasizes the inevitability and natural consequence of such malicious speech, disrupting peace and relationships.

Proverbs 25 23 Bonus Section

• Meteorological Wisdom: The proverb's use of weather observation highlights that divine wisdom is observable in both the natural order and moral principles. The reliability of physical laws mirrors the certainty of moral consequences.
• Insidiousness of Secret Slander: The specific phrase "tongue of secret" underscores the particularly destructive quality of gossip and defamation carried out in private. This is more insidious than open rebuke because it prevents the slandered person from defending themselves or rectifying a misunderstanding.
• Universal Truth: The proverb's message transcends time and culture. The damage caused by gossip, slander, and backbiting remains a consistent challenge in human relationships, regardless of societal advancement. It reflects a fundamental understanding of how words shape interactions and emotional states.
• Responsibility of the Speaker: While focusing on the result (anger), the proverb implicitly places strong emphasis on the responsibility* of the one speaking. It is a caution against a common human failing and a call to bridle the tongue.

Proverbs 25 23 Commentary

This proverb serves as a powerful reminder of the direct and often predictable consequences of speech. Just as certain winds bring specific weather patterns, so does the insidious nature of backbiting and slander generate strife, resentment, and anger. A backbiting tongue, by its very nature, operates in secret, intending to harm another's reputation without direct confrontation. Such hidden malice, when exposed or allowed to fester, inevitably corrodes trust and ignites wrath, causing faces to be marred by anger and relationships to be broken. The proverb calls for self-control of the tongue, emphasizing that integrity in speech is foundational to harmonious living and a display of true wisdom, ultimately aligning with the character of a righteous individual. It urges believers to avoid being originators or conduits of such destructive speech, recognizing the profound negative impact on human hearts and community well-being.