Proverbs 25:8 kjv

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:8 nkjv

Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?

Proverbs 25:8 niv

do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

Proverbs 25:8 esv

do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?

Proverbs 25:8 nlt

don't be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 8 Meaning

Proverbs 25:8 admonishes against rashly engaging in disputes or initiating legal contentions. It warns that such impulsive actions, taken without prior careful consideration of the consequences, will inevitably lead to a state of helplessness or confusion concerning the proper course of action later. The ultimate result will be public humiliation at the hands of one's neighbor, thus losing face and reputation in the community. The proverb teaches prudence, foresight, and the wisdom of restraining anger and contentiousness, urging deliberation over immediate reaction.

Proverbs 25 8 Context

Proverbs chapter 25 is part of the collection known as "proverbs of Solomon copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah" (Pr 25:1). This section emphasizes wisdom regarding interpersonal relationships, particularly in public life, counsel, and interactions with authority and neighbors. It offers practical guidance for living honorably and avoiding folly. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, disputes were often resolved publicly, at the city gate, by elders or judges. Reputation, honor, and shame held immense social weight. A public shaming could be devastating to an individual's standing, making the warning in Pr 25:8 highly relevant to its original audience who lived in a honor-shame culture where public image and communal standing were paramount. This proverb directly counsels against the impulsive nature of pride or immediate reaction, advocating for a thoughtful, prudent approach that preserves social harmony and personal dignity, a contrast to the widespread human tendency toward quick retaliation or contention.

Proverbs 25 8 Word analysis

• Do not go out hastily: (אַל־תֵּצֵא֙ בַּמַּהֲר֑וּת, ’al-tētse ba-mahărûṯ)

  • אַל־ (al-): "Do not." A strong prohibitive particle, conveying a direct command to abstain from the action.
  • תֵּצֵא (tētse): From the verb יָצָא (yatsa), meaning "to go out, to proceed." Here it denotes the active initiation or commencement of an action, particularly starting a contention.
  • בַּמַּהֲר֑וּת (ba-mahărûṯ): "Hastily, quickly, rashly." This adverb emphasizes the manner of going out – impulsively, without careful thought or preparation. It highlights the dangers of thoughtless action.

• to contend: (לָרִ֔יב, lāriyb)

  • From the verb רוּב (ruwḇ), meaning "to strive, contend, quarrel, engage in a lawsuit." It indicates a formal or serious dispute, possibly legal action, rather than just a casual disagreement. It implies confrontation or accusation.

• lest you know not what to do in the end: (פֶּן־תִּכְלֶה֮ מַה־תַּעֲשֶׂ֢ה בְּאַחֲרִיתָהּ֫, pen-tikhleh mah-ta‘aseh bā’aḥărîṯāh)

  • פֶּן־ (pen-): "Lest, for fear that." Introduces the negative consequence that the previous warning aims to prevent.
  • תִּכְלֶה (tikhleh): From כּלָה (kalah), meaning "to complete, finish, fail, come to an end." In this context, it conveys being at a loss, bewildered, helpless, or utterly failing to find a solution when the situation has become complex due to rashness.
  • מַה־ (mah-): "What." An interrogative pronoun, leading to the uncertainty of action.
  • תַּעֲשֶׂה (ta‘aseh): "You should/will do." The active verb here highlights the loss of agency and wisdom.
  • בְּאַחֲרִיתָהּ (be’aḥărîṯāh): "In its end, at its conclusion." Refers to the outcome or final stage of the dispute that was rashly initiated.

• when your neighbor has put you to shame: (בְּהַכְלִים֙ אֹֽתְךָ֥ רֵעֶֽךָ׃, behachlîm ’otkhā rē‘eka)

  • בְּהַכְלִים֙ (behachlîm): From כּלַם (kalam), meaning "to put to shame, disgrace, dishonor, humiliate." This word signifies public humiliation, a severe outcome in a communal society. It's in the Hiphil infinitive construct, meaning "in the shaming of," indicating that the neighbor is the active agent in this shaming.
  • אֹֽתְךָ֥ (otkhā): "You" (the object of shame).
  • רֵעֶֽךָ׃ (rē‘eka): "Your neighbor, friend, associate." This specifies that the humiliation comes from someone familiar, someone with whom a peaceful relationship is generally expected, making the shaming more acute.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Do not go out hastily to contend": This phrase underlines the danger of impetuous action in conflict. It cautions against an immediate, unthinking dive into argument or litigation, stressing the need for pause and reflection. It teaches impulse control in serious matters.
  • "lest you know not what to do in the end": This warns of the practical consequences of such rashness. Once a dispute escalates, a hasty start can leave one unprepared and overwhelmed, unable to control the narrative or the outcome, highlighting the strategic disadvantage of unpreparedness.
  • "when your neighbor has put you to shame": This indicates the social cost. The consequence is not just practical defeat but profound public humiliation inflicted by someone known, undermining one's standing and reputation. This emphasizes the value of honor and the detrimental effect of losing it through foolish conflict.

Proverbs 25 8 Bonus section

The proverb’s emphasis on "shame" (כּלַם, kalam) is vital, reflecting ancient Near Eastern societal values where public honor and reputation were paramount. A "neighbor" (רֵעֶֽךָ, rē‘eka) often signifies a peer, someone within one's community, making the shame more painful and impactful. The verse implies that the truly wise person understands the long game: immediate "victory" through impulsive action often leads to long-term regret and loss of integrity. It discourages what might today be termed "keyboard warriors" or anyone quick to engage in public feuds without counting the social cost. This wisdom goes beyond mere conflict resolution; it’s about character, humility, and maintaining righteous standing in God's sight, as genuine peace often involves a willingness to defer or step back from immediate contention, trusting God with justice. The call to not "go out hastily" aligns with the broader biblical principle of thinking soberly and patiently before acting (Rom 12:3; 1 Thes 5:14).

Proverbs 25 8 Commentary

Proverbs 25:8 serves as a potent caution against initiating or escalating conflicts without prudent forethought. It underscores that engaging in disputes out of immediate reaction or a hasty spirit, rather than through careful consideration and seeking wisdom, is inherently foolish and self-destructive. The core message revolves around the importance of restraint and strategic planning in all interactions, especially contentious ones. True wisdom dictates a measured response, acknowledging potential repercussions before committing to a course of action. Failing to do so can lead to a state of being utterly overwhelmed, powerless, and ultimately, publicly shamed. The proverb, therefore, urges self-control and emphasizes preserving one's dignity and social standing over succumbing to pride or anger that incites premature conflict. This wisdom prioritizes peace and honor over immediate vindication or retaliatory actions.

• Example 1: When confronted with a minor insult, resist the immediate urge to publicly argue back, as escalating it might reveal your own shortcomings or expose you to further derision.
• Example 2: Before suing someone over a grievance, carefully consider the cost, time, and potential public scrutiny, ensuring you have a clear strategy and a robust case.
• Example 3: When a disagreement arises in a relationship, avoid sharp, accusatory words in the heat of the moment that you cannot retract, leading to greater irreparable damage and personal regret.