lest the one who hears may disgrace youThis phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining discretion and confidentiality in personal matters. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were significant social constructs. Public disgrace could lead to a loss of reputation and social standing. The Bible frequently warns against gossip and slander, as seen in
James 3:5-6, which describes the tongue as a small part of the body that can cause great harm. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, often advises on the prudent use of words, highlighting the potential consequences of careless speech. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of guarding one's heart and speech, as seen in
Proverbs 4:23-24.
and your infamy never go away
The concept of infamy in this context refers to a lasting negative reputation. In biblical times, a person's name and reputation were of utmost importance, often affecting one's family and descendants. The idea of a permanent stain on one's character is echoed in other scriptures, such asEcclesiastes 10:1, which compares a little folly to a dead fly that spoils the perfumer's ointment. The enduring nature of infamy serves as a warning about the long-term consequences of indiscretion. This principle is also reflected in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live blameless lives, as seen inPhilippians 2:15, to avoid bringing reproach upon themselves and the name of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.
2.
The HearerThis refers to any person who might overhear or learn about the indiscretion or gossip being discussed. The hearer plays a crucial role in the potential spread of disgrace.
3.
The Disgraced IndividualThis is the person who may suffer shame or infamy as a result of gossip or the revelation of secrets. The proverb warns against actions that could lead to such disgrace.
Teaching Points
Guard Your SpeechBe mindful of what you say and to whom you say it. Words have the power to harm reputations and relationships.
Value Privacy and TrustRespect the confidentiality of others. Sharing secrets can lead to lasting damage and loss of trust.
Consider the ConsequencesBefore speaking, consider the potential impact of your words on others and yourself. Disgrace and infamy can have long-lasting effects.
Seek ReconciliationIf you have wronged someone through your words, seek to make amends and restore the relationship.
Reflect Christ in CommunicationAs followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His love and truth, avoiding gossip and slander.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 25:10?
2.How does Proverbs 25:10 warn against betraying a friend's confidence?
3.What consequences arise from revealing secrets, according to Proverbs 25:10?
4.How does Proverbs 25:10 connect with Matthew 18:15 on addressing offenses?
5.How can you apply Proverbs 25:10 to maintain trust in relationships?
6.What steps can you take to avoid the shame mentioned in Proverbs 25:10?
7.What is the historical context of Proverbs 25:10 in ancient Israelite society?
8.How does Proverbs 25:10 relate to the theme of discretion in the Bible?
9.What theological implications does Proverbs 25:10 have on personal integrity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 25?
11.Why do children raised without religion often have no fear of Hell?
12.What defines the Satanic Panic phenomenon?
13.Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?
14.In Job 24:19-20, is the depiction of the grave consuming sinners consistent with or contradictory to other Old Testament views on divine judgment?What Does Proverbs 25:10 Mean
Context of the proverbProverbs 25:10 finishes a couplet that begins in verse 9: “Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal the secrets of another”. The immediate issue is how to settle disputes:
• The proverb assumes disagreements will arise (seeProverbs 17:14;Matthew 18:15).
• It commends private, respectful dialogue over public exposure.
• The setting is everyday life—neighbors, friends, family—where confidential information is easily shared.
Meaning of “he who hears you”The phrase points to an onlooker or third party who overhears you divulging a confidence:
• Someone outside the original dispute now has knowledge that was never meant for them (Proverbs 20:19).
• That person becomes a witness to your breach of trust (Proverbs 16:28).
• His judgment carries weight in the community; reputation rises or falls on such observations (1 Timothy 3:7).
Consequences of spreading secrets“Lest the one who hears it disgrace you” highlights the fallout:
• Public shame: once trust is broken, people become wary of confiding in you (Proverbs 11:13).
• Loss of credibility: even truthful words are doubted when spoken by a gossip (James 1:26).
• Social isolation: friends distance themselves to avoid similar betrayal (Proverbs 18:24).
“Your infamy never be forgotten”Long-term damage is in view:
• A stained name can outlive the immediate conflict (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
• Communities remember treachery; restoration is possible but difficult (Luke 6:31;Galatians 6:1).
• God values a good name, calling it more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1).
Guarding your integrityPractical takeaways flow naturally:
• Keep private matters private unless righteousness or safety demands disclosure (Proverbs 10:19).
• Confront issues directly and graciously (Ephesians 4:15).
• Seek reconciliation rather than retaliation (Romans 12:18).
• Let your word be so reliable that others need no second opinion (Matthew 5:37).
SummaryProverbs 25:10 warns that revealing another’s secret during a dispute invites disgrace and lasting infamy. God calls His people to settle conflicts privately, protect confidences, and guard their reputation, knowing that trust once forfeited is painfully hard to regain.
(10)
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame.--Lest he cry shame upon thee for thy treachery, and thine infamy be not forgotten.
Verse 10. -
Lest he that heareth itput thee to shame;i.
e. lest any one, not the offended neighbour only, who hears how treacherous you have been, makes your proceeding known and cries shame upon you.
And thine infamy turn not away. The stigma attached to you be never obliterated. Thus Siracides: "Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind. Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou bewrayest his secrets, follow no more after him. For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbour" (Ecclus. 27:16, etc.; comp. also 22:22). The motive presented in our text is not the highest, being grounded on the fear of shame and disgrace in men's eyes; but it is a very potent incentive to right action, and the moralist has good reason for employing it. That it does not reach to the height of Christian morality is obvious. The gnome is thus given in the Greek: "When thy friend shall reproach thee, retreat backward, despise him not, lest thy friend reproach thee still; and so thy quarrel and enmity shall not pass away, but shall be to thee like death." Then the LXX. adds a paragraph, reproduced partly by St. Jerome, "Kindness and friendship set a man free (
ἐλευθεροῖ); preserve thou these, that thou become not liable to reproach (
ἐπονείδισοτς,
exprobabilis); but guard thy ways in a conciliating spirit (
εὐσυναλλάκτως)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
lestפֶּֽן־(pen-)Conjunction
Strong's 6435:Removal, lestthe one who hearsשֹׁמֵ֑עַ(šō·mê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlymay disgrace you,יְחַסֶּדְךָ֥(yə·ḥas·seḏ·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2616:To bow, to be kind, to reproveand your infamyוְ֝דִבָּתְךָ֗(wə·ḏib·bā·ṯə·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1681:Whispering, defamation, evil reportneverלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nogo away.תָשֽׁוּב׃(ṯā·šūḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, again
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:10 Lest one who hears it put you (Prov. Pro Pr) 
