Movatterモバイル変換

Genesis 19:2,3
And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night…

Judges 19:18-21
And he said unto him, Weare passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thenceam I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but Iam now going to the house of the LORD; and thereis no man that receiveth me to house…

weary

Romans 15:24
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with yourcompany.

lest he grow weary
The concept of weariness here refers to the emotional and mental fatigue that can result from constant or unwelcome presence. In biblical times, as today, relationships required balance and mutual respect. The weariness mentioned can be likened to the burden of dealing with someone who does not recognize social cues or boundaries. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) by being mindful of their needs and limits.

and hate you
Hatred in this context is the potential outcome of failing to respect boundaries. The Bible frequently warns against actions that can lead to discord and enmity. Jesus taught about the importance of reconciliation and maintaining peace with others (Matthew 5:23-24). The wisdom here is preventative, advising against behaviors that could lead to animosity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of living in harmony with others and avoiding actions that could lead to sin or division.

• The proverb opens with a call to restraint: “Seldom set foot…”—not “never,” but “rarely.” Scripture consistently commends measured behavior.Proverbs 25:16 warns, “If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it.” The same moderation applies to social visits.

• Paul urges a quiet, self-controlled life: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Excessive presence, even with good intentions, can cross the line from fellowship to intrusion.

• “Neighbor” in Proverbs ranges from next-door friend to any member of the community (Proverbs 3:29). Relationship is assumed, yet boundaries still matter.

• Hospitality is biblical (1 Peter 4:9), but godly courtesy respects the host’s time, privacy, and resources.Romans 13:10 reminds us, “Love does no wrong to its neighbor”; uninvited or constant stopping-by can become unloving.

• Unchecked familiarity breeds fatigue. Even friends have finite capacity. Jesus withdrew from crowds for rest (Mark 6:31). Our neighbors need margin, too.

• The friend at midnight eventually says, “Do not bother me; the door is already shut” (Luke 11:7). Weariness naturally follows overextended hospitality.

• Irritation, left unattended, ripens into resentment: “Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife” (Proverbs 25:24). The dynamic works both ways; constant visiting can turn a pleasant relationship sour.

•Proverbs 26:17 pictures a meddler grabbing a dog’s ears—dangerous and avoidable. Likewise, uninvited presence risks emotional backlash that damages fellowship meant for mutual blessing.

Proverbs 25:17 teaches the wisdom of considerate spacing in relationships. Balanced fellowship honors others’ time, preserves goodwill, and reflects the love that “is not rude, is not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Thoughtful restraint keeps friendships fresh and free from resentment, allowing neighborly love to flourish.

"Nulli te facias nimis sodalem;
Gaudebis minus, et minus dolebis." The same poet ('Epigr.,' 4:29, 3) writes -

"Rara juvant; primis sic major gratia pomis,
Hibernae pretium sic meruere rosae."

Parallel Commentaries ...