Proverbs 25:10

Verse

lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.

American Standard Version (1901)

Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.

Or your hearer may say evil of you, and your shame will not be turned away.

Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.

Free Bible Version

otherwise whoever hears it will make you ashamed and you'll never lose your bad reputation.

Geneva Bible 1599

Least he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamie doe not cease.

King James (Authorized) Version

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

One Unity Resource Bible

lest one who sh'ma ·hears obeys· it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

Translation for Translators

If others find out that you have told secrets, you will be ashamed, and from that time on, ◄you will have a bad reputation/people will think badly about you►.

Unlocked Literal Bible

or else the one who hears you will bring shame upon you and an evil report about you that cannot be silenced.

Noah Webster Bible

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thy infamy turn not away.

World English Bible

lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

Young's Literal Translation

Lest the hearer put thee to shame, And thine evil report turn not back.

Context

More Proverbs of Solomon

⁹Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, ¹⁰lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.

Summary

This verse speaks to the importance of choosing our words wisely and speaking with integrity. Just as a well-crafted piece of jewelry enhances its wearer's appearance, a timely word spoken in truth and kindness can have a positive impact on others. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact of our words, reminding us that honesty and sincerity can bring beauty and value to our interactions with others.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame,.... Or, "reproach thee" (c) with treachery and deceit. Either the person of whom it is told, or the person to whom it is told; who may make thee ashamed, either by fixing the odious character of a defamer, a whisperer, and backbiter, on thee; or by making a retaliation, and in his turn make known some secret things concerning thyself, which before were not known, and, now published, will be to thy disgrace; and thine infamy turn not away; it shall stick so close to thee, that thou shalt never get clear of it as long as thou livest, or ever retrieve thy credit; the brand of infamy shall ever be upon thee. (c) "probris afficiat te", Pagniuus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus; "probro afficiet te", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Michaelis.