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Proverbs 25:2
Verse
Context
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Zac Poonen
Dr. A.E. Wilder-SmithZac PoonenZac Poonen
William MacDonaldSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
It is characteristic of the purpose of the book that it begins with proverbs of the king: It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; And the glory of the king to search out a matter. That which is the glory of God and the glory of the king in itself, and that by which they acquire glory, stand here contrasted. The glory of God consists in this, to conceal a matter, i.e., to place before men mystery upon mystery, in which they become conscious of the limitation and insufficiency of their knowledge, so that they are constrained to acknowledge, Deu 29:28, that "secret things belong unto the Lord our God." There are many things that are hidden and are known only to God, and we must be contented with that which He sees it good to make known to us. (Note: Cf. von Lasaulx, Philosophie der Geschichte, p. 128f.: "God and Nature love to conceal the beginning of things.") The honour of kings, on the contrary, who as pilots have to steer the ship of the state (Pro 11:14), and as supreme judges to administer justice (Kg1 3:9), consists in this, to search out a matter, i.e., to place in the light things that are problematical and subjects of controversy, in conformity with their high position, with surpassing intelligence, and, in conformity with their responsibility, with conscientious zeal. The thought that it is the glory of God to veil Himself in secrecy (Isa 55:1-13 :15; cf. Kg1 8:12), and of the king, on the contrary, not to surround himself with an impenetrable nimbus, and to withdraw into inaccessible remoteness - this thought does not, immediately at least, lie in the proverb, which refers that which is concealed, and its contrary, not to the person, but to a matter. Also that God, by the concealment of certain things, seeks to excite to activity human research, is not said in this proverb; for 2b does not speak of the honour of wise men, but of kings; the searching out, 2b, thus does not refer to that which is veiled by God. But since the honour of God at the same time as the welfare of men, and the honour of the king as well as the welfare of his people, is to be thought of, the proverb states that God and the king promote human welfare in very different ways - God, by concealing that which sets limits to the knowledge of man, that he may not be uplifted; and the king, by research, which brings out the true state of the matter, and thereby guards the political and social condition against threatening danger, secret injuries, and the ban of offences unatoned for. This proverb, regarding the difference between that which constitutes the honour of God and of the king, is followed by one which refers to that in which the honour of both is alike.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isa 45:15; Rom 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;
John Gill Bible Commentary
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,.... Secret things belong unto him, and they are kept so by him: many things which he does reveal, yet the "modus" or manner of them remains hidden; as what relates to his own being, and manner of subsisting; the trinity of Persons in the Godhead; the filiation or the Son, and the procession of the Spirit; the incarnation of Christ, and the like: the predestination of men to life and death, though that there is such a thing is certain, yet who they are is not known; the purposes and decrees of God, all that he determines to do, or shall be done, are known unto him from eternity; but then the times and seasons in which they will be accomplished are kept in his own power; the day and hour of the last judgment none knows but himself: his judgments, and ways in providence, are unsearchable and past finding out; there are many things in it unaccountable to men; nor does he give an account of them to the sons of men; these are at present secrets in his own breast, his judgments will be made manifest. Now it is his glory to conceal them; they are all known to him, and the reasons of them; he is the omniscient all wise God, and stands in no need of the advice of creatures; nor are they taken into his privy council. Some apply this to his pardoning sin, which is sometimes expressed by "covering" it; and in which the glory of his grace and mercy is greatly displayed. Jarchi interprets it of the history of the work of creation, and Ezekiel's vision of the wheels, the understanding of which is very difficult; and which the Jews forbid the reading of, as also Solomon's Song, until men are come to ripeness of years; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter; to investigate everything relating to civil government, and that may be of use to them in the exercise of it; particularly to search into the word of God, and observe the laws in it, and rule according to them; or make such laws as are agreeably to it, and execute them: and to inquire diligently into all causes that are brought before them, that they may find out the truth of things, and pass judgment accordingly; and be able to give reasons for what they do in the public affairs of government, and make it appear that they are according to the rules of truth and justice; and to do so will gain them immortal honour! see Job 29:16.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. An instance given of the honour of God: It is his glory to conceal a matter. He needs not search into any thing, for he perfectly knows every thing by a clear and certain view, and nothing can be hidden from him; and yet his own way is in the sea and his path in the great waters. There is an unfathomable depth in his counsels, Rom 11:33. It is but a little portion that is heard of him. Clouds and darkness are round about him. We see what he does, but we know not the reasons. Some refer it to the sins of men; it is his glory to pardon sin, which is covering it, not remembering it, not mentioning it; his forbearance, which he exercises towards sinners, is likewise his honour, in which he seems to keep silence and take no notice of the matter. 2. A double instance of the honour of kings: - (1.) It is God's glory that he needs not search into a matter, because he knows it without search; but it is the honour of kings, with a close application of mind, and by all the methods of enquiry, to search out the matters that are brought before them, to take pains in examining offenders, that they may discover their designs and bring to light the hidden works of darkness, not to give judgment hastily or till they have weighed things, nor to leave it wholly to others to examine things, but to see with their own eyes. (2.) It is God's glory that he cannot himself be found out by searching, and some of that honour is devolved upon kings, wise kings, that search out matters; their hearts are unsearchable, like the height of heaven or the depth of the earth, which we may guess at, but cannot measure. Princes have their arcana imperii - state secrets, designs which are kept private, and reasons of state, which private persons are not competent judges of, and therefore ought not to pry into. Wise princes, when they search into a matter, have reaches which one would not think of, as Solomon, when he called of a sword to divide the living child with, designing thereby to discover the true mother.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:2-3 This warning reminds young men entering royal service that some things cannot be understood, including the king’s sometimes mysterious reasoning (e.g., 2 Sam 11:14-25; 24:3).
Proverbs 25:2
More Proverbs of Solomon
1These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. 3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Without Fault Before the Throne of God
By David Wilkerson5.3K48:41PRO 25:2EZK 18:22MAT 6:25REV 14:4In this sermon, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to seek cleansing and purity in their hearts. He emphasizes the importance of being able to stand before God and give an account of every thought and deed. Pastor Dave acknowledges the fears and concerns about the future, but reminds the listeners that in the grand scheme of eternity, these things are insignificant. He urges the congregation to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and express gratitude for His faithfulness. The sermon is based on Revelation 14 and highlights the concept of being without fault before the throne of God.
Laws of the Spiritual Life #4 - the Law of Reaping
By Zac Poonen2.9K49:31Spiritual LifePRO 25:2LUK 2:46In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the preaching of the word of God seriously. He believes that every sermon he has ever preached will be revealed on a videotape in the future, not just the words spoken, but also the motives of the preacher's heart. The preacher references Ecclesiastes 8:11, explaining that the delay in punishment for evil deeds leads people to continue in sin. He encourages believers to have rehearsals of the judgment day, examining their lives and repenting of any sins, so that they may be prepared for that day.
Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.5K51:25TabernacleGEN 2:15EXO 25:8EXO 26:1EXO 27:9PRO 25:2MAT 6:9MRK 4:3JHN 2:12EPH 4:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely held together in fellowship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, comparing them to the two legs of a board that provide stability. He also highlights the significance of silver, which represents redemption, and encourages complete dependence on God alone. The sermon concludes with a prayer for believers to become tabernacles in which God can dwell.
Locks & Keys
By Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith1.6K1:05:44SciencePRO 16:31PRO 18:15PRO 25:2ECC 7:24ECC 8:1DAN 12:4JHN 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those involved in teaching biology, to recognize the evidence that supports the presence of the Logos in biology. The speaker provides examples and suggests that the audience refer to books at the back of the room for more detailed information on the chemistry and information theory behind his claims. He also briefly mentions the connection between cells in the body and the church as the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dedication to the greater whole.
Revelation Necessary to Build the Church
By Zac Poonen1.1K57:35PSA 25:14PRO 3:5PRO 25:2MAT 16:18JHN 16:131CO 1:30
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, live a godly life, and build a new covenant church. It highlights the need for humility, reverence for God, and dependence on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The message stresses the significance of acknowledging our limitations in understanding spiritual truths and trusting in God's guidance for a straight path.
The Extent of Christ's Love
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:00:00PRO 25:2MAT 26:39JHN 16:14JHN 17:231CO 16:222CO 5:21EPH 1:171JN 4:19This sermon delves deep into the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the value of intimate fellowship with God and the importance of understanding the depth of God's love for each individual. It highlights Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, his sacrificial death on the cross, and the significance of forgiveness in response to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Ministry From 1 John 5
By William MacDonald1.1K52:47MinistryPRO 25:2MAT 6:331JN 5:101JN 5:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a visit to a movie lot and compares the façade of the western village to the superficiality of the world. He emphasizes the importance of faith in seeing beyond the glitter and finding something real in the Lord Jesus Christ. The speaker then discusses the witness of men and how we trust in them, using the example of writing a check. He highlights the significance of receiving the witness of God, which is even greater. The sermon concludes by stating that this chapter of the Bible provides clear guidance on salvation and how to know if one is saved, emphasizing the simplicity of the gospel message. The speaker ends with a prayer for those who are still outside of Christ, urging them to come in repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Hidden Manna
By Brian Guerin948:51Intimacy With GodOvercoming Spiritual ComplacencyDEU 29:29PSA 25:14PSA 91:1PRO 25:2DAN 2:22AMO 3:7MAT 6:6MAT 24:4JHN 6:35REV 2:17Brian Guerin delivers a powerful sermon on 'Hidden Manna,' emphasizing the importance of intimacy with God and the necessity of hearing His voice in a personal and profound way. He highlights Revelation 2:17, where Jesus promises hidden manna to those who overcome, urging the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God through humility and proximity. Guerin warns against complacency in faith, encouraging believers to lean in and listen closely to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, as the time for playing church is over. He stresses that true transformation comes from the hidden, divine bread that God offers to those who earnestly seek Him. The sermon calls for a fresh commitment to prayer and the secret place, where believers can receive their new identity and authority from God.
A God That Hideth Himself
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Mystery of FaithGod's SovereigntyPSA 77:19PRO 25:2ISA 45:3ROM 11:331CO 2:72CO 4:7EPH 3:9COL 1:26T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound mystery of God's hidden ways, as expressed in Isaiah 45:15, where the prophet marvels at God's sovereignty in orchestrating Israel's restoration despite overwhelming odds. He emphasizes that God's methods often defy human understanding, as seen in the unexpected means of deliverance through a Gentile ruler and ultimately through the Incarnation of Christ. Sparks draws parallels between the hiddenness of God's plans for Israel, the Church, and individual believers, highlighting that true understanding comes from faith rather than human reasoning. The sermon culminates in the recognition that God's wisdom and purpose are often concealed, inviting believers to trust in His unfathomable designs.
February 20. 1678. the Sacred Fire. a Vision.
By Jane Lead0PSA 27:14PRO 25:2ISA 40:31HAB 2:31CO 2:10Jane Lead reflects on a vision she had of a pure azure blue circle rising into a white transparent flame that grew stronger with sprinkles upon it. Despite not fully understanding the significance of the vision at that moment, she contemplates on the spiritual message it holds and the eternal mysteries it unveils, emphasizing the importance of seeking deeper revelations from the Spirit. Through her experience, she encourages her listeners to be open to divine encounters and to patiently wait for God's timing in revealing the hidden truths and purposes He has for each individual.
On Reserve in Communicating Religious Knowledge
By J.H. Newman0PRO 25:2MAT 13:13LUK 8:10JHN 12:37HEB 12:29J.H. Newman preaches about the remarkable mode of concealment in God's dealings with mankind, showing a tendency to conceal sacred truths until individuals are worthy to receive them. This concealment is not a mark of punishment or anger, but a way to protect individuals from harm if they are not ready for the knowledge. The sermon explores how God's manifestations of Himself, teachings by parables, miracles, and incidents all imply a reserve in revealing divine truths, leading to important practical reflections and moral understandings.
"He Taught Them Many Things in parables."- Mar 4:2
By G. Campbell Morgan0The Kingdom of GodParablesPRO 25:2ISA 6:9MAT 13:10MRK 4:1JHN 1:18G. Campbell Morgan explores the parabolic teaching of Jesus in Mark 4:1-34, emphasizing the significance of the parables of the Sower, the Development from the Blade to the Full Corn, and the Mustard Seed. He discusses the reasons behind Jesus' use of parables, particularly in light of the growing opposition He faced, suggesting that parables were a means to engage those who were hardening their hearts against Him. Morgan highlights that the parables serve as an invitation to deeper understanding, allowing those willing to seek the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to adopt a similar approach in sharing their faith, using relatable illustrations to draw others toward the truth.
On Reserve in Communicating Religious Knowledge (Continued)
By J.H. Newman0PRO 25:2MAT 13:11ROM 16:251CO 2:71CO 4:11CO 13:122CO 3:6EPH 3:9COL 1:261TI 3:9The preacher, Origen, delves into the testimony of the Ancient Church, emphasizing the principle of reserve in revealing religious truths, which is not based on heathen practices but on Scripture alone. The early Church's testimony and practices align with this principle, seen in the Disciplina Arcani and the interpretation of Scripture with hidden meanings. The Ancient Church's reverence and caution in handling sacred truths are perfectly analogous to Jesus' example of revealing truths gradually. Origen and other Fathers connect this principle not only to Scripture but also to the mysteries of creation and sacraments, reflecting a great religious principle and rule of conduct.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
It is characteristic of the purpose of the book that it begins with proverbs of the king: It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; And the glory of the king to search out a matter. That which is the glory of God and the glory of the king in itself, and that by which they acquire glory, stand here contrasted. The glory of God consists in this, to conceal a matter, i.e., to place before men mystery upon mystery, in which they become conscious of the limitation and insufficiency of their knowledge, so that they are constrained to acknowledge, Deu 29:28, that "secret things belong unto the Lord our God." There are many things that are hidden and are known only to God, and we must be contented with that which He sees it good to make known to us. (Note: Cf. von Lasaulx, Philosophie der Geschichte, p. 128f.: "God and Nature love to conceal the beginning of things.") The honour of kings, on the contrary, who as pilots have to steer the ship of the state (Pro 11:14), and as supreme judges to administer justice (Kg1 3:9), consists in this, to search out a matter, i.e., to place in the light things that are problematical and subjects of controversy, in conformity with their high position, with surpassing intelligence, and, in conformity with their responsibility, with conscientious zeal. The thought that it is the glory of God to veil Himself in secrecy (Isa 55:1-13 :15; cf. Kg1 8:12), and of the king, on the contrary, not to surround himself with an impenetrable nimbus, and to withdraw into inaccessible remoteness - this thought does not, immediately at least, lie in the proverb, which refers that which is concealed, and its contrary, not to the person, but to a matter. Also that God, by the concealment of certain things, seeks to excite to activity human research, is not said in this proverb; for 2b does not speak of the honour of wise men, but of kings; the searching out, 2b, thus does not refer to that which is veiled by God. But since the honour of God at the same time as the welfare of men, and the honour of the king as well as the welfare of his people, is to be thought of, the proverb states that God and the king promote human welfare in very different ways - God, by concealing that which sets limits to the knowledge of man, that he may not be uplifted; and the king, by research, which brings out the true state of the matter, and thereby guards the political and social condition against threatening danger, secret injuries, and the ban of offences unatoned for. This proverb, regarding the difference between that which constitutes the honour of God and of the king, is followed by one which refers to that in which the honour of both is alike.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isa 45:15; Rom 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;
John Gill Bible Commentary
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,.... Secret things belong unto him, and they are kept so by him: many things which he does reveal, yet the "modus" or manner of them remains hidden; as what relates to his own being, and manner of subsisting; the trinity of Persons in the Godhead; the filiation or the Son, and the procession of the Spirit; the incarnation of Christ, and the like: the predestination of men to life and death, though that there is such a thing is certain, yet who they are is not known; the purposes and decrees of God, all that he determines to do, or shall be done, are known unto him from eternity; but then the times and seasons in which they will be accomplished are kept in his own power; the day and hour of the last judgment none knows but himself: his judgments, and ways in providence, are unsearchable and past finding out; there are many things in it unaccountable to men; nor does he give an account of them to the sons of men; these are at present secrets in his own breast, his judgments will be made manifest. Now it is his glory to conceal them; they are all known to him, and the reasons of them; he is the omniscient all wise God, and stands in no need of the advice of creatures; nor are they taken into his privy council. Some apply this to his pardoning sin, which is sometimes expressed by "covering" it; and in which the glory of his grace and mercy is greatly displayed. Jarchi interprets it of the history of the work of creation, and Ezekiel's vision of the wheels, the understanding of which is very difficult; and which the Jews forbid the reading of, as also Solomon's Song, until men are come to ripeness of years; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter; to investigate everything relating to civil government, and that may be of use to them in the exercise of it; particularly to search into the word of God, and observe the laws in it, and rule according to them; or make such laws as are agreeably to it, and execute them: and to inquire diligently into all causes that are brought before them, that they may find out the truth of things, and pass judgment accordingly; and be able to give reasons for what they do in the public affairs of government, and make it appear that they are according to the rules of truth and justice; and to do so will gain them immortal honour! see Job 29:16.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. An instance given of the honour of God: It is his glory to conceal a matter. He needs not search into any thing, for he perfectly knows every thing by a clear and certain view, and nothing can be hidden from him; and yet his own way is in the sea and his path in the great waters. There is an unfathomable depth in his counsels, Rom 11:33. It is but a little portion that is heard of him. Clouds and darkness are round about him. We see what he does, but we know not the reasons. Some refer it to the sins of men; it is his glory to pardon sin, which is covering it, not remembering it, not mentioning it; his forbearance, which he exercises towards sinners, is likewise his honour, in which he seems to keep silence and take no notice of the matter. 2. A double instance of the honour of kings: - (1.) It is God's glory that he needs not search into a matter, because he knows it without search; but it is the honour of kings, with a close application of mind, and by all the methods of enquiry, to search out the matters that are brought before them, to take pains in examining offenders, that they may discover their designs and bring to light the hidden works of darkness, not to give judgment hastily or till they have weighed things, nor to leave it wholly to others to examine things, but to see with their own eyes. (2.) It is God's glory that he cannot himself be found out by searching, and some of that honour is devolved upon kings, wise kings, that search out matters; their hearts are unsearchable, like the height of heaven or the depth of the earth, which we may guess at, but cannot measure. Princes have their arcana imperii - state secrets, designs which are kept private, and reasons of state, which private persons are not competent judges of, and therefore ought not to pry into. Wise princes, when they search into a matter, have reaches which one would not think of, as Solomon, when he called of a sword to divide the living child with, designing thereby to discover the true mother.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:2-3 This warning reminds young men entering royal service that some things cannot be understood, including the king’s sometimes mysterious reasoning (e.g., 2 Sam 11:14-25; 24:3).