Proverbs 25:23
Proverbs 25:23 in Multiple Translations
As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
As the north wind gives birth to rain, so is an angry face caused by a tongue saying evil secretly.
In the same way that the north wind brings rain, slandering people makes them angry.
As the Northwinde driueth away the raine, so doeth an angry countenance the slandering tongue.
A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue — indignant faces.
The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue.
When wind blows from the right direction, it will rain; similarly [SIM], if we gossip about others, that causes them to look at us very angrily.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 25:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ר֣וּחַ
צָ֭פוֹן
תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל
גָּ֑שֶׁם
וּ/פָנִ֥ים
נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים
לְשׁ֣וֹן
סָֽתֶר
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
צָ֭פוֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
N-fs
תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-o-Imperf-3fs
גָּ֑שֶׁם
geshem
H1653
rain
N-ms
וּ/פָנִ֥ים
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp
נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים
zâʻam
H2194
be indignant
V-Niphal
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
סָֽתֶר
çêther
H5643
secrecy
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:23
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
צָ֭פוֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-o-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
גָּ֑שֶׁם
geshem
H1653
"rain"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shower or rain, like a refreshing downpour from the sky. It appears in the Bible to describe weather. In the KJV, it is translated as rain or shower.
Definition: rain, shower
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: rain, shower. See also: Genesis 7:12; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Psalms 68:10.
וּ/פָנִ֥ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים
zâʻam
H2194
"be indignant"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word describes being very angry or upset, often to the point of foaming at the mouth. In Numbers 23:8, it is used to describe God's indignation towards those who disobey Him. It can also mean to denounce or curse someone.
Definition: 1) to denounce, express indignation, be indignant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have indignation, be indignant, be angrily indignant, be defiant 1a2) to be abhorrent 1a3) to express indignation in speech, denounce, curse 1b) (Niphal) to show indignation, show anger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abhor, abominable, (be) angry, defy, (have) indignation. See also: Numbers 23:7; Proverbs 25:23; Psalms 7:12.
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
סָֽתֶר
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
N-ms
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:23
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
24Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. 25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 37:22 | Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. |
| 2 | Psalms 15:3 | who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, |
| 3 | Romans 1:30 | slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:20 | Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:20 | For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. |
| 6 | Psalms 101:5 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. |
Proverbs 25:23 Summary
[Proverbs 25:23 teaches us that speaking negatively about someone behind their back can have serious consequences, just like the north wind bringing forth rain, it can bring forth angry looks and hurt feelings, as seen in the destructive power of gossip mentioned in Proverbs 16:28. To avoid this, we must be mindful of our words and strive to speak kindly and truthfully about others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. By doing so, we can create a positive and uplifting environment, rather than one filled with strife and anger, and instead speak words of life and encouragement, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a backbiting tongue, and why is it compared to the north wind?
A backbiting tongue refers to speaking negatively about someone behind their back, and it's compared to the north wind because just as the north wind brings forth rain, a backbiting tongue brings forth angry looks and strife, as seen in Proverbs 25:23, similar to the destructive power of gossip mentioned in Proverbs 16:28.
How can I avoid having a backbiting tongue?
To avoid having a backbiting tongue, we must be mindful of our words and strive to speak kindly and truthfully about others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6, remembering that our words have the power to build up or tear down.
What are the consequences of having a backbiting tongue?
The consequences of having a backbiting tongue can be severe, leading to damaged relationships, hurt feelings, and even physical harm, as warned in Proverbs 12:18 and James 3:5-6, emphasizing the importance of controlling our tongue and speaking life-giving words.
How can I respond to someone who speaks negatively about others?
When responding to someone who speaks negatively about others, we should gently encourage them to speak kindly and truthfully, as taught in Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 18:15, and model positive communication by speaking words of grace and truth ourselves, as seen in Ephesians 4:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can guard my tongue and avoid speaking negatively about others?
- How can I balance honesty with kindness when speaking about someone who has wronged me?
- What are some consequences I have experienced or observed when someone speaks negatively about others, and how can I learn from these experiences?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:23
The north wind driveth away rain,.... So the geographer (w) says, the swift north wind drives away the moist clouds; which usually come from the opposite quarter, the south.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:23
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. The north wind driveth away rain; so (doth) an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. So Vulgate.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
An angry countenance in the hearer, who by his countenance showeth his dislike of such persons and practices. A backbiting tongue, Heb. a secret tongue, which privily slandereth his neighbour, as it is expressed, , and as the manner of backbiters is. But this verse is otherwise rendered in the margin, and by divers others, the north wind bringeth forth (as this verb properly and most frequently signifies, and as it is rendered by all the ancient interpreters, and by many others) rain (which it doth in Judea, because the sea lies northward as well as westward from it, as also in Africa, as Aristotle observes, though it drive away rain in countries of another situation): so doth a backbiting tongue (cause) an angry countenance; it causeth much anger and mischief; both to the person slandered, and to the slanderer, and to other persons who may be concerned with or for either of them, as is manifest from common experience.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.Ver. 23. The north wind drives away rain.] Hence Homer calls it αιθρηγενουτην, the fair weather maker, and Jerome the air’ s besom. There is a southerly wind that attracts clouds and engenders rain. So doth an angry countenance, a backbiting tongue.] The ready way to be rid of tale bearers is to browbeat them; for like whelps, if we stroke them they leap upon us and defile us with fawning; but give them a rap and they are gone; so here. Carry, therefore, in this case, a severe rebuke in thy countenance, as God doth Be not a resetter to these privy thieves, a receptacle for these mures nominis, as one calls them; the tale hearer is as blameworthy as the tale bearer, and he that "loves" a lie as he that "makes" it Caecias nubes attrahit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
(23) The north wind driveth away rain.—The marginal rendering is probably more correct: “The north wind bringeth forth rain;” but as this seems to be opposed to Job 37:22, it has been thought that the north-west, which is a rainy wind, must be intended here. So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.—Rather, So doth a backbiting tongue (bring forth, or cause) troubled faces.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
Verse 23. The north wind driveth away rain] The margin has, "The north wind bringeth forth rain." It is said that the "north wind brings forth rain at Jerusalem, because it brings with it the vapours arising from the sea that lies north of it." The marginal is the true reading; and is supported by the Chaldee, Syriac, and Septuagint; but the Arabic reads south wind. A backbiting tongue] A hidden tongue.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:23
23. driveth away] Rather, bringeth forth, A.V. marg., R.V. text. The rendering of A.V. text follows the Vulg., dissipat pluvias, and is apparently supported by Job 37:22 : “Fair weather,” or “golden brightness, cometh out of the north,” a phenomenon which is there attributed to the action of the wind blowing from that quarter (see Proverbs 25:21 and note in this Series). But by “north” may perhaps here be meant “north-west.” (“Intelligendus ille ventus qui inter aquilonem et occasum flat, Thrascias sive Caurus, qui a Seneca in Hippol. 25:1130 imbrifer dicitur,” Rosenm.) The comparison thus becomes clear and forcible: The north wind bringeth forth rain. The secret action of the wind covers the heaven with clouds, so doth (adopting R.V. in preference to A.V.) a backbiting tongue an angry countenance; its secret malignity is sure to be discovered and to clothe the countenance of its victim with dark anger.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:23
The marginal reading is far more accurate and gives a better sense. The northwest wind in Palestine commonly brings rain, and this was probably in the thought of the writer.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
23. The north wind — The north, or, rather, northwest wind is said to bring rain at Jerusalem, because it brings up vapours from the Mediterranean Sea. Luke 12:54.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
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(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how th |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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The Tragedy of Third Generation Religion by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches on the tragedy of third-generation religion, using Judges chapter 2 to illustrate how the Israelites turned to idols despite witnessing God's miracles. He e |
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He Is Precious by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher discusses the concept of arrogance, describing it as a sin that stems from a feeling of personal superiority and manifests in contempt towards others. Arrogance is hig |
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Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the c |
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No Root, No Fruit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 13 and discusses a parable told by Jesus about a fruitless tree in a vineyard. The speaker interprets this parable as a represen |