Proverbs 25:28
Proverbs 25:28 in Multiple Translations
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
He whose spirit is without restraint Is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
He whose spirit is uncontrolled is like an unwalled town which has been broken into.
Someone without control is as exposed as a town whose walls have been breached.
A man that refraineth not his appetite, is like a citie which is broken downe and without walles.
A city broken down without walls, [Is] a man without restraint over his spirit!
Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
As a city that lieth open and is not compassed with walls, so is a man that cannot refrain his own spirit in speaking.
People who ◄cannot control their tempers/quickly become very angry► are unable to defend their behavior; that is like having a city without a wall around it, with the result that no one can defend it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:28
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 25:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עִ֣יר
פְּ֭רוּצָה
אֵ֣ין
חוֹמָ֑ה
אִ֝֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
אֵ֖ין
מַעְצָ֣ר
לְ/רוּחֽ/וֹ
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
פְּ֭רוּצָה
pârats
H6555
to break through
V-Qal-Inf-c
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חוֹמָ֑ה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fs
אִ֝֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵ֖ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מַעְצָ֣ר
maʻtsâr
H4623
restraint
N-ms
לְ/רוּחֽ/וֹ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:28
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
פְּ֭רוּצָה
pârats
H6555
"to break through"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.
Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חוֹמָ֑ה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
אִ֝֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵ֖ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַעְצָ֣ר
maʻtsâr
H4623
"restraint"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means control or restraint, like having power over something. It is used to describe ruling or governing, as seen in the Bible's book of Proverbs. It implies a sense of authority and management.
Definition: restraint, control
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: rule. See also: Proverbs 25:28.
לְ/רוּחֽ/וֹ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:28
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
27It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.
28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:32 | He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. |
| 2 | Proverbs 22:24 | Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 32:5 | Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 1:3 | And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 20:30 | Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the disgrace of the mother who bore you? |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:17 | Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” |
Proverbs 25:28 Summary
Proverbs 25:28 teaches us that controlling our temper is crucial for living a stable and secure life, just like a city needs strong walls to protect its inhabitants. When we fail to control our temper, we become vulnerable to emotional outbursts and hurtful words, which can damage our relationships and reputation (Proverbs 12:18). By submitting to God and seeking His help, we can learn to manage our emotions and respond to situations in a calm and wise manner, as seen in Psalm 37:8, where we are told to cease from anger and forsake wrath. This requires self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to listen and learn from others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to not control one's temper?
According to Proverbs 25:28, a person who does not control their temper is like a city with broken-down walls, implying a lack of self-control and vulnerability to attack, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 where a gentle answer turns away wrath.
Is it a sin to get angry?
While anger itself is not a sin, as seen in Mark 3:5 where Jesus was grieved by the hardness of people's hearts, uncontrolled anger can lead to sin, as warned in Ephesians 4:26-27, where we are told to not let the sun go down on our anger.
How can I control my temper?
Controlling one's temper requires self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to submit to God, as seen in James 1:19-20, where we are told to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and to rid ourselves of all moral filth and evil.
What are the consequences of not controlling one's temper?
The consequences of not controlling one's temper can be severe, leading to damaged relationships, hurt feelings, and a loss of credibility, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, where a good name is more desirable than great riches.
Reflection Questions
- What triggers my anger, and how can I prepare myself to respond in a godly way?
- In what ways do I resemble a city with broken-down walls, and what steps can I take to repair and strengthen my spiritual defenses?
- How can I balance my emotions with wisdom and self-control, as seen in Proverbs 24:10, where we are told to show ourselves strong in times of distress?
- What would my relationships and daily interactions look like if I consistently controlled my temper, and how can I strive towards that goal?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:28
He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit,.... His affections and passions, puts no restraint, unto them, as the word signifies; no guard against them, no fence about them, to curb his curiosity, to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
Over his own spirit; over his passions, and especially his anger, Which is signified by this word, . Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls; exposeth himself to manifold dangers and mischiefs.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
Proverbs 25:28 He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls.Ver. 28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit.] Cui non est cohibitio in spiritum suum, that reigns not in his unruly affections, but suffers them to run riot in sin, as so many headstrong horses, or to ride upon the backs one of another, like cattle in a narrow shoot. This man being not fenced with the wall of God’ s fear, lies open to all assaults of Satan and other enemies; as Laish; or Hazor, that had neither gates nor bars; or the Hague in Holland, which the inhabitants will not wall, as desiring to have it counted rather the principal village of Europe than a lesser city. Heyl., Geog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
(28) Like a city that is broken down, and without walls.—Exposed to the assault of every temptation.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:28
28. In this verse again, both A.V. and R.V. change without apparent reason the order of the clauses in the Hebrew.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
28. Hath no rule — No restraint or control over his spirit, his temper, his passions. “That refraineth not his appetite.” — Geneva Bible.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Identify the Enemy - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how demons can enter a person's life and influence their behavior. He gives an example of a businessman who has a terrible day and how his ang |
|
A Broken Down City Without Walls by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul and his son Jonathan from the Bible. Saul's disobedience to God's commandments and his disregard for the word of the Lord l |
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Careless Ease by Steve Gallagher | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to deny themselves and resist the temptations of indulgence and self-gratification that the enemy uses to distract and weaken believe |
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Proverbs 25- Anger Destroys Families" by Nofo Eletise | This sermon emphasizes the importance of key virtues in the Christian life, focusing on patience, privacy, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. It highlights the need fo |
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Hardcore Christianity - Part 2 by Jose Muniz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of realizing that Jesus is always with us, urging believers to have a repentant heart, discipline in their spiritual walk, and a godly charact |
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Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ |
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Epistle 416 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity in the Holy Spirit among Friends, urging elders to be examples of wisdom and patience for the younger generation. He warns against the |