Proverbs 25:8
Proverbs 25:8 in Multiple Translations
do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
Do not be quick to go to law about what you have seen, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour has put you to shame?
don't rush to take legal action, for what are you going to do in the end when your neighbor shows you're wrong and humiliates you?
Goe not foorth hastily to strife, least thou know not what to doe in the ende thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Go not forth to strive, haste, turn, What dost thou in its latter end, When thy neighbour causeth thee to blush?
Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in a quarrel: lest afterward thou mayst not be able to make amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.
Do not quickly go to a court to tell the judge about something that you have seen, because another witness may later say something that proves that you are wrong, and as a result you will be disgraced/ashamed. If that happens, ◄what will you do?/you will not know what to do.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:8
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 25:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֵּצֵ֥א
לָ/רִ֗ב
מַ֫הֵ֥ר
פֶּ֣ן
מַה
תַּ֭עֲשֶׂה
בְּ/אַחֲרִיתָ֑/הּ
בְּ/הַכְלִ֖ים
אֹתְ/ךָ֣
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
לָ/רִ֗ב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַ֫הֵ֥ר
mahêr
H4118
quick
V-Piel-Ptc
פֶּ֣ן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תַּ֭עֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/אַחֲרִיתָ֑/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Prep | N-fs | Suff
בְּ/הַכְלִ֖ים
kâlam
H3637
be humiliated
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֹתְ/ךָ֣
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:8
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לָ/רִ֗ב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
מַ֫הֵ֥ר
mahêr
H4118
"quick"
V-Piel-Ptc
This word means to do something quickly or hastily, like when someone is in a hurry. The Bible uses it to describe urgent actions in the book of Esther.
Definition: adj hurrying, speedy, swift, hastening
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hasteth, hastily, at once, quickly, soon, speedily, suddenly. See also: Exodus 32:8; Joshua 2:5; Psalms 69:18.
פֶּ֣ן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תַּ֭עֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בְּ/אַחֲרִיתָ֑/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
בְּ/הַכְלִ֖ים
kâlam
H3637
"be humiliated"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.
Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.
אֹתְ/ךָ֣
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:8
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;
7for it is better to be told, “Come up here!” than to be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,
8do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, 10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:25 | Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:14 | To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:6 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:12 | There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. |
| 5 | Proverbs 30:33 | For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 5:31 | The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 2:26 | Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?” |
| 8 | Luke 14:31–32 | Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 2:14–16 | Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 14:8–12 | Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” But Amaziah would not listen, and Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home. |
Proverbs 25:8 Summary
This verse is warning us not to rush into a fight or lawsuit without thinking it through, because we might end up being embarrassed or ashamed. It's like what Jesus said in Matthew 5:25, to try to resolve our differences quickly and peacefully. By being patient and careful, we can avoid a lot of trouble and hurt feelings, and instead, work towards resolving conflicts in a way that honors God and respects others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'bring hastily to court' in Proverbs 25:8?
This phrase means to rush into a lawsuit or dispute without careful consideration, which can lead to shame and embarrassment, as seen in the warning that follows in the verse, and is also cautioned against in other scriptures like Matthew 5:25.
Why is it important to avoid bringing a dispute to court hastily?
Rushing into a lawsuit can lead to negative consequences, such as being put to shame by your neighbor, as warned in Proverbs 25:8, and can also lead to a loss of reputation and relationships, as seen in Proverbs 17:14.
How does this verse relate to our interactions with others?
This verse reminds us to approach conflicts and disputes with caution and patience, considering the potential outcomes and the impact on our relationships, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32 and Matthew 18:15.
What is the alternative to bringing a dispute to court hastily?
Instead of rushing into a lawsuit, we should strive to resolve conflicts peacefully and privately, as advised in Proverbs 25:9-10 and Matthew 18:15, seeking to maintain harmony and avoid shame.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the wisdom of Proverbs 25:8 to my own life, particularly in how I handle conflicts and disputes?
- How can I balance the need to stand up for myself with the warning against bringing a dispute to court hastily?
- What are some potential consequences of rushing into a lawsuit, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I cultivate patience and careful consideration in my interactions with others, especially in difficult or contentious situations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive,.... To go to law with a neighbour; think well of it beforehand; consider the nature of the cause, whether right or wrong; or whether it is a matter of such moment as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily, without necessary cause and due consideration, to strive, either judicially or otherwise. Put thee to shame, for thy folly in undertaking what thou wast not able to accomplish, and for thy injustice in charging him wrongfully.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
Proverbs 25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.Ver. 8. Go not forth hastily to strive.] Contention is the daughter of arrogance and ambition. Hence Solomon, whose very name imports peace, persuades to peaceableness very oft in this book, and sets forth the mischief of strife and dissension. Stir not strife, saith he, but make haste to stint it - so the words may be rendered - you may do that in your haste that you may repent by leisure. Hasty men, we say, never want woe. If every man were a law to himself, as the Thracians are said to be, there would not be so much lawing, warbling, and warring as there is. There is a curse upon those "that delight in war," as King Pyrrhus did, but a blessing for all the children of peace, who shall also be called the children of God. Paul and Barnabas had a sharp, but short fit of falling out. Jerome and Augustine had their bickerings in their disputations; but it was no great matter who gained the day, for they would both win by understanding their errors. When thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.] That is, When thine adversary hath got the upper hand, and foiled thee.
Those are ignoble quarrels, saith one, Ubi vincere inglorium est, atteri sordidum, wherein, whether a man get the better or the worse, he is sure to go by the worse, to sit down with loss in his name, state, or both. αυτονομοι. - Herodot. παροξυσμος.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
(8) When thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.—Proved thee to be in the wrong, and won his cause against thee.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
Verse 8. Go not forth hastily to strive] לרב lerib, to enter into a lawsuit. Keep from this pit of the bottomless deep, unless urged by the direst necessity.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:8
8–10. The admonition in these verses is general: Be not of a contentious spirit; plunge not hastily into quarrels (comp. the use of the same word “strive,” Genesis 26:20; Exodus 21:18; Deuteronomy 33:8). But there is a special and perhaps primary reference to going to law (obs. thy cause, Proverbs 25:9, the same Heb. word as in Exodus 23:2-3). The passage will then nearly resemble our Lord’s teaching: so far from “going forth hastily to strive,” “agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him”; show a placable disposition, and instead of seeking the publicity of the law-court, “debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself.” And do this from a consideration of what litigation persisted in may involve: lest thou know not what to do,” &c.; “lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge,” &c. Matthew 5:25-26.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:8
The general meaning is: It is dangerous to plunge into litigation. At all times, there is the risk of failure, and, if we fail, of being at the mercy of an irritated adversary.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:8
8. Go not forth… to strive — Do not begin controversies, nor contend at law. Know not what to do — Or, lest thou do something in the end that is humiliating or vexatious.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Insights 04 Hosea 6:3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living for others and using our gifts and talents for productive activity. He warns against wallowing in self-pity and enc |
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Matters of the Heart [Part 2] (Bilingual Teaching) by Pat Kenney | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the condition of one's heart in relation to following God's commandments. He emphasizes that while the law teaches not to mu |
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The Law of God, Your Adversary, Women, and Your Wife by Dick Woodward | In this sermon, the teacher focuses on the importance of applying the word of God to our lives and relationships. He contrasts his approach to scripture with that of the religious |
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Rejoicing in the Lord by A.W. Pink | The preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and watchful, drawing from the Greek word 'gregoreuo' which means to be vigilant and ready to respond to external influences, |
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Prepare to Meet Your God by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, urging listeners to reflect on their lives and the inevitability of death. He highlights that many live without wisd |
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The Last Farthing by George MacDonald | George MacDonald preaches about the profound and often misunderstood nature of parables, emphasizing that they are meant to stir the conscience and will, not just the intellect. He |
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c.j. Mahaney: Faith Works in Humility by Adrian Warnock | In this sermon, CJ Mahaney introduces himself and expresses his gratitude for the support and prayers of the congregation. He emphasizes the importance of peacemaking and resolving |