Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 25:26 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. "
Proverbs 25:26
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
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It is a very sad thing, and a public harm, when the righteous fall before the wicked. It is like muddying a fountain or spoiling a spring, because the damage spreads to many people.
This can happen in several ways. First, when righteous people sin in front of the wicked, and do anything unworthy of their faith, it is soon reported everywhere. What should have honored God becomes a public disgrace, and others are encouraged to do the same. When people who were known for wisdom and honor lose that standing, they disturb others and infect them with the same weakness.
Second, it can happen when the righteous are oppressed, pushed down, and trampled by the force or cunning of evil people. When this drives them into silence or obscurity, it harms justice itself and corrupts the very streams of government (Proverbs 28:12, Proverbs 28:28; Proverbs 29:2).
Third, it can happen when the righteous act fearfully and give in to the wicked. If they are too afraid to resist evil and weakly yield to it, they bring shame on religion. They discourage good people and give sinners more boldness in their sin. In that way, too, they are like a troubled fountain and a polluted spring.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 25:1
"These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out."
Proverbs 25:2
"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter."
Proverbs 25:3
"As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable."
Proverbs 25:4
"Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner."
Proverbs 25:5
"Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness."
Proverbs 25:6
"Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;"
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