Proverbs 25:28

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 25:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He whose spirit is without restraint Is [like] a city that is broken down and without walls.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He whose spirit is without restraint Is [like] a city that is broken down and without walls.
Proverbs 25:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28He whose spirit is without restraint Is [like] a city that is broken down and without walls.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit, etc.] 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 check his pride and vanity, to restrain his wrath and anger and revenge, and keep within due bounds his ambition and itch of vainglory; [is like] a city that broken down [and] without walls; into which the may go with pleasure, and which is exposed to the rapine and violence of everyone; and so a man that has no command of himself and passions, but gives the reins to them, is exposed to the enemy of souls, Satan and is liable to every sin, snare and temptation.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Such are exposed to the incursions of evil thoughts and successful temptations. Next: Proverbs Chapter 26”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 16:32, Pro 22:24; Sa1 20:30, Sa1 25:17 Next: Proverbs Chapter 26”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“This verse, counselling restraint as to the spirit, is connected with the foregoing, which counsels to self-control as to enjoyment: A city broken through, now without walls - A man without self-control over his spirit. A "city broken down" is one whose wall is "broken," Ch2 32:5, whether it has met with breaches (פּרצים), or is wholly broken; in the former case also the city is incapable of being defended, and it is all one as if it had no wall. Such a city is like a man "who hath no control over his own spirit" (for the accentuation of the Heb. words here, vid., Thorath Emeth, p. 10): cujus spiritui nulla cohibitio (Schultens), i.e., qui animum suum cohibere non potest (Fleischer: עצר, R.…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification