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Proverbs 25:5

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 25:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Take away the wicked [from] before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Take away the wicked [from] before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Proverbs 25:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:
5Take away the wicked [from] before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men:
7For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom thine eyes have seen.
8Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
← Proverbs 25:4Proverbs 25:6 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Take away the wicked [from] before the king, etc.] Wicked ministers and counsellors; they are the “dross”, worthless and useless; yea, hurtful and pernicious. The king is the “refiner”, for whom the vessel is; the kingdom is the silver vessel refined; and which becomes much the better, when wicked men are removed from the court and cabinet council of kings; as well as the king is the happier, and his throne more firm and secure, as follows: and his throne shall be established in righteousness; which he shall execute, wicked ministers being removed from him, who advised him to take unrighteous measures; and others being put in their room, who counsel him to do acts of justice; whereby his…”
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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
“before--or, "in presence of," as courtiers stood about a king.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The interpretation of the proverb of Proverbs 25:4. The king himself, like the Lord whom he represents, is to sit as “a refiner of silver” Malachi 3:3. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“away: Pro 20:8; Kg1 2:33, Kg1 2:46; Est 7:10, Est 8:11-17; Psa 101:7, Psa 101:8 his: Pro 16:12, Pro 20:28, Pro 29:14; Isa 9:7, Isa 16:5 Proverbs 25:6”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 25 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification