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Proverbs 25:9

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 25:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Debate thy cause with thy neighbor [himself], And disclose not the secret of another;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Debate thy cause with thy neighbor [himself], And disclose not the secret of another;
Proverbs 25:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
9Debate thy cause with thy neighbor [himself], And disclose not the secret of another;
10Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.
11A word fitly spoken Is [like] apples of gold in network of silver.
12[As] an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [So is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
← Proverbs 25:8Proverbs 25:10 →
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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
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself], etc.] Between thee and him alone; lay the matter before him, and hear what he has to say for himself, by which you will better judge of the nature of the cause; try to compromise things, and make up the difference between you, which is much better than to commence a lawsuit; at least such a step should be taken first; (see <400525>Matthew 5:25); and discover not a secret to another; if the thing in controversy is a secret, do not acquaint another person with it; keep it among yourselves, if the affair can be made up without bringing it into a court of judicature; besides, by communicating it to others, you may have bad counsel given, and be led…”
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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
“(Compare Mat 5:25, Margin). secret--that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having discussed your difficulties with him.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“An anticipation of the highest standard of ethical refinement Matthew 18:15, but with a difference. Here the motive is prudential, the risk of shame, the fear of the irretrievable infamy of the betrayer of secrets. In the teaching of Christ the precept rests upon the divine authority and the perfect example. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Debate - If thou hast any quarrel with him, first try to compose it by private discourse with him. Discover not - Let not heat of contention provoke thee to divulge any of his secrets committed to thy trust. Proverbs 25:10”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“25:9-10 See 11:13; 20:19.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“with: Mat 18:5-17 a secret to another: or, the secret of another, Pro 11:13, Pro 20:19 Proverbs 25:10”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification