2026.05.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 25:6–10

Read Proverbs 25:6–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What should one not do, in whose presence (Proverbs 25:6a)? And in whose place should you not stand (verse 6b)? What is better (Proverbs 25:7a)? Than what (verse7b)? Where should you not go hastily (Proverbs 25:8a)? Because what might happen there (verse 8b–c)? What should you do (Proverbs 25:9a)? Instead of what (verse 9b)? Or else what may happen (Proverbs 25:10)?

How should we conduct ourselves publicly? Proverbs 25:6–10 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should conduct ourselves before others as those who are before God first.

Having given instruction with regard to the king himself (Proverbs 25:1-5), the attention now turns to the subjects, and how to conduct ourselves in public life.

We should not presume that we are royal, Proverbs 25:6-7. It is tempting to put on airs (Proverbs 25:6a), but this is a recipe for being humiliated (verse 6b, cf. Luke 14:8). Instead, excel at your labor, service, and prudence, and let those in authority lift you to that position. Even if they never do, the believer will ultimately be exalted by God in due time (cf. 1 Peter 5:6). 

We should also not presume that we are in the right, Proverbs 25:8. The end of Proverbs 25:7 actually goes with Proverbs 25:8. Just because our eyes have seen something, we should not be hasty to presume that we understand the context, or that we are justified in the case that we make. As with the heart of the king in Proverbs 25:3, there is a great deal of knowledge and information to which we may not be privy, and going to court hastily is another recipe for being humiliated. 

Finally, we should not presume to be a reporter, Proverbs 25:9-10. There are situations in which it is proper to plead a (right) case with a neighbor (Proverbs 25:9a). But, we must not do so at the cost of sharing someone else’s information that is not ours to give (verse 9b). Obtaining vindication or restitution is not worth wronging one another, and exposing ourselves as untrustworthy (Proverbs 25:10). 

How we engage publicly reveals much about whether we are more interested in “doing what’s right” or “getting our rights.”

What higher position are you tempted to take for yourself? What does your public conduct reveal about your heart?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for our pride, and vainly ambition. Lest we humiliate ourselves by folly, please grant to us the humility to do what is right by You and by our neighbor. For, we ask it through Him Who humbled Himself for us, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH73B “Yes, God Is Good to Israel” 

First Song for Next Lord’s Day — ARP102A To This My Prayer