Commentary - Proverbs 25:23

Bird's-eye view

This proverb, like many in Solomon's collection, draws a sharp parallel between the natural world and the world of human relationships. The first clause states an observable meteorological fact, and the second applies the principle to the realm of moral conduct. The central point is one of cause and effect. Just as a certain kind of wind reliably produces a certain kind of weather, so a certain kind of speech reliably produces a certain kind of social atmosphere. The proverb teaches a vital lesson in relational wisdom: some sins, particularly the insidious sin of backbiting, must be met with a firm and visible displeasure. It is a call not to sentimental niceness, but to a righteous anger that protects the health of the community.

The wisdom here is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Scripture is clear that we are to be long-suffering and quick to forgive (Eph. 4:2, Prov. 19:11). But the book of Proverbs is given to us to make us wise, not simplistic. Wisdom knows when to forbear and when to confront. This proverb addresses those times when confrontation is not only necessary but is the only loving course of action. It is a specific tactic for dealing with a specific kind of sin, the sin of the secret slanderer, the backbiter, the tale-bearer. And the prescribed response is not a quiet word later, but an immediate, visible, and angry countenance.

Outline

Context In Proverbs

This section of Proverbs (chapters 25-29) is a collection of Solomon's proverbs that the men of King Hezekiah copied. This indicates that these were considered particularly valuable gems of wisdom, preserved for the instruction of future generations of God's people. The surrounding verses deal with various aspects of life at court and in the community: dealing with kings (25:1-7), neighbors (25:8-10, 17-20), and fools (26:1-12). Proverbs 25:23 fits squarely within this context of practical, relational wisdom. It provides guidance on how to maintain peace and righteousness within the covenant community by actively opposing the destructive sin of slander.

The proverb assumes a community where honor and reputation matter, and where words have the power to build up or tear down. The backbiting tongue is a recurring villain in Proverbs (Prov. 11:13; 16:28; 18:8; 26:20-22), and this verse provides a specific, active strategy for neutralizing its venom.

Key Issues

The North Wind Brings Forth Rain

23a. The north wind brings forth rain,

The proverb begins with an observation from nature. In the climate of Palestine, a wind from the north could indeed bring rain. While other winds might be more commonly associated with rain, the point is not to give a universal meteorological law, but to state a recognized cause-and-effect relationship. This wind shows up, and that rain follows. The relationship is reliable. This sets the stage for the parallel in the second half of the verse. The connection is not arbitrary; it is fixed in the created order. God has woven certain cause-and-effect relationships into the very fabric of the world. As it is in the sky, so it is in our souls.

A Tongue of Secrets, an Indignant Face

23b. And a tongue of secrets, an indignant face.

Here is the application. The KJV says "a backbiting tongue," which is a fine translation. The Hebrew refers to a secret tongue, a tongue of slander done in the shadows. This is not open rebuke, but rather the cowardly and destructive practice of tearing someone down when they are not present to defend themselves. It is the sin of the whisperer, the gossip, the one who traffics in tales to elevate himself by diminishing others. This kind of talk is poison to any relationship, any church, any community.

And what is the corresponding "rain" that this "wind" ought to bring forth? An indignant face. An angry countenance. This is not a suggestion to fly into a rage, but rather to show immediate and clear displeasure. The backbiter is testing the waters. He is seeing if you will be a willing audience for his filth. He is looking for a co-conspirator. An angry face shuts the whole business down immediately. It communicates, "I will not be a party to this. Do not bring this garbage to me." It is a non-verbal rebuke that is as clear as a thunderclap.

We are commanded in Ephesians to "be angry, and sin not" (Eph. 4:26). This is one of those situations that calls for it. The anger here is not a loss of self-control. It is a righteous, controlled, and purposeful response to a destructive sin. It is the anger of Jesus cleansing the temple. It is the anger that loves the victim of the slander and loves the community enough to protect it from this cancer. To smile politely, or to change the subject gently, is to fail in your duty. It is to be complicit. The backbiter needs to see your anger. He needs to feel the social consequences of his sin, right then and there. This is how you drive away that particular kind of rain.

Application

The application is straightforward, though not necessarily easy in our conflict-averse age. We live in a time that prizes being "nice" above all else. But biblical love is not nice; it is holy. Biblical kindness is not weak; it is strong. There are times when the most loving thing you can do for a brother is to show him an angry face.

When someone comes to you with a juicy story about someone else, a story that has no redemptive purpose, your first responsibility is to God's law of love. You must refuse to be a garbage can for someone else's sin. You must not receive a reproach against your neighbor (Ps. 15:3). How do you do this? This proverb gives you the tactic. Let your face show your displeasure. Let your brow furrow. Let your expression communicate that you are offended by this sin. You don't have to yell. You don't have to make a scene. Your face can do the work.

This is a practical way to obey the command to "put away all...evil speaking" (Eph. 4:31). You put it away from yourself by refusing to listen, and you help the slanderer put it away by making it clear his sin will find no welcome with you. This is how fires go out. As another proverb says, "For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases" (Prov. 26:20). An angry countenance is a very effective way of refusing to supply the wood for the fire.

So we must cultivate a holy courage. Ask God for the wisdom to know when to forbear and when to show your teeth. And when a backbiting tongue begins its work in your presence, remember the north wind, and do not be afraid to let the storm clouds gather on your face.