The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

PROVERBS 15:25KJV
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Proverbs 15:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:25 mean?

Proverbs 15:25 says that the LORD will tear down the home of those who are arrogant, but He will make sure the property line of the widow is secure. This verse contrasts God’s opposition to pride with His special care for those who are vulnerable, like widows.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, often contrasting two types of people or outcomes. Here, the writer (traditionally Solomon) is teaching that God actively works against the proud, who might use their power to take advantage of others, while He protects those with no one else to defend them, like widows who could easily lose their land or home.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:25

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it is God Himself who acts, not just a general force or fate.
  • destroy (נָתַץ, nathats): This word means to tear down or demolish, often used for breaking down buildings. It shows that God’s action against the proud is forceful and complete.
  • proud (גֵּאִים, ge’im): This word refers to those who are arrogant or haughty, not just people with self-respect but those who look down on others or act above them.
  • border (גְּבוּל, gevul): This means a boundary or property line. In ancient Israel, land boundaries were sacred and losing them could mean losing one’s livelihood. God’s promise to “establish” the widow’s border means He will make sure her rights and property are protected.

Why Proverbs 15:25 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God is only concerned with spiritual matters; it shows He cares about real-life justice and the protection of the vulnerable.
  • Proverbs 15:25 highlights that pride is not just an attitude but can lead to actions that harm others, especially those who are defenseless.
  • The contrast in this proverb fits the wider theme of Proverbs, where God’s justice is shown by opposing the powerful who misuse their strength and lifting up those who have no one else to help them.

Where else these words appear

“destroy” Hebrew H5255 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
  • Psalms 52:5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
  • Proverbs 2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

“proud” Hebrew H1343 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 40:11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
  • Psalms 94:2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
  • Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

“widow” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 2 Samuel 14:5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

“establish” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.
  • 1 Kings 5:16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.