Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

PROVERBS 25:9KJV
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Proverbs 25:9 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 25:9 mean?

Proverbs 25:9 advises that if you have a dispute or disagreement with your neighbor, you should discuss it directly with that person rather than spreading the matter or revealing private information to others. The verse warns against exposing someone’s secrets while trying to resolve personal issues.

In this proverb, the writer (traditionally Solomon) speaks to anyone dealing with conflict in their community. The setting assumes a situation where two people have a disagreement ("debate thy cause") and encourages handling it privately. The second part of the verse specifically cautions against sharing confidential matters ("a secret") with a third party, highlighting the importance of trust and discretion in relationships.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 25:9

  • רִיב (riv, H7379): This word is translated as "cause" and often refers to a legal dispute or argument. Here, it suggests a personal conflict or grievance that needs resolution.
  • רֵעַ (re'a, H7453): This word means "neighbor" and refers to someone close by, such as a fellow community member or friend. The verse’s advice is directed toward everyday relationships, not just formal legal matters.
  • גָּלָה (galah, H1540): Translated as "discover," this word means to uncover or reveal. In this context, it warns against exposing something that was meant to be kept private.
  • סוֹד (sod, H5475): This word means "secret" and refers to confidential or private information. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of betraying trust by sharing such secrets with others.
  • אַחֵר (acher, H312): This word means "another," indicating someone who is not involved in the original dispute. The verse stresses that outsiders should not be brought into private matters through gossip or disclosure.

Why Proverbs 25:9 matters

  • Proverbs 25:9 clarifies that conflicts should be handled directly and discreetly, rather than being aired publicly or discussed with uninvolved parties.
  • The verse highlights the value of trust and confidentiality, warning that revealing secrets during a dispute can damage relationships and reputations.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme of wise speech and responsible handling of personal matters, showing that how we manage disagreements affects the health of the whole community.

Where else these words appear

“secret” Hebrew H5475 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
  • Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

“Debate” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

“cause” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.