He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

PROVERBS 28:25KJV
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Proverbs 28:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 28:25 mean?

Proverbs 28:25 says that someone with a proud heart causes conflict, but a person who trusts in the LORD will have what they need and thrive. The verse contrasts the trouble stirred up by pride with the security and blessing that come from relying on God.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed at anyone seeking to live wisely. The verse highlights how pride leads to arguments and division, while trust in God brings well-being and satisfaction. The idea of being "made fat" in this context means being blessed or prospering, not just physically but in life as a whole.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 28:25

  • "proud" (רְחַב־נֶפֶשׁ, rekhav-nefesh): This phrase literally means "wide of soul" or "broad-hearted," and is often understood as someone who is greedy or self-important, not just arrogant. It points to a person who always wants more, which leads to strife.
  • "strife" (מָדוֹן, madon): This word means quarrel or conflict. The verse connects pride or greed directly to stirring up arguments and division among people.
  • "trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to have confidence or rely on someone. Here, it emphasizes a steady, settled confidence in the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh), not in oneself.
  • "fat" (דָּשֵׁן, dashen): In Hebrew, being "made fat" is a picture of abundance and well-being, not just physical size. It means to be richly provided for, satisfied, or flourishing.

Why Proverbs 28:25 matters

  • Proverbs 28:25 helps clear up that "proud heart" is not just about arrogance, but also about greed and always wanting more, which leads to conflict.
  • The verse shows that real security and satisfaction come from trusting in God, not from striving to get ahead at others' expense.
  • This proverb fits into a larger pattern in Proverbs, where pride and self-reliance are contrasted with humility and dependence on God, highlighting the practical results of each path.

Where else these words appear

“fat” Hebrew H1878 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
  • Psalms 20:3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
  • Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

“up” Hebrew H1624 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • 2 Kings 14:10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
  • Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

“strife” Hebrew H4066 · used in 18 verses

  • Psalms 80:6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
  • Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
  • Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

“proud” Hebrew H7342 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 34:21 These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.
  • Nehemiah 7:4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
  • Psalms 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.