Proverbs 15:25

New English Translation

²⁵The Lord tears down the house of the proud,^[a]
but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.^[b]

Proverbs 15:25 sn The “proud” have to be understood here in contrast to the widow, and their “house” has to be interpreted in contrast to the widow’s territory. The implication may be that the “proud” make their gain from the needy, and so God will set the balance right.
Proverbs 15:25 sn The Lord administers justice in his time. The Lord champions the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the needy. These people were often the prey of the proud, who would take and devour their houses and lands (e.g., 1 Kgs 21; Prov 16:19; Isa 5:8-10).

Proverbs 15:25

World English Bible

²⁵Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud,
but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.

³³The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction,^[a]
and before honor comes humility.^[b]

Proverbs 15:33 tn Heb “[is] instruction of wisdom” (KJV and NASB similar). The noun translated “wisdom” is an attributive genitive: “wise instruction.”sn The idea of the first line is similar to Prov 1:7 and 9:10. Here it may mean that the fear of the Lord results from the discipline of wisdom, just as easily as it may mean that the fear of the Lord leads to the discipline of wisdom. The second reading harmonizes with the theme in the book that the fear of the Lord is the starting point.
Proverbs 15:33 tn Heb “[is] humility” (so KJV). The second clause is a parallel idea in that it stresses how one thing leads to another—humility to honor. Humble submission in faith to the Lord brings wisdom and honor.

³³The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
Before honor is humility.

New English Translation (NET)

World English Bible (WEB)

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