Proverbs 25:26 - More Proverbs of Solomon
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
In ancient Israel, water sources such as springs and wells were vital for survival, providing necessary hydration and sustenance for both people and livestock. A muddied spring or polluted well would be considered useless and even dangerous, as it could no longer provide clean water. This imagery is used to convey the idea of corruption and loss of purity. In biblical times, water was often a symbol of life and purity (Psalm 1:3, John 4:14). The pollution of a water source would be a significant concern, reflecting the broader theme of maintaining spiritual and moral purity.
is a righteous man
The term "righteous man" refers to someone who lives in accordance with God's laws and principles, embodying integrity, justice, and moral uprightness. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with adherence to the covenant and the law given by God (Deuteronomy 6:25). The righteous are seen as those who walk in God's ways and are blessed for their faithfulness (Psalm 1:1-6). This phrase sets up a contrast between the expected purity and steadfastness of a righteous person and the disappointing reality when they fail to uphold these standards.
who gives way to the wicked
This phrase highlights the failure of a righteous person to stand firm against evil influences. In biblical context, giving way to the wicked implies a compromise or surrender to sinful behavior or unjust practices. The Bible frequently warns against associating with or succumbing to the influence of the wicked (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 4:14-15). The righteous are called to be steadfast and resist evil, serving as a light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). This failure to resist can lead to a loss of moral authority and effectiveness, akin to a polluted well that can no longer provide life-giving water.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Righteous Man
Represents individuals who strive to live according to God's standards and uphold His righteousness.
2. Wicked
Refers to those who act in opposition to God's laws and principles, often leading others astray.
3. Muddied Spring / Polluted Well
Metaphors for corruption and loss of purity, illustrating the negative impact of a righteous person compromising with evil.
Teaching Points
Guarding Against Compromise
Believers must be vigilant in maintaining their moral and spiritual integrity, avoiding situations where they might be tempted to compromise their values.
The Impact of Influence
Just as a polluted well affects all who drink from it, a compromised believer can negatively influence others. Christians are called to be a positive influence in the world.
The Importance of Purity
Maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed is crucial for a believer's witness and effectiveness in God's kingdom.
Standing Firm in Righteousness
In a world where wickedness often prevails, Christians are called to stand firm in their faith and not give way to evil, trusting in God's strength and guidance.
The Consequences of Yielding
Yielding to wickedness not only affects the individual but can also lead to a broader corruption within the community of believers.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 25What are common questions about proverbs?Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?If Proverbs 13:25 suggests the righteous will always have enough to eat, what explains faithful believers who endure hunger or famine?What defines quality of life?
(26) A righteous man falling down before the wicked . . .--The mouth of the righteous was described (Proverbs 10:11) as a "well of life," from the comfort and refreshment it brings to the weary- through the just and kindly counsel it offers. But if the righteous man yields to the pressure put upon him by the wicked, and through fear or favour gives up his principles, then he can no longer give forth counsel out of a pure heart; he becomes like a fountain which has been fouled by the feet of cattle drinking at it (Ezekiel 34:18), and like a corrupted spring.
Verse 26. - Hebrew (see on Ver. 11), A troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring - a righteous man giving way to the wicked. A good man neglecting to assert himself and to hold his own m the face of sinners, is as useless to society and as harmful to the good cause as a spring that has been defiled by mud stirred up or extraneous matter introduced is unserviceable for drinking and prejudicial to those who use it. The mouth of the righteous should be "a well of life" (Proverbs 10:11), wholesome, refreshing, helpful; his conduct should be consistent and straightforward, fearless in upholding the right (Isaiah 51:12, etc.), uncompromising in opposing sin. When such a man, for fear, or favour, or weakness, or weariness, yields to the wicked, compromises principle, no longer makes a stand for truth and purity and virtue, he loses his high character, brings a scandal on religion, and lowers his own spiritual nature. It is this moral cowardice which Christ so sternly rebukes (Matthew 10:33), "Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Some have assumed that the gnome is concerned with a good man's fall into misfortune owing to the machinations of sinners; but in this case the comparison loses its force; such persecution would not disturb the purity or lower the character of the righteous man; it would rather enhance his good qualities, give occasion for their exercise and development, and therefore could not be described as fouling a pure spring. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Like a muddied
נִ֭רְפָּשׂ (nir·pāś)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7515: To trample, roil water
spring
מַעְיָ֣ן (ma‘·yān)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4599: A fountain, a source
or a polluted
מָשְׁחָ֑ת (mā·šə·ḥāṯ)
Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin
well
וּמָק֣וֹר (ū·mā·qō·wr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4726: Something dug, a, source, of happiness, wisdom, progeny)
is a righteous man
צַ֝דִּ֗יק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous
who gives way
מָ֣ט (māṭ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4131: To waver, to slip, shake, fall
to
לִפְנֵֽי־ (lip̄·nê-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face
the wicked.
רָשָֽׁע׃ (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person
Links
Proverbs 25:26 NIV
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Proverbs 25:26 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 25:26 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 25:26 French Bible
Proverbs 25:26 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 25:26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted (Prov. Pro Pr)