Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 25:10

ESV lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.
NIV or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
NASB Or one who hears it will put you to shame, And the evil report about you will not pass away.
CSB otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you, and you’ll never live it down.
NLT Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.
KJV Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
NKJV Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.

What does Proverbs 25:10 mean?

This completes the teaching begun in the prior verse. Caution is always advised before getting involved in court matters or making public accusations. Better to find out, in private, that you were wrong than to be embarrassed in public. This principle echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:15–20, which commends resolving disputes as privately as possible before moving to a public disagreement. Going against a neighbor in court for false or frivolous reasons can result in public shame or even a ruined reputation.

Arguing with a neighbor over a trivial matter contradicts the spirit behind the the commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). It rejects God's command to love one's neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). Making a minor issue seem like something egregious is, itself, a form of deception and manipulation. The Lord commanded Israel: "You shall do no injustice in court" (Leviticus 19:15), and "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him" (Leviticus 19:17). The apostle Paul directs believers to "repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:17–18).
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