Proverbs 25:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not visit your neighbor too frequently; excess familiarity can breed weariness and resentment.
The Context of Proverbs 25:17
The need for boundaries to preserve neighborly relationships.
What Does Proverbs 25:17 Mean?
Even friendly relations require boundaries. If you are constantly at your neighbor's house, eating his food, occupying his space, and interrupting his life, he will eventually grow tired of your presence. What might have been a pleasant relationship can turn into annoyance and then active dislike.
This verse acknowledges a simple human truth: people need solitude and space. Respect for a neighbor's home and time shows respect for him as a person. Restraint in visiting preserves goodwill and keeps the friendship pleasant and valued rather than burdensome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:17
What does Proverbs 25:17 mean?
Do not visit your neighbor too frequently; excess familiarity can breed weariness and resentment.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:17?
The need for boundaries to preserve neighborly relationships.