Proverbs 25:7 Meaning and Explanation
“For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →It is better to be honored by being called up than to be publicly humiliated by being demoted.
The Context of Proverbs 25:7
The wisdom of waiting for honor rather than grasping for it.
What Does Proverbs 25:7 Mean?
This verse illustrates the consequence of the previous advice. If you refrain from self-exaltation, you preserve the possibility of being invited to a place of honor by the king himself. Conversely, if you presume a high place you have not been given, the prince may publicly lower you in front of witnesses—a profound humiliation.
The contrast is stark: waiting for recognition and being elevated by authority is far preferable to the shame of being publicly demoted. This teaches that patience and humility leave room for legitimate advancement, while ambition and presumption invite disgrace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:7
What does Proverbs 25:7 mean?
It is better to be honored by being called up than to be publicly humiliated by being demoted.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:7?
The wisdom of waiting for honor rather than grasping for it.