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Proverbs 25:23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 25:23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/25-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_25_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 25:23 - More Proverbs of Solomon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The north wind bringeth forth rain: So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />As surely as rain blows in from the north, anger is caused by cruel words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The north wind bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[As] the north wind brings rain, so a whispering tongue brings angry looks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Gossip brings anger just as surely as the north wind brings rain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry look.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The north wind brings forth rain, and a gossiping tongue brings forth an angry look. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The north wind brings forth rain: so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A north wind brings forth rain, "" And a secret tongue—indignant faces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue -- indignant faces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The north wind will set free the rain, and an angry face, a hidden tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The north wind brings forth the rain, and a sorrowful face brings forth a detracting tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Like the north wind which brings forth rain, so are an evil countenance and a backbiting tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />As the North wind gives birth to rain, so also is an evil face to a lurking tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The north wind bringeth forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/25-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5241" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/25.htm">More Proverbs of Solomon</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6828.htm" title="6828: ṣā·p̄ō·wn (N-fs) -- North. Or tsaphon; from tsaphan; properly, hidden, i.e. Dark; used only of the north as a quarter.">As the north</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">wind</a> <a href="/hebrew/2342.htm" title="2342: tə·ḥō·w·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-3fs) -- Or chiyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl, i.e. to dance, to writhe in pain or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert.">brings forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1653.htm" title="1653: gā·šem (N-ms) -- Rain, shower. From gasham; a shower.">rain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5643.htm" title="5643: sā·ṯer (N-ms) -- A covering, hiding place, secrecy. Or cithrah,; from cathar; a cover.">so a backbiting</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·wn (N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/2194.htm" title="2194: niz·‘ā·mîm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be indignant. A primitive root; properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e. To be enraged.">brings angry</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ā·nîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">looks.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-10.htm">James 3:10-12</a></span><br />Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! / Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Luke 6:28</a></span><br />bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-5.htm">Psalm 101:5</a></span><br />Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Psalm 15:3</a></span><br />who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a></span><br />Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Psalm 140:11</a></span><br />May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-20.htm">Isaiah 29:20-21</a></span><br />For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down— / those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.</p><p class="hdg">north</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/37-22.htm">Job 37:22</a></b></br> Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God <i>is</i> terrible majesty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Psalm 15:3</a></b></br> <i>He that</i> backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/101-5.htm">Psalm 101:5</a></b></br> Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Romans 1:30</a></b></br> Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/35-16.htm">Backbiting</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-25.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Driveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/7-11.htm">Indignant</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/psalms/107-3.htm">North</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Rain</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Sly</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Backbiting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-13.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-19.htm">Driveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-14.htm">Indignant</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-18.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">North</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Rain</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/matthew/26-4.htm">Sly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/25-1.htm">observations about kings</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">and about avoiding causes of quarrels</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As the north wind brings forth rain</b><br>In the ancient Near East, weather patterns were well understood by the people, and the north wind was often associated with bringing rain. This reflects the agrarian society's dependence on weather for agriculture. The north wind, in particular, was known to bring cooler, moisture-laden air, which would result in rain. This imagery is used to convey the inevitability of certain outcomes, much like the predictable nature of weather patterns. In biblical literature, weather is often used metaphorically to describe divine intervention or judgment, as seen in <a href="/job/37-9.htm">Job 37:9-13</a>, where God uses the weather to demonstrate His power and wisdom.<p><b>so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks</b><br>The term "backbiting tongue" refers to gossip or slander, which is condemned throughout Scripture. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, maintaining one's reputation and honor was of utmost importance, and slander could have severe social consequences. The comparison to the north wind suggests that just as the wind inevitably brings rain, so does gossip inevitably lead to conflict and anger. This aligns with other biblical teachings on the power of the tongue, such as <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, which warns of the tongue's potential to cause great harm. The "angry looks" symbolize the relational damage and discord that result from malicious speech, highlighting the importance of integrity and truthfulness in communication.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/north_wind.htm">North Wind</a></b><br>In the context of the ancient Near East, the north wind was often associated with bringing rain and storms. It is a natural phenomenon that is used metaphorically in this proverb.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/backbiting_tongue.htm">Backbiting Tongue</a></b><br>This refers to a person who speaks maliciously or slanders others behind their backs. It is a metaphor for harmful and deceitful speech.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/angry_looks.htm">Angry Looks</a></b><br>The reaction or consequence of backbiting, representing the discord and anger that such speech can provoke in others.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to build up or tear down. Just as the north wind inevitably brings rain, a backbiting tongue will inevitably lead to conflict and anger.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>Believers are called to guard their tongues and avoid speaking ill of others. This requires self-control and a heart aligned with Christ's teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_slander.htm">Consequences of Slander</a></b><br>Slander and gossip not only harm the person being spoken about but also damage the speaker's reputation and relationships. It leads to distrust and division.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/promoting_peace.htm">Promoting Peace</a></b><br>Instead of engaging in backbiting, Christians should strive to be peacemakers, using their words to encourage and uplift others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_our_speech.htm">Reflecting Christ in Our Speech</a></b><br>Our speech should reflect the love and truth of Christ. By speaking with integrity and kindness, we bear witness to our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_proverbs_25_23_meteorologically_accurate.htm">Proverbs 25:23 – Is the claim that a north wind brings rain in ancient Israel scientifically accurate or an example of outdated meteorological belief? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_take_on_moderation.htm">What is the Bible's view on moderation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_disasters_affect_all_people.htm">Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_paul_foresee_the_shipwreck.htm">In Acts 27:9-10, how could Paul, with no maritime expertise, accurately predict the ship's disaster when seasoned sailors disagreed?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">The north wind driveth away rain.--</span>The marginal rendering is probably more correct: "The north wind bringeth forth rain;<span class= "ital">" </span>but as this seems to be opposed to <a href="/job/37-22.htm" title="Fair weather comes out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.">Job 37:22</a>, it has been thought that the north-west, which is a rainy wind, must be intended here.<p><span class= "bld">So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue</span>.--Rather, <span class= "ital">So doth a backbiting tongue </span>(<span class= "ital">bring forth, or cause</span>)<span class= "ital"> troubled faces.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The north wind driveth away rain.</span> So St. Jerome (<span class="accented">Ventus</span> <span class="accented">Aquilo dissipat pluvias</span>), Symmachus, Aben Ezra, and others. The north wind is called by the natives of Palestine "the heavenly," from the bright effect which it produces in the sky. "By means of the north wind cometh he (the sun) forth as gold" (<a href="/job/37-22.htm">Job 37:22</a>). But the verb here used (<span class="hebrew">חול</span>) means "to bring forth, produce" (<a href="/psalms/90-2.htm">Psalm 90:2</a>); hence the Revised Version rightly renders, "The north wind bringeth forth rain." This is quite true if "north wind" be taken as equivalent to "wind from the dark quarter" (Umbreit), like <span class="greek">ζόφος</span> in Greek; and, in fact, the northwest wind in Palestine does bring rain. Septuagint, "The north wind arouseth (<span class="greek">ἐξεγείρει</span>) clouds." <span class="cmt_word">So doth an angry countenance a backbiting, tongue.</span> Carrying on the interpretation intended by the Authorized Version, this clause means that an angry leer will check a slanderer and incline him to hold his peace from prudential motives. But with the rendering given above, "bringeth forth," another explanation is involved, viz. "So does a secret, slandering tongue cause a troubled countenance." When a man discovers that a secret slanderer is working against him, he shows it by his gloomy and angry look, as the sky is dark with clouds when a storm is threatened. "Countenance" is plural in the Hebrew, denoting, as Hitzig points out, that the calumniator does not affect one person only, but occasions trouble far and wide, destroys friendly relations between many, excites suspicion and enmity in various quarters Septuagint, "An impudent countenance provokes the tongue." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/25-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As the north</span><br /><span class="heb">צָ֭פוֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·p̄ō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6828.htm">Strong's 6828: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wind</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֣וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brings forth</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḥō·w·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rain,</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּ֑שֶׁם</span> <span class="translit">(gā·šem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1653.htm">Strong's 1653: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rain, shower</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so a backbiting</span><br /><span class="heb">סָֽתֶר׃</span> <span class="translit">(sā·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5643.htm">Strong's 5643: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, hiding place, secrecy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[brings] angry</span><br /><span class="heb">נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(niz·‘ā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2194.htm">Strong's 2194: </a> </span><span class="str2">To foam at the mouth, to be enraged</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looks.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָנִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/25-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:23 The north wind brings forth rain: so (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/25-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 25:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 25:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/25-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 25:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 25:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>