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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/25.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>As</i> he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, <i>and as</i> vinegar upon nitre, so <i>is</i> he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who takes away a garment in cold weather, <i>And like</i> vinegar on soda, <i>Is</i> one who sings songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who takes off a garment on a cold day, <i>or like</i> vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who takes off a garment on a cold day, <i>or like</i> vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who takes off a garment on a cold day, <i>or like</i> vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to an aching heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like one who takes off a garment in cold weather, or like [a reactive, useless mixture of] vinegar on soda, Is he who [thoughtlessly] sings [joyful] songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Singing to someone in deep sorrow is like pouring vinegar in an open cut. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Like] taking off a coat on a cold day or pouring vinegar on baking soda, so is singing songs to one who has an evil heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Singing to a person who is depressed is like taking off a person's clothes on a cold day or like rubbing salt in a wound. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Taking your coat off when it's cold or pouring vinegar on soda— that's what singing songs does to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre; so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is taking away a garment in a cold day, "" [Is as] vinegar on natron, "" And a singer of songs on a sad heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is taking away a garment in a cold day, Is as vinegar on nitre, And a singer of songs on a sad heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He removing a covering in the day of cold, and vinegar upon nitre, and he singing in songs to an evil heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and like one who loosens his garment in cold weather. Whoever sings verses to a wicked heart is like vinegar on baking soda. Just like a moth to a garment, and a worm to wood, so too does the sadness of a man do harm to the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like the removal of clothes on a cold day, or vinegar on soda, is the one who sings to a troubled heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As he who takes away a garment from his neighbor in cold weather, as one who drops sand on the string of a musical instrument, as he who afflicts a broken heart, as a moth on a garment, and as a boring-worm on a tree: such is the effect of sorrow on a man's heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that takes the cloak from his neighbor in the day of cold as like he that casts dirt upon wealth, and to chastise a grieved heart is like a moth to a garment and like a boring worm to a tree; so grief wounds the heart of a man.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/25-20.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=5215" 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">19</span>Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5710.htm" title="5710: ma·‘ă·ḏeh (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to advance, i.e. Pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck.">Like one who removes</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: be·ḡeḏ (N-ms) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">a garment</a> <a href="/hebrew/7135.htm" title="7135: qā·rāh (N-fs) -- Cold. Feminine of qar; coolness.">on a cold</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/2558.htm" title="2558: ḥō·meṣ (N-ms) -- Vinegar. From chamets; vinegar.">or vinegar</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">poured on</a> <a href="/hebrew/5427.htm" title="5427: nā·ṯer (N-ms) -- Natron or carbonate of soda. From nathar; mineral potash.">a wound</a> <a href="/hebrew/7891.htm" title="7891: wə·šār (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To sing. Or shuwr; a primitive root; to sing.">is one who sings</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: baš·ši·rîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">songs</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">a heavy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: leḇ- (N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.…<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="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a></span><br />Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:4</a></span><br />a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-31.htm">Job 30:31</a></span><br />My harp is tuned to mourning and my flute to the sound of weeping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/137-2.htm">Psalm 137:2-4</a></span><br />There on the willows we hung our harps, / for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.” / How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a></span><br />Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-13.htm">James 5:13</a></span><br />Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-4.htm">2 Corinthians 1:4</a></span><br />who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/42-3.htm">Psalm 42:3</a></span><br />My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-33.htm">John 11:33-35</a></span><br />When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-26.htm">1 Corinthians 12:26</a></span><br />If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-19.htm">Lamentations 3:19-21</a></span><br />Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. / Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me. / Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Hebrews 13:3</a></span><br />Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13-14</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. / I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on nitre, so is he that singes songs to an heavy heart.</p><p class="hdg">that taketh</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/24-12.htm">Deuteronomy 24:12-17</a></b></br> And if the man <i>be</i> poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-7.htm">Job 24:7-10</a></b></br> They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that <i>they have</i> no covering in the cold… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a></b></br> <i>Is it</i> not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?</p><p class="hdg">vinegar</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Proverbs 10:26</a></b></br> As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so <i>is</i> the sluggard to them that send him.</p><p class="hdg">so</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3,4</a></b></br> For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us <i>required of us</i> mirth, <i>saying</i>, Sing us <i>one</i> of the songs of Zion… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:4</a></b></br> A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/6-18.htm">Daniel 6:18</a></b></br> Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Acid</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Cold</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/149-3.htm">Melody</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Nitre</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm">Singer</a> <a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Singeth</a> <a href="/psalms/71-23.htm">Sings</a> <a href="/job/9-30.htm">Soda</a> <a href="/psalms/147-7.htm">Songs</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Vinegar</a> <a href="/job/37-22.htm">Weather</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Wound</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Acid</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Cold</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-16.htm">Melody</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Nitre</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-32.htm">Singer</a> <a href="/numbers/21-17.htm">Singeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Sings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Soda</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Songs</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/matthew/27-34.htm">Vinegar</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Weather</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-6.htm">Wound</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Like one who removes a garment on a cold day</b><br>This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the insensitivity of certain actions. In ancient times, garments were essential for warmth and protection against the elements, especially in the cold climate of the Near East. Removing a garment on a cold day would be both uncomfortable and harmful, symbolizing an act that lacks empathy and understanding. This imagery is consistent with other biblical teachings on compassion and kindness, such as in <a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a>, which emphasizes the importance of clothing the naked and caring for those in need.<p><b>or vinegar poured on a wound</b><br>Vinegar, in biblical times, was often used as a preservative and a cleaning agent, but when applied to a wound, it would cause pain and irritation. This metaphor highlights actions that exacerbate someone's suffering rather than alleviate it. The use of vinegar here can be compared to the bitterness and sharpness of words or actions that fail to comfort. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of using words wisely, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a>, which advises that a gentle answer turns away wrath.<p><b>is one who sings songs to a heavy heart</b><br>Singing songs, typically associated with joy and celebration, can be inappropriate when directed at someone who is grieving or distressed. This phrase underscores the importance of empathy and timing in offering comfort. The Bible frequently addresses the need to mourn with those who mourn, as seen in <a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a>, which calls believers to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. This teaching reflects the character of Jesus, who showed compassion and understanding in His interactions, such as when He wept with Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus (<a href="/john/11-33.htm">John 11:33-35</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key part of spiritual and practical life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heavy_heart.htm">The Heavy Heart</a></b><br>This metaphorical person represents someone who is experiencing sorrow or distress.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/empathy_in_action.htm">Empathy in Action</a></b><br>Understand the importance of responding appropriately to others' emotional states. Just as removing a garment on a cold day is unhelpful, so is singing to a heavy heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sensitivity_to_others'_needs.htm">Sensitivity to Others' Needs</a></b><br>Be aware of the emotional climate of those around you. Offer comfort and support that aligns with their current needs rather than imposing your own mood or solutions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_presence.htm">The Power of Presence</a></b><br>Sometimes, the best way to support someone with a heavy heart is simply to be present and listen, rather than trying to cheer them up prematurely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_relationships.htm">Wisdom in Relationships</a></b><br>Cultivate discernment in your interactions, recognizing that wisdom involves knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to simply be there for someone.<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/what_disrupts_harmony_like_vinegar.htm">What disrupts harmony like vinegar on soda?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'unveiled_face'_reveal_on_identity.htm">What disrupts harmony like vinegar on soda?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_a_church_handle_pastor_gossip.htm">What defines toxic masculinity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_will_empty_words_comfort_me.htm">How will you comfort me with empty words?</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>(20) <span class= "bld">As vinegar upon nitre, </span>by which the nitre is rendered useless.<p><span class= "bld">Is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.--</span>Not the true sympathy advised by St. Paul. (<a href="/romans/12-15.htm" title="Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.">Romans 12:15</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather.</span> The proverb gives three instances of what is wrong, incongruous, or unwise, the first two leading up to the third, which is the pith of the maxim. But them is some doubt about the rendering of the first clause. The Authorized Version has the authority of the Syriac, Aquila, and others, and gives an appropriate sense, the unreasonable proceeding being the laying aside of some of one's own clothes in cold weather. But the verb here used, <span class="hebrew">עָדָח</span> (<span class="accented">adah</span>), may also mean "to adorn," <span class="accented">e.g.</span>, with fine garments; hence some expositors understand the incongruity to be the dressing one's self in gay apparel in winter. But, as Delitzsch remarks, there is no reason why fine clothes should not be warm; and if they are so, there is nothing unreasonable in wearing them. The rendering of our version is probably correct. St. Jerome annexes this line to the preceding verse, as if it confirmed the previous instances of misplaced confidence, <span class="accented">Et amittit pallium in die frigoris</span>. "Such a one loses his cloak in a day of frost." <span class="cmt_word">Vinegar upon nitre.</span> Our nitre, or saltpetre, is nitrate of potash, which is not the substance intended by <span class="hebrew">נֶתֶר</span> (<span class="accented">nether</span>). The substance signified by this term is a natural alkali, known to the ancients as natron, and composed of carbonate of soda with some other admixture. It was used extensively for washing purposes, and in cookery and bread making. It effervesces with an acid, such as vinegar, and changes its character, becoming a salt, and being rendered useless for all the purposes to which it was applied in its alkaline condition. So he who pours vinegar on natron does a foolish thing, for he spoils a highly useful article, and produces one which is of no service to him. Septuagint, "As vinegar is inexpedient for a wound (<span class="greek">ἕλκει</span>), so suffering falling on the body pains the heart." Schulteus, Ewald, and others, by referring <span class="accented">nether</span> to an Arabic source, obtain the meaning "wound," or "sore," titus: "As vinegar on a sore." This gives a most appropriate sense, and might well be adopted if it had sufficient authority. But this is doubtful. Cornelius a Lapide translates the Septuagint rendering, <span class="greek">Ὥσπερ</span> <span class="greek">ὅξος ἑλκει ἀούμφορον</span>, "Sicut acetum trahit inutile;" and explains that vinegar draws from the soil the nitre which is prejudicial to vegetation, and thus renders ground fertile - a fact in agricultural chemistry not generally known, though Columella vouches for it. A somewhat similar fact, however, is of common experience. Land occasionally becomes what farmers term "sour," and is thus sterile; if it is then dressed with salt. its fertillity is restored. So is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. The inconsistency lies in thinking to cheer a sorrowful heart by singing merry songs. "A tale out of season," says Siracides, "is as music in mourning" (Ecclus. 22:6). The Greeks denoted cruel incongruity by the proverb, <span class="greek">Ἐν</span>, <span class="greek">πενθοῦσι παίζειν</span>; "Ludere inter maerentes." As the old hymn says - <p><span class="accented">"Strains of gladness<br />Suit not souls with anguish torn."</span> The true Christian sympathy teaches to "rejoice with them that rejoice, to weep with them that weep" (<a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a>). Plumptre, in the 'Speaker's Commentary,' suggests that the effervescence caused by the mixture of acid and alkali is taken as a type of the irritation produced by the inopportune songs. But this is importing a modern view into a paragraph, such as would never have occurred to the writer. The Septuagint, followed partially by Jerome, the Syriac, and the Targum, introduces another proverb not found in the Hebrew, "As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the sorrow of a man hurts his heart." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/25-20.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">[Like] one who removes</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֥עֲדֶה</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ă·ḏeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5710.htm">Strong's 5710: </a> </span><span class="str2">To advance, pass on, continue, to remove, to bedeck</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a garment</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּ֨גֶד ׀</span> <span class="translit">(be·ḡeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on a cold</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֭רָה</span> <span class="translit">(qā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7135.htm">Strong's 7135: </a> </span><span class="str2">Coolness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּי֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or vinegar</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֣מֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·meṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2558.htm">Strong's 2558: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vinegar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poured on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">soda</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֑תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5427.htm">Strong's 5427: </a> </span><span class="str2">Natron or carbonate of soda</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] one who sings</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7891.htm">Strong's 7891: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">songs</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֝שִּׁרִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(baš·ši·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a heavy</span><br /><span class="heb">רָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heart.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶב־</span> <span class="translit">(leḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:20 As one who takes away a garment (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/25-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 25:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 25:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 25:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 25:21" /></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>