Bible Strands
Proverbs 25:14
Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text places this saying within a collection of Solomon’s proverbs compiled by Hezekiah’s men, addressing readers seeking practical instruction. It follows a description of a trustworthy messenger and precedes advice on persuading rulers.
The words — The text highlights נְשִׂאִים (ne.si'im) as clouds and מִתְהַלֵּל (mit.ha.Lel) as one who boasts. These terms frame the comparison between empty weather and unfulfilled promises.
The thread — The text links this warning to Proverbs 20:6, which contrasts empty proclamations with the scarcity of trustworthy men, and Luke 14:11, which states that self-exaltation results in humiliation. It also echoes 1 Kings 22:11, where Zedekiah’s fabricated horns and declarations demonstrate false proclamation.
Why it lands — The text states that boasting of ungiven gifts is as useless as clouds and wind that produce no rain. It asks readers to align their spoken claims with actual delivery, treating unfulfilled promises as a form of falsehood.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 20:6 Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
- Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- 1 Kings 22:11 Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’”
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
- 2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.
- Jude 1:16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
- Luke 18:10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
- 2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
- Jude 1:12 These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted.