Proverbs 25:14 - As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

Generated Verse: Proverbs 25:14

What does "Proverbs 25:14" mean?


Proverbs 25:14 compares someone who boasts about giving gifts but never actually delivers to clouds and wind that promise rain but never actually bring it. It highlights the disappointment and emptiness of empty promises.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"As clouds and wind without rain...": Clouds and wind often precede rain. They create an expectation that rain is coming, which is beneficial for crops and thirsty land. However, if the rain never comes, the expectation turns into disappointment and frustration.

"...so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.": This compares the unreliable weather to someone who brags or promises to give generously but never follows through. They create a false expectation of generosity, which ultimately leads to disappointment. The word "deceptively" emphasizes the insincerity and misleading nature of their claims.

In essence, the proverb conveys that:

Empty promises are worse than no promises at all. They raise hope only to dash it.
Boasting without action is worthless. True generosity is demonstrated by deeds, not just words.
Unfulfilled promises can damage trust and relationships. People will lose faith in someone who repeatedly makes false claims.

The proverb warns against the practice of making empty boasts, suggesting that genuine acts of generosity are far more valuable and appreciated than empty promises of gifts.

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