Proverbs 25:7 (BSB)

for it is better to be told, “Come up here!” than to be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,

From Proverbs 25. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 25:7

  • Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 25:6-7: Here we see, 1. That religion is so far from destroying good manners that it reaches us to behave ourselves lowly and reverently towards our superiors, to keep our distance, and give place to those to whom it belongs "Put not forth thyself rudely and carelessly in the king's presence, or in the presence of great men; do not compare with them" (so some understand...
  • John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 25:7: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither,.... It is much more to thine honour and credit to seat thyself in a place rather beneath than above thee; which being observed by some of the officers at court, or by him whose business it is to look after such things, he will beckon or call to thee to come up...
  • Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 25:6-7: Pro 25:6-7 There now follows a second proverb with מלך, as the one just explained was a second with מלכים: a warning against arrogance before kings and nobles. 6 Display not thyself before the king, And approach not to the place of the great. 7 For better than one say to thee, “Come up hither,” Than that they humble thee before a prince, Whom thine eyes had seen.