Proverbs 25:23The north wind brings forth rain: so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. Solomon's court where advisors and officials gather. The king observes how gossip creates tension like weather patterns create storms.
The emotion here: wise observation from years of watching court politics
The original word
nirgan (נִרְגָּן) — whispering, secret slander that spreads like wind
Why it matters
Ancient Middle Eastern weather patterns: north winds actually brought clear skies, making this an ironic comparison
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 25:23
This is about the PREDICTABLE cause-and-effect of gossip, not a moral judgment
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about being 'nice.' It's actually about understanding that gossip creates predictable social storms that damage everyone involved.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 25:23
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 25:23 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 25:23 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include speech, consequences. Notable phrases: north wind; backbiting tongue.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 25:23 mean to you, today?
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