The Meaning of Proverbs 25:19 Explained

Proverbs 25:19

KJV: Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

YLT: A bad tooth, and a tottering foot, Is the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity.

Darby: A broken tooth, and a tottering foot, is confidence in an unfaithful man in the day of trouble.

ASV: Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Confidence  in an unfaithful man  in time  of trouble  [is like] a broken  tooth,  and a foot  out of joint. 

What does Proverbs 25:19 Mean?

Context Summary

Proverbs 25:15-28 - Self-Control And Kindliness
In this paragraph we have good advice as to our dealings with the varied characters with whom we are forced into daily contact. Here is a man hard as a bone-try gentleness, for a soft tongue will win his heart, just because it finds a new and unexpected way of approach which no one else has tried for long years"¦. Beware of honeyed words; you may get stung."¦ Do not make yourself too common, or pry into your neighbor's affairs, or ask his help too often"¦. Keep clear of the tale-bearer."¦ Be very careful to whom you confide your troubles"¦. Vinegar poured on potash makes it effervesce; so joyous mirth is incongruous to a heavy heart"¦. Even if your love fails to meet your enemy, the Lord will reward you by revealing and communicating His own perfection, Matthew 5:43-48."¦ If you frown on a backbiter, you will silence him."¦ Do not give way to the wicked, lest you become a corrupted spring"¦. Rule over your spirit-nay, better, hand over its keys to Emmanuel, and let Him be crowned in Mansoul. [source]

Chapter Summary: Proverbs 25

1  observations about kings
8  and about avoiding causes of quarrels

What do the individual words in Proverbs 25:19 mean?

[Is like] a tooth bad and a foot out of joint Confidence in an unfaithful [man] in time of trouble
שֵׁ֣ן רֹ֭עָה וְרֶ֣גֶל מוּעָ֑דֶת מִבְטָ֥ח בּ֝וֹגֵ֗ד בְּי֣וֹם צָרָֽה

שֵׁ֣ן  [Is  like]  a  tooth 
Parse: Noun, common singular
Root: שֵׁן  
Sense: tooth, ivory.
רֹ֭עָה  bad 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, feminine singular
Root: רָעָה  
Sense: broken.
וְרֶ֣גֶל  and  a  foot 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Noun, feminine singular
Root: רֶגֶל  
Sense: foot.
מוּעָ֑דֶת  out  of  joint 
Parse: Verb, QalPass, Participle, feminine singular
Root: מָעַד  
Sense: sliding.
מִבְטָ֥ח  Confidence 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: מִבְטָח  
Sense: trust, confidence, refuge.
בּ֝וֹגֵ֗ד  in  an  unfaithful  [man] 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine singular
Root: בָּגַד  
Sense: to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously.
בְּי֣וֹם  in  time 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: יׄום 
Sense: day, time, year.
צָרָֽה  of  trouble 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: צָרָה 
Sense: straits, distress, trouble.