Proverbs 25:14

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
– Proverbs 25:14

The word for false means lie, or deception. The first phrase refers to promising something you cannot deliver. Wisdom denounces a deception to gain place or favor. The comparison is to clouds and wind without rain, the promise of a refreshing rain without the benefit of the actual rain. This imagery is used elsewhere in warnings against false teachers (2 Peter 2:17-19; Jude 1:12). Those teaching error can never deliver on their promises because: “Truth leads to freedom (John 8: 32), and error leads to bondage (2 Tim. 2: 25– 26). Truth saves (2 Thess. 2: 10); error destroys (2 Thess. 2: 11). Truth enlightens (Ps. 43: 3; Eph. 5: 9); error deceives (Prov. 12: 17; 2 Cor. 11: 13). Truth gives life (1 John 5: 20); error brings death (2 Sam. 6: 7).”[ref]Piper, John. A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal Their Complete Truthfulness (Kindle Locations 1697-1699). Crossway. Kindle Edition.[/ref]

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