Proverbs 25:23

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
– Proverbs 25:23

The final proverbs in this chapter don’t have a strong connection, or theme. The original in this verse is difficult, but the image is clear enough. The word for driveth away means bring forth, so rain comes with the wind. The word for backbiting means covering, or secrecy. When the word is used of speech, it indicates slanderous speech. The saying is that as sure as the wind brings the rain, a slandering tongue will bring an angry countenance. Wisdom’s warning would here goes to the slanderer.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series