Proverbs 15:25 Commentary and Bible Study

By implication the contrast in this proverb demands that the widow in view is humble and is therefore a believer, since true humility does not exist in any other. She represents many of God’s people who must face difficult circumstances in this life which appear to set them at a disadvantage compared to the worldling. The proud person has a house and feels secure in it because he cannot see what God intends for him. He takes no account of the Lord’s judgments, believing that he is the master of his own life. His house was obtained without the help of God and with total disregard to godly principles of living, and he cannot see why what he has done once should not be done again and again. But to his great surprise and in a way that deeply disturbs him, he sees circumstances appearing to conspire against him. This may not happen straightaway, and he may even get right to the end of life before God shows his hand, but the final outcome is not in doubt: God works against him in spite of his visible advantages. But the widow is in the opposite position. She has reason to fear for her earthly security and certainly the proud man would be troubled if he was in her position. She seems to be vulnerable and defenceless, so that unscrupulous neighbours may think they can secretly move the border stones to enlarge their own territory and reduce hers. But God is with her to protect her. He may often act in this life, but even if she is required by the Lord to get to the very end in a downtrodden condition, she will find an eternal inheritance waiting for her: God works on her behalf in spite of her visible disadvantages.