Proverbs 25:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
American King James Version (AKJV)
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
American Standard Version (ASV)
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
It is the glory of God to keep a thing secret: but the glory of kings is to have it searched out.
Webster's Revision
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
World English Bible
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
English Revised Version (ERV)
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
Clarke's Proverbs 25:2 Bible Commentary
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing - This has been understood as referring to the revelation of God's will in his word, where there are many things concealed in parables, allegories, metaphors, similitudes, etc. And it is becoming the majesty of God so to publish his will, that it must be seriously studied to be understood, in order that the truth may be more prized when it is discovered. And if it be God's glory thus partially to conceal his purposes, it is the glory of a king to search and examine this word, that he may understand how by Him kings reign and princes decree judgment. Prophecies are partially concealed; and we cannot fully know their meaning till their accomplishment; and then the glory of God's wisdom and providence will be more particularly evident, when we see the event correspond so particularly and exactly with the prediction. I know not, however, that there are not matters in the Book of God that will not be fully opened till mortality is swallowed up of life. For here we see through a glass darkly; but there, face to face: here we know in part; but there we shall know as we also are known.
On this subject I cannot withhold an extract of a letter sent to myself, by a royal and learned personage. (His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.)
"As far as I have presumed to dive into and occupy myself with the sacred volumes, I feel satisfied of their Divine origin and truth. And I am satisfied, likewise, that they contain more matter than any one, and myself in particular, can ever aspire fully to understand. This belief, however, ought in nowise to slacken our diligence, or damp our ardor, in attempting a constant pursuit after the attainment of knowledge and truth; as we may flatter ourselves, although unable to reach the gate, we are still approaching nearer to its portals, which of itself is a great blessing."
This sentiment will be approved by every pious and enlightened mind.
Barnes's Proverbs 25:2 Bible Commentary
The earthly monarch might be, in some respects, the type of the heavenly, but here there is a marked contrast. The king presses further and further into all knowledge; God surrounds Himself as in "thick darkness," and there are secrets unrevealed even after the fullest revelation.
Wesley's Proverbs 25:2 Bible Commentary
25:2 The glory - It is agreeable to the nature of God; it is a testimony of his infinite wisdom, and of his absolute power and sovereignty.To conceal - To keep his counsels, and the reasons of his actions in his own breast. Search out - To communicate their counsels to others, that so they may search and find out the right way.