Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. New Living Translation Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. English Standard Version Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. Berean Standard Bible Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. King James Bible Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. New King James Version Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. New American Standard Bible Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a treacherous person in time of trouble. NASB 1995 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. NASB 1977 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. Legacy Standard Bible Like an aching tooth and a slipping foot Is trust in a treacherous man in a day of distress. Amplified Bible Like a broken tooth or an unsteady foot Is confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble. Christian Standard Bible Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot. Holman Christian Standard Bible Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot. American Standard Version Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. Contemporary English Version A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot. English Revised Version Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. GOD'S WORD® Translation [Like] a broken tooth and a lame foot, [so] is confidence in an unfaithful person in a [time of] crisis. Good News Translation Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot. International Standard Version A bad tooth and an unsteady foot— that's what confidence in an unreliable man is like in a time of trouble. NET Bible Like a bad tooth or a foot out of joint, so is confidence in an unfaithful person at the time of trouble. New Heart English Bible Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot. Webster's Bible Translation Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLike a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. World English Bible Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA bad tooth, and a tottering foot, "" [Is] the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity. Young's Literal Translation A bad tooth, and a tottering foot, Is the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity. Smith's Literal Translation A bad tooth and a wavering foot, the confidence of the faithless one in the day of straits. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo trust to an unfaithful man in the time of trouble, is like a rotten tooth, and weary foot, Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever sets his hopes on the unfaithful in a day of anguish is like a rotten tooth and weary foot, New American Bible A bad tooth or an unsteady foot— a trust betrayed in time of trouble. New Revised Standard Version Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLike a sore tooth and a foot out of joint, such is the confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint, so is trust in a liar in the day of trouble. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. Brenton Septuagint Translation The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context More Proverbs of Solomon…18Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor. 19Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. 20Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.… Cross References Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Jeremiah 17:5-6 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. / He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. Micah 7:5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. Psalm 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. Isaiah 30:1-3 “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. Isaiah 36:6 Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. Job 6:14-20 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. / But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, / darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, ... Jeremiah 9:4 “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. 2 Kings 18:21 Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. John 13:21-22 After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. Matthew 26:47-50 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ... Luke 22:47-48 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. Treasury of Scripture Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 2 Chronicles 28:20,21 And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not… Job 6:14-20 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty… Isaiah 30:1-3 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: … Jump to Previous Adversity Bad Broken Confidence Faith Faithless Foot Joint Lame One's Putting Reliance Shaking Slips Someone Time Times Tooth Treacherous Trouble Trust Unfaithful UnsteadyJump to Next Adversity Bad Broken Confidence Faith Faithless Foot Joint Lame One's Putting Reliance Shaking Slips Someone Time Times Tooth Treacherous Trouble Trust Unfaithful UnsteadyProverbs 25 1. observations about kings8. and about avoiding causes of quarrels Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint This phrase uses vivid imagery to convey the pain and dysfunction caused by misplaced trust. A broken tooth and a dislocated foot both represent conditions that are painful and debilitating. In ancient times, dental care was rudimentary, and a broken tooth could lead to severe pain and infection. Similarly, a foot out of joint would severely limit mobility, impacting one's ability to work or travel. This imagery underscores the seriousness of relying on unreliable individuals. The Bible often uses physical ailments to symbolize spiritual or relational issues, as seen in passages like Isaiah 1:6, which describes the nation of Israel's spiritual condition as being full of wounds and bruises. is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart practical wisdom and guidance. 2. Faithless Man This refers to an unreliable or untrustworthy person. In the context of this proverb, it highlights the consequences of placing trust in someone who lacks integrity or dependability. 3. Time of Trouble This phrase indicates a period of difficulty or crisis when reliable support is crucial. It underscores the importance of having trustworthy allies during challenging times. Teaching Points The Danger of Misplaced TrustTrusting in unreliable people can lead to personal harm and disappointment, much like the pain of a broken tooth or a dislocated foot. The Importance of Discernment Christians are called to exercise discernment in choosing whom to trust, especially during difficult times. This requires wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Trust in God as the Ultimate Foundation While human relationships are important, our ultimate confidence should be in God, who is always faithful and reliable. Building a Community of Trustworthy Individuals Believers should strive to be trustworthy themselves and seek to build a community of reliable individuals who can support one another in times of need. Reflecting Christ-like Reliability As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His reliability and faithfulness in our own lives, becoming dependable friends and allies to others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 25:19?2. How does Proverbs 25:19 describe reliance on an unfaithful person in trouble? 3. What personal qualities make someone "like a broken tooth or foot"? 4. How can we ensure we are reliable in others' times of need? 5. What other Scriptures warn against trusting unreliable people? 6. How can Proverbs 25:19 guide us in choosing trustworthy friends? 7. How does Proverbs 25:19 relate to trust in unreliable people during difficult times? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 25:19? 9. How does Proverbs 25:19 challenge our understanding of loyalty and faithfulness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 25? 11. Are you overly sensitive? 12. How are Moses and the Hammurabi Code similar? 13. Exodus 21:22-25 describes 'eye for eye' justice; does this literal approach to retribution conflict with later biblical injunctions on forgiveness? 14. What defines punitive justice? What Does Proverbs 25:19 Mean Like a broken tooth“Like a broken tooth…” (Proverbs 25:19a) paints a vivid picture of something that should help you—but instead hurts you. • A tooth is meant to bite, tear, and chew. When it’s broken it not only fails at its job, it causes sharp pain every time you try to use it (cf. Lamentations 3:16; Psalm 58:6). • Solomon is saying that relying on an untrustworthy person turns what should be a helpful relationship into a source of pain. • The image stresses sudden shock: you don’t always notice a broken tooth until you put pressure on it. Likewise, unreliability often shows up only when you lean on someone. or a foot out of joint “…or a foot out of joint…” (Proverbs 25:19b) carries the idea of instability and immobility. • A dislocated foot can’t bear weight; every step is agony (see Hebrews 12:13; 2 Samuel 4:4). • Just as you can’t move forward on a disabled foot, you can’t make progress when the person you counted on fails you. • Both pictures—broken tooth and disjointed foot—highlight how betrayal hinders essential, everyday functions. is confidence in a faithless man “…is confidence in a faithless man…” (Proverbs 25:19c) identifies the core problem: misplaced trust. • “Faithless” means unsteady, unreliable, treacherous (cf. Proverbs 11:13; Jeremiah 17:5). • Scripture consistently warns that human help without integrity is empty: “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” (Psalm 118:8-9). • Trust is good—it reflects God-given community—yet it must rest on proven faithfulness (Proverbs 20:6; Psalm 15:4). in time of trouble “…in time of trouble.” (Proverbs 25:19d) shows when unreliability stings the most. • Crisis reveals character. Adversity sifts friends (Proverbs 17:17; Psalm 46:1). • When the storm hits, empty promises collapse like a house on sand (Matthew 7:26-27). • The verse implicitly directs us to the One who never fails: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7). summary Proverbs 25:19 likens trusting an unfaithful person during hardship to biting with a broken tooth or stepping on a dislocated foot—painful, crippling, and counterproductive. The lesson is clear: choose your confidants wisely, build relationships with those proven true, and ultimately place your deepest confidence in the Lord, whose faithfulness is perfect and unfailing. Verse 19. - Hebrew (see on Ver. 11), A broken tooth, and a foot out of joint - confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble. A faithless man is as little to be relied on in a time of need as a loose or broken tooth, and a foot unsteady or actually dislocated. You cannot bite on the one, you cannot walk on the other; so the perfidious man fails you when most wanted. Septuagint, "The way [ὁδὸς, Vatican, is probably a clerical error for ὀδοὺς, al.] of the wicked, and the foot of the transgressor, shall perish in an evil day." A Bengal maxim runs, "A loose tooth and a feeble friend are equally bad" (Lane).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [Like] a brokenרֹ֭עָה (rō·‘āh) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 7465: Broken, utterly tooth שֵׁ֣ן (šên) Noun - common singular Strong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliff or a foot וְרֶ֣גֶל (wə·re·ḡel) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda out of joint מוּעָ֑דֶת (mū·‘ā·ḏeṯ) Verb - QalPass - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 4154: Made to slip, dislocated is confidence מִבְטָ֥ח (miḇ·ṭāḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4009: A refuge, security, assurance in a faithless man בּ֝וֹגֵ֗ד (bō·w·ḡêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 898: To cover, to act covertly, to pillage in time בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day of trouble. צָרָֽה׃ (ṣā·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival Links Proverbs 25:19 NIVProverbs 25:19 NLT Proverbs 25:19 ESV Proverbs 25:19 NASB Proverbs 25:19 KJV Proverbs 25:19 BibleApps.com Proverbs 25:19 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 25:19 Chinese Bible Proverbs 25:19 French Bible Proverbs 25:19 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time (Prov. 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