Old Testament
Proverbs 25:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house, lest he be weary of you and hate you.
Compare translations
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
What Proverbs 25:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse advises against overstaying your welcome in someone else's home. It suggests that frequent visits can lead to annoyance and resentment from your host. The underlying message is about respecting personal boundaries and understanding social etiquette. When you visit someone, it's important to be mindful of their space and comfort. If you linger too long, you risk damaging the relationship. This principle can apply to various aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of moderation and consideration for others' feelings. By withdrawing at the right time, you maintain goodwill and strengthen your friendships. The verse serves as a reminder to be aware of how our actions affect others and to practice self-control in our interactions.
How to apply Proverbs 25:17 to your life
To apply this wisdom, be mindful of how often you visit friends or family. Make sure your presence is welcomed and appreciated. If you sense that someone is becoming weary of your visits, take a step back. This will help preserve the relationship and show that you value their space.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 25:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
Do not visit your neighbor too often. If you show up constantly, he will grow tired of you — and that weariness will turn into real dislike. "Withdraw thy foot" means stay away, or at least come less. The warning is simple: too much presence wears out even a good relationship.
Read It in Context
The verse before this one (verse 16) uses honey as a picture: even a good thing makes you sick if you take too much of it. Verse 17 applies that same idea to visiting a neighbor. Too much of a welcome guest becomes unwelcome.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Proverbs 25:17 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 25:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 25:17 mean in simple terms?
Proverbs 25:17 advises against overstaying your welcome in someone else's home. It highlights the importance of respecting personal boundaries and social etiquette. Frequent visits can lead to annoyance and resentment from your host, so it's crucial to be mindful of their comfort and space. By leaving at the right time, you can maintain goodwill and strengthen your relationships.
How can I apply Proverbs 25:17 in my daily life?
To apply Proverbs 25:17, be conscious of how often you visit friends or family. Ensure your presence is welcomed and appreciated. If you notice signs that someone may be feeling overwhelmed by your visits, take a step back and give them space. This approach helps preserve the relationship and shows that you respect their boundaries.
What are the consequences of ignoring Proverbs 25:17?
Ignoring the advice in Proverbs 25:17 can lead to strained relationships. Overstaying your welcome may cause your host to feel annoyed or resentful, which can damage the friendship. It's important to recognize when your presence may be unwelcome and to practice moderation in your visits to maintain healthy connections.
How does Proverbs 25:17 relate to friendship?
Proverbs 25:17 emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries in friendships. By being mindful of how often you visit and ensuring your presence is appreciated, you can strengthen your relationships. This verse serves as a reminder that consideration for others' feelings is key to maintaining healthy and lasting friendships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.