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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 25 - Verse 17

25:17
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Proverbs advises against overstaying one's welcome in a neighbor's house. The warning is against outstaying one's welcome as it may lead to the neighbor becoming weary and eventually hating the visitor. The verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the boundaries and hospitality of others. It teaches the importance of respecting the personal space and time of our neighbors, in order to maintain healthy and positive relationships. By being considerate of others and not overstepping our bounds, we can avoid causing discomfort or resentment in our neighbors. This verse serves as a reminder to practice politeness, respect, and sensitivity towards others, in order to foster harmonious relationships within our communities.

Theological Overview

One interpretation of the verse "Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee," emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries and giving others space. The phrase "Withdraw thy foot" can be understood as a metaphor for being mindful of intruding on someone's personal space or overstaying one's welcome. By heeding this advice, individuals can maintain healthy relationships with their neighbors and prevent feelings of resentment or animosity. This verse underscores the value of mutual respect and consideration in fostering positive interactions with others. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of how our actions and presence may impact those around us, and to act with sensitivity and thoughtfulness towards our neighbors. In a theological context, this can be seen as a reflection of the biblical principles of love, kindness, and respect for one another as we navigate our relationships and interactions in the world.

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