Proverbs 25:19
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.

Berean Literal Bible
A tooth broken or a foot tottering is trust in one acting treacherously in a day of distress.

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.

Berean Annotated Bible
Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless 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 Bible
Like 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 Version
A bad tooth, and a tottering foot, "" [Is] the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity.

Berean Literal Bible
A tooth broken or a foot tottering is trust in one acting treacherously in a day of distress.

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 Bible
To 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 Bible
Like 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 1917
Confidence 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 ...



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
Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint

Lamentations 3:16
He has ground my teeth with gravel and trampled me in the dust.

Psalm 73:2
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

Psalm 38:17
For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
is confidence in a faithless man

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
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.

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.
in time of trouble

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Psalm 9:9
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.
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.


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 Unsteady
Jump 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 Unsteady
Proverbs 25
1. observations about kings
8. and about avoiding causes of quarrels












Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint

Both injuries bring sharp pain and make ordinary tasks difficult. A damaged tooth hinders eating, while a dislocated foot prevents steady walking and work. The comparison portrays trust that fails precisely when support is most needed.

Lam 3:16 He has ground my teeth with gravel and trampled…
Psa 73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;…
Psa 38:17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

is confidence in a faithless man

Reliance on an unfaithful person produces harm rather than help. Such a person may appear dependable in peaceful circumstances but proves unreliable when responsibility, courage, or loyalty is required.

Psa 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD…
Jer 17:5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts…
Mic 7:5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion.…

in time of trouble.

Adversity exposes character. When danger, loss, or pressure comes, misplaced trust leaves a person vulnerable, like one unable to chew or walk because of a painful injury.

Psa 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah.…
Psa 9:9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold…
Nam 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress;…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally 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 Trust
Trusting 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?


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).

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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Like] a broken
רֹ֭עָה (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


Additonal Resources
Proverbs 25:19 Blue Letter Bible
Proverbs 25:19 Bible Gateway
Proverbs 25:19 Bible.com

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Proverbs 25:19 Study Bible
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Proverbs 25:19 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time (Prov. Pro Pr)

Proverbs 25:18
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