Proverbs 25:17
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
Proverbs 25:17 (KJV)
Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, many attributed to King Solomon. This verse sits among practical instructions about living well with others. In ancient Israel, neighbours often lived close together, and hospitality was highly valued. Yet even good practices could be spoiled by excess.
Meaning
The phrase “Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house” is a vivid picture. It means to stop visiting so often, to keep a proper distance, and not to treat someone else’s home as your own. The warning “lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee” shows the danger. If you keep coming uninvited or staying too long, your neighbour may grow tired of you. That weariness can turn into annoyance, and annoyance into hatred. The verse does not forbid visiting or helping a neighbour. It warns against excess. Even good things, like friendship and fellowship, can become harmful when done without moderation.
Biblical connections
This teaching agrees with the command to love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). Love includes respecting another person’s time and space. It also connects with the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12: treat others as you would want them to treat you. Just as you would not want someone to overstay their welcome, you should not do that to others.
Application
Respect personal boundaries: Be careful not to intrude on others’ privacy or take up too much of their time.
Be mindful of hospitality: When you visit, be sensitive to how long you stay and whether your host seems tired or busy.
Practice discernment: In all relationships, pay attention to how your presence or requests affect others, and adjust your behaviour accordingly.
Reflection
This proverb calls us to value relationships over our own desires. It is easy to think only of what we want from others, but wisdom considers their comfort. By showing restraint, we preserve goodwill and keep friendships strong. This is a practical way to love our neighbours and to honour God in everyday life.
