Topical Bible: The Wind: from the North Drives Away Rain

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, the wind is often used symbolically to represent various spiritual truths and natural phenomena. One particular reference to the wind is found in Proverbs 25:23, which states, "As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks" . This verse highlights the natural occurrence of the north wind and its effects, drawing a parallel to human behavior.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

The north wind is mentioned in several biblical passages, often associated with cold and harsh conditions. In the context of Proverbs 25:23, the north wind is depicted as a force that brings about change, specifically rain. This imagery is used to illustrate the consequences of a backbiting tongue, suggesting that just as the north wind inevitably brings rain, so too does gossip or slander lead to conflict and anger.

The north wind's role in bringing rain can be understood in the context of the ancient Near Eastern climate, where winds from different directions had distinct effects on the weather. The north wind, coming from cooler regions, would often bring rain or storms, affecting agriculture and daily life.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of the north wind in Proverbs serves as a moral lesson. The comparison between the natural phenomenon and human behavior underscores the inevitability of consequences. Just as the north wind cannot be stopped from bringing rain, a backbiting tongue will inevitably lead to discord and strife. This serves as a warning against the sin of gossip and the importance of controlling one's speech.

The Bible frequently addresses the power of words and the tongue, emphasizing the need for wisdom and restraint. James 3:5-6 states, "So too, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This passage, along with Proverbs 25:23, highlights the destructive potential of careless or malicious speech.

Practical Application

For believers, the lesson of the north wind driving away rain serves as a reminder to cultivate a spirit of kindness and truthfulness in communication. It encourages self-examination and the pursuit of peace in relationships. By understanding the natural consequences of negative speech, Christians are called to reflect the character of Christ in their interactions, promoting harmony and understanding.

In summary, the biblical reference to the north wind driving away rain in Proverbs 25:23 provides a vivid illustration of the impact of words. It serves as a cautionary tale about the power of the tongue and the importance of using it wisely, aligning with the broader biblical teachings on speech and conduct.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 25:23
The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ...
... dislike. "As the north wind drives away rain," so that entertainment would
drive away a "backbiting tongue," Proverbs 25:23. If ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iv we shall not.htm

God.
... the passing chaff strew them on the wind of the ... a curse, in all places whither He
drives them: and ... punishment and equally clear that the boiling North held the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 god.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... of drought, or of the rising of the wind, partial or ... solstice, in the direction of
the North, gives us ... risen above the horizon than it drives away darkness and ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

Book ii Then for a While She Held Her Peace. ...
... you not move forward whither the wind drives you, not ... happiness, these things too
are passing away, which you ... waves, but as often does the north wind stir them ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book ii then for a.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... waves dash with fury, and when the wind sets towards ... stream, the Tannur, flowed,
at some distance away, around its ... at a point a little to the north, formed a ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... So away goes she, first to her chamber, and there strips ... drops her tears upon his
feet like rain, and washes ... and from the west, and from the north, and from ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Book ii.
... common, since nature herself restrains although madness drives men on. ... just grown
up, or lest the wind should scatter ... and from the west, and the north and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... So away goes she, first to her chamber, and there strips herself of her wanton ... behind
him, and weeps, and drops her tears upon his feet like rain, and washes ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Daily Bread
... He drives off the mellow and jolly Autumn before its ... to the chorus of voices from
bird, insect, and wind. ... is sweeping up to cover the whole north country; the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

False Profession.
... all weathers; and I am for waiting for wind and tide ... is a market-town in the county
of Coveting, in the North. ... useth his club; he, as it were, drives all before ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm