1 A lover of training is a lover of knowledge; but a hater of teaching is like a beast.
2 A good man has grace in the eyes of the Lord; but the man of evil designs gets punishment from him.
3 No man will make himself safe through evil-doing; but the root of upright men will never be moved.
4 A woman of virtue is a crown to her husband; but she whose behaviour is a cause of shame is like a wasting disease in his bones.
5 The purposes of upright men are right, but the designs of evil-doers are deceit.
6 The words of sinners are destruction for the upright; but the mouth of upright men is their salvation.
7 Evil-doers are overturned and never seen again, but the house of upright men will keep its place.
8 A man will be praised in the measure of his wisdom, but a wrong-minded man will be looked down on.
9 He who is of low position and has a servant, is better than one who has a high opinion of himself and is in need of bread.
10 An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evil-doers are cruel.
11 He who does work on his land will not be short of bread; but he who goes after foolish men is without sense.
12 The resting-place of the sinner will come to destruction, but the root of upright men is for ever.
13 In the sin of the lips is a net which takes the sinner, but the upright man will come out of trouble.
14 From the fruit of his mouth will a man have good food in full measure, and the work of a man's hands will be rewarded.
15 The way of the foolish man seems right to him? but the wise man gives ear to suggestions.
16 A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.
17 The breathing out of true words gives knowledge of righteousness; but a false witness gives out deceit.
18 There are some whose uncontrolled talk is like the wounds of a sword, but the tongue of the wise makes one well again.
19 True lips are certain for ever, but a false tongue is only for a minute.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those whose designs are evil, but for those purposing peace there is joy.
21 No trouble will come to upright men, but sinners will be full of evil.
22 False lips are hated by the Lord, but those whose acts are true are his delight.
23 A sharp man keeps back his knowledge; but the heart of foolish men makes clear their foolish thoughts.
24 The hand of the ready worker will have authority, but he who is slow in his work will be put to forced work.
25 Care in the heart of a man makes it weighted down, but a good word makes it glad.
26 The upright man is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of evil-doers is a cause of error to them.
27 He who is slow in his work does not go in search of food; but the ready worker gets much wealth.
28 In the road of righteousness is life, but the way of the evil-doer goes to death.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 12
Commentary on Proverbs 12 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 12
Pr 12:1-28.
1. loveth knowledge—as the fruit of instruction or training (Pr 1:2).
hateth reproof—(Pr 10:17).
brutish—stupid, regardless of his own welfare (Ps 49:10; 73:22).
3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity.
root … not be moved—firm as a flourishing tree—(Ps 1:3; 15:5; Jer 17:8).
4. A virtuous woman—in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties (Pr 31:10).
maketh ashamed—that is, by misconduct.
rottenness—an incurable evil.
5. thoughts—or, "purposes."
are right—literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions.
counsels—(Compare Pr 11:14).
deceit—contrary to truth and honesty.
6. The words—or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes.
the mouth—or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.
7. Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.
8. despised—as opposed to commended (Pr 11:12).
perverse heart—or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.
9. despised—held in little repute, obscure (1Sa 18:23; Isa 3:5).
hath a servant—implying some means of honest living.
honoureth himself—is self-conceited.
10. regardeth—literally, "knoweth" (Ps 1:6).
mercies … cruel—as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man.
11. The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle (Pr 6:32; 7:7).
12. the wicked … evil—They love the crafty arts of deception.
the root … fruit—their own resources supply them; or, it may be rendered: "He (God) giveth, or, sets (Eze 17:22) the root of the righteous," and hence it is firm: or, the verb is impersonal; "As to the root … it is firm" (Pr 17:19).
13, 14. The wicked is snared, &c.—The sentiment expanded. While the wicked, such as liars, flatterers, &c., fall by their own words, the righteous are unhurt. Their good conduct makes friends, and God rewards them.
15. The way … eyes—The fool is self-conceited (compare Pr 12:1; 1:32; 10:17; Jas 3:17).
16. prudent … shame—He is slow to denounce his insulters (Jas 1:19).
18. speaketh—literally, "speaketh hastily," or indiscreetly (Ps 106:33), as an angry man retorts harsh and provoking invectives.
tongue … health—by soothing and gentle language.
19. Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.
20. that imagine—or, "plan" (Pr 3:29). They design a deceitful course, to which, with all its evils and dangers to others and themselves, the happiness of peace-makers is opposed (compare Mt 5:9; Ro 12:18).
21. no evil—(as in Ps 91:10), under God's wise limitations (Ro 8:28).
mischief—as penal evil.
22. deal truly—or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare Joh 3:21).
23. concealeth—by his modesty (Pr 10:14; 11:13).
heart … proclaimeth—as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ec 10:3).
24. slothful—(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises.
under tribute—not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.
25. a good word—one of comfort.
26. more excellent—(Compare Margin); or, "more successful," while the wicked fail; or, we may read it: "The righteous guides his friend, but," &c., that is, The ability of the righteous to aid others is contrasted with the ruin to which the way of the wicked leads themselves.
27. (Compare Pr 12:24).
took in hunting—or, "his venison." He does not improve his advantages.
the substance … precious—or, "the wealth of a man of honor is being diligent," or "diligence."
precious—literally, "honor" (Ec 10:1).
28. (Compare Pr 8:8, 20, &c.). A sentiment often stated; here first affirmatively, then negatively.