Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Proverbs » Chapter 12 » Verse 1-28

Proverbs 12:1-28 King James Version (KJV)

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.


Proverbs 12:1-28 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 Whoso loveth H157 instruction H4148 loveth H157 knowledge: H1847 but he that hateth H8130 reproof H8433 is brutish. H1198

2 A good H2896 man obtaineth H6329 favour H7522 of the LORD: H3068 but a man H376 of wicked devices H4209 will he condemn. H7561

3 A man H120 shall not be established H3559 by wickedness: H7562 but the root H8328 of the righteous H6662 shall not be moved. H4131

4 A virtuous H2428 woman H802 is a crown H5850 to her husband: H1167 but she that maketh ashamed H954 is as rottenness H7538 in his bones. H6106

5 The thoughts H4284 of the righteous H6662 are right: H4941 but the counsels H8458 of the wicked H7563 are deceit. H4820

6 The words H1697 of the wicked H7563 are to lie in wait H693 for blood: H1818 but the mouth H6310 of the upright H3477 shall deliver H5337 them.

7 The wicked H7563 are overthrown, H2015 and are not: but the house H1004 of the righteous H6662 shall stand. H5975

8 A man H376 shall be commended H1984 according H6310 to his wisdom: H7922 but he that is of a perverse H5753 heart H3820 shall be despised. H937

9 He that is despised, H7034 and hath a servant, H5650 is better H2896 than he that honoureth H3513 himself, and lacketh H2638 bread. H3899

10 A righteous H6662 man regardeth H3045 the life H5315 of his beast: H929 but the tender mercies H7356 of the wicked H7563 are cruel. H394

11 He that tilleth H5647 his land H127 shall be satisfied H7646 with bread: H3899 but he that followeth H7291 vain H7386 persons is void H2638 of understanding. H3820

12 The wicked H7563 desireth H2530 the net H4685 of evil H7451 men: but the root H8328 of the righteous H6662 yieldeth H5414 fruit.

13 The wicked H7451 is snared H4170 by the transgression H6588 of his lips: H8193 but the just H6662 shall come out H3318 of trouble. H6869

14 A man H376 shall be satisfied H7646 with good H2896 by the fruit H6529 of his mouth: H6310 and the recompence H1576 of a man's H120 hands H3027 shall be rendered H7725 H7725 unto him.

15 The way H1870 of a fool H191 is right H3477 in his own eyes: H5869 but he that hearkeneth H8085 unto counsel H6098 is wise. H2450

16 A fool's H191 wrath H3708 is presently H3117 known: H3045 but a prudent H6175 man covereth H3680 shame. H7036

17 He that speaketh H6315 truth H530 sheweth forth H5046 righteousness: H6664 but a false H8267 witness H5707 deceit. H4820

18 There is H3426 that speaketh H981 like the piercings H4094 of a sword: H2719 but the tongue H3956 of the wise H2450 is health. H4832

19 The lip H8193 of truth H571 shall be established H3559 for ever: H5703 but a lying H8267 tongue H3956 is but for a moment. H7280

20 Deceit H4820 is in the heart H3820 of them that imagine H2790 evil: H7451 but to the counsellors H3289 of peace H7965 is joy. H8057

21 There shall no evil H205 happen H579 to the just: H6662 but the wicked H7563 shall be filled H4390 with mischief. H7451

22 Lying H8267 lips H8193 are abomination H8441 to the LORD: H3068 but they that deal H6213 truly H530 are his delight. H7522

23 A prudent H6175 man H120 concealeth H3680 knowledge: H1847 but the heart H3820 of fools H3684 proclaimeth H7121 foolishness. H200

24 The hand H3027 of the diligent H2742 shall bear rule: H4910 but the slothful H7423 shall be under tribute. H4522

25 Heaviness H1674 in the heart H3820 of man H376 maketh it stoop: H7812 but a good H2896 word H1697 maketh it glad. H8055

26 The righteous H6662 is more excellent H8446 than his neighbour: H7453 but the way H1870 of the wicked H7563 seduceth H8582 them.

27 The slothful H7423 man roasteth H2760 not that which he took in hunting: H6718 but the substance H1952 of a diligent H2742 man H120 is precious. H3368

28 In the way H734 of righteousness H6666 is life; H2416 and in the pathway H5410 H1870 thereof there is no death. H4194


Proverbs 12:1-28 American Standard (ASV)

1 Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; But he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness; But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; `But' the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood; But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not; But the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain `persons' is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men; But the root of the righteous yieldeth `fruit'.

13 In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; And the doings of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

16 A fool's vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.

17 He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.

25 Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of men `is to' the diligent.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.


Proverbs 12:1-28 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 Whoso is loving instruction, is loving knowledge, And whoso is hating reproof `is' brutish.

2 The good bringeth forth favour from Jehovah, And the man of wicked devices He condemneth.

3 A man is not established by wickedness, And the root of the righteous is not moved.

4 A virtuous woman `is' a crown to her husband, And as rottenness in his bones `is' one causing shame.

5 The thoughts of the righteous `are' justice, The counsels of the wicked -- deceit.

6 The words of the wicked `are': `Lay wait for blood,' And the mouth of the upright delivereth them.

7 Overthrow the wicked, and they are not, And the house of the righteous standeth.

8 According to his wisdom is a man praised, And the perverted of heart becometh despised.

9 Better `is' the lightly esteemed who hath a servant, Than the self-honoured who lacketh bread.

10 The righteous knoweth the life of his beast, And the mercies of the wicked `are' cruel.

11 Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied `with' bread, And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart,

12 The wicked hath desired the net of evil doers, And the root of the righteous giveth.

13 In transgression of the lips `is' the snare of the wicked, And the righteous goeth out from distress.

14 From the fruit of the mouth `is' one satisfied `with' good, And the deed of man's hands returneth to him.

15 The way of a fool `is' right in his own eyes, And whoso is hearkening to counsel `is' wise.

16 The fool -- in a day is his anger known, And the prudent is covering shame.

17 Whoso uttereth faithfulness declareth righteousness, And a false witness -- deceit.

18 A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.

19 The lip of truth is established for ever, And for a moment -- a tongue of falsehood.

20 Deceit `is' in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace `is' joy.

21 No iniquity is desired by the righteous, And the wicked have been full of evil.

22 An abomination to Jehovah `are' lying lips, And stedfast doers `are' his delight.

23 A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.

24 The hand of the diligent ruleth, And slothfulness becometh tributary.

25 Sorrow in the heart of a man boweth down, And a good word maketh him glad.

26 The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err.

27 The slothful roasteth not his hunting, And the wealth of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the path of righteousness `is' life, And in the way of `that' path `is' no death!


Proverbs 12:1-28 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 Whoso loveth discipline loveth knowledge, but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good [man] obtaineth favour of Jehovah; but a man of mischievous devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A woman of worth is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right; the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are a lying-in-wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 Overthrow the wicked, and they are no [more]; but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man is commended according to his wisdom; but he that is of a perverted heart shall be despised.

9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man is concerned for the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]; but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].

13 In the transgression of the lips is an evil snare; but a righteous [man] shall go forth out of trouble.

14 A man is satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

16 The vexation of the fool is presently known; but a prudent [man] covereth shame.

17 He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that babbleth like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to a righteous [man]; but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of the foolish proclaimeth folly.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful [hand] shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous guideth his neighbour; but the way of the wicked misleadeth them.

27 The slothful roasteth not what he took in hunting; but man's precious substance is to the diligent.

28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.


Proverbs 12:1-28 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, But he will condemn a man of wicked devices.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, But a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, But the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, But the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, But he who has a warped mind shall be despised.

9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, Than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, But he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, But the root of the righteous flourishes.

13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, But the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.

16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, But one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, But a false witness lies.

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.

19 Truth's lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only momentary.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, But joy comes to the promoters of peace.

21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, But those who do the truth are his delight.

23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, But the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, But laziness ends in slave labor.

25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a kind word makes it glad.

26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The slothful man doesn't roast his game, But the possessions of diligent men are prized.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; In its path there is no death.


Proverbs 12:1-28 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

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.

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.