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.
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.