Proverbs Chapter 12

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry 28 Verses

What is Proverbs 12 about?

Practical wisdom for daily life, family, work, and worship, all rooted in the fear of the LORD. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; But he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3A man shall not be established by wickedness; But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4A worthy woman is the crown of her husband; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5The thoughts of the righteous are just; [But] the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood; But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7The wicked are overthrown, and are not; But the house of the righteous shall stand.
8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.
10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain [persons] is void of understanding.
12The wicked desireth the net of evil men; But the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].
13In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble.
14A 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.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.
16A fool`s vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.
17He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.
18There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.
19The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight.
23A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
25Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad.
26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of men [is to] the diligent.
28In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Whose loveth instruction loveth knowledge, etc.] That loves the instruction of Wisdom, or Christ, (<200413>Proverbs 4:13 8:10); the means of instruction, the Scriptures, which are profitable for instruction in righteousness, and are written for our learning; the Gospel, which instructs into the person, office, and grace of Christ; the ministers of the word, who are so many instructors in Christ; and even the rod of afflictions, by which men are taught their duty, and the will of God: and these are to be loved; and he that loves them clearly shows that he loves knowledge; since the means of instruction, making use…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“(Pro. 12:1-28) loveth knowledge--as the fruit of instruction or training (Pro 1:2). hateth reproof-- (Pro 10:17). brutish--stupid, regardless of his own welfare (Psa 49:10; Psa 73:22).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Brutish - Dumb as a brute beast. The difference between man and brute lies chiefly in the capacity of the former for progress and improvement, and that capacity depends upon his willingness to submit to discipline and education. Compare Psalms 49:12. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 6
“Lie in wait - Are designed to entrap others, and to destroy them. Deliver them - From those that lie in wait for them. Proverbs 12:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 4
“12:4 Elsewhere in Proverbs a crown symbolizes wealth (14:24), long life (16:31), and grandchildren (17:6). • cancer (literally rot): A disgraceful wife is a deep and life-threatening problem.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“loveth: Pro 2:10, Pro 2:11, Pro 8:17, Pro 8:32, Pro 18:1; Psa 119:27, Psa 119:97-100; Th2 2:10 he that: Pro 5:12, Pro 5:13, Pro 9:7, Pro 9:8; Psa 32:9, Psa 92:6; Isa 1:3 Proverbs 12:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“Three proverbs on knowledge, the favour of God, firmness and the means thereto. 1 He loveth correction who loveth knowledge, And he hateth instruction who is without reason. It is difficult in such cases to say which is the relation of the ideas that is intended. The sequence of words which lies nearest in the Semitic substantival clause is that in which the predicate is placed first; but the subject may, if it is to be made prominent, stand at the head of the sentence. Here, 1b, the placing of the subject in advance recommends itself: one who hates instruction is devoid of reason. But since we have no reason in…”
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