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Proverbs 24:12

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 24:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work?
Proverbs 24:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9The thought of foolishness is sin; And the scoffer is an abomination to men.
10If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small.
11Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.
12If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work?
13My son, eat thou honey, for it is good; And the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to thy taste:
14So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off.
15Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous; Destroy not his resting-place:
← Proverbs 24:11Proverbs 24:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not, etc.] The danger the person was in; or the innocency of his cause; or what method to take to deliver him; or that it was in our power to do anything for him; so the Vulgate Latin version, “if thou sayest, strength is not sufficient”: or “we knew him not”f660, who he was or what he was; had no knowledge of him, or acquaintance with him, and so did not think ourselves under any obligation to regard his case; such excuses will not do; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? he that searches the heart and tries it, and weighs every thought of it, and excuse it makes, considers and understands whether it is a mere excuse or not; though such…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As Proverbs 24:11 warned men against acquiescing in an unrighteous tyranny, so this denounces the tendency to hush up a wrong with the false plea of ignorance. Compare Ecclesiastes 5:8. Proverbs 24:10-12 thus forms a complete and connected whole. 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 · 18th-century historical commentary
“Consider - That this is only a frivolous excuse. Proverbs 24:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“doth not he that: Pro 5:21, Pro 21:2; Sa1 16:7; Psa 7:9, Psa 17:3, Psa 44:21; Ecc 5:8; Jer 17:10; Rom 2:16; Co1 4:5; Heb 4:12, Heb 4:13; Rev 2:18, Rev 2:23 that keepeth: Sa1 2:6, Sa1 25:29; Psa 66:9, Psa 121:3, Psa 121:8; Dan 5:23; Act 17:28; Rev 1:18 and shall: Job 34:11; Psa 62:12; Jer 32:19; Mat 16:27; Rom 2:6; Co2 5:10; Rev 2:23; Rev 20:12-15, Rev 22:12 Proverbs 24:13”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 24 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification