Proverbs 12
CHAPTER 12
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.