Proverbs 12 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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 ( Psa 49:10 ; 73:22 ).
3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity. root ... not be moved-- firm as a flourishing tree--( Psa 1:3 ; 15:5 ; Jr 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 ; Is 3:5 ). hath a servant-- implying some means of honest living. honoureth himself-- is self-conceited.
10. regardeth-- literally, "knoweth" ( Psa 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 ( Psa 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 Psa 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 ).