Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · Proverbs 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.