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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com


Proverbs Chapter 12

Proverbs 12:1

pro 12:1

(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).

Proverbs 12:3

pro 12:3

Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity.

root . . . not be moved--firm as a flourishing tree-- (Psa 1:3; Psa 15:5; Jer 17:8).

Proverbs 12:4

pro 12:4

A virtuous woman--in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties (Pro 31:10).

maketh ashamed--that is, by misconduct.

rottenness--an incurable evil.

Proverbs 12:5

pro 12:5

thoughts--or, "purposes."

are right--literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions.

counsels--(Compare Pro 11:14).

deceit--contrary to truth and honesty.

Proverbs 12:6

pro 12:6

The words--or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes.

the mouth--or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.

Proverbs 12:7

pro 12:7

Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.

Proverbs 12:8

pro 12:8

despised--as opposed to commended (Pro 11:12).

perverse heart--or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.

Proverbs 12:9

pro 12:9

despised--held in little repute, obscure (Sa1 18:23; Isa 3:5).

hath a servant--implying some means of honest living.

honoureth himself--is self-conceited.

Proverbs 12:10

pro 12:10

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.

Proverbs 12:11

pro 12:11

The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle (Pro 6:32; Pro 7:7).

Proverbs 12:12

pro 12:12

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" (Pro 17:19).

Proverbs 12:13

pro 12:13

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.

Proverbs 12:15

pro 12:15

The way . . . eyes--The fool is self-conceited (compare Pro 12:1; Pro 1:32; Pro 10:17; Jam 3:17).

Proverbs 12:16

pro 12:16

prudent . . . shame--He is slow to denounce his insulters (Jam 1:19).

Proverbs 12:18

pro 12:18

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.

Proverbs 12:19

pro 12:19

Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.

Proverbs 12:20

pro 12:20

that imagine--or, "plan" (Pro 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 Mat 5:9; Rom 12:18).

Proverbs 12:21

pro 12:21

no evil--(as in Psa 91:10), under God's wise limitations (Rom 8:28).

mischief--as penal evil.

Proverbs 12:22

pro 12:22

deal truly--or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare Joh 3:21).

Proverbs 12:23

pro 12:23

concealeth--by his modesty (Pro 10:14; Pro 11:13).

heart . . . proclaimeth--as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ecc 10:3).

Proverbs 12:24

pro 12:24

slothful--(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises.

under tribute--not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.

Proverbs 12:25

pro 12:25

a good word--one of comfort.

Proverbs 12:26

pro 12:26

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.

Proverbs 12:27

pro 12:27

(Compare Pro 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" (Ecc 10:1).

Proverbs 12:28

pro 12:28

(Compare Pro 8:8, Pro 8:20, &c.). A sentiment often stated; here first affirmatively, then negatively.


Next: Proverbs Chapter 13