Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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Proverbs 12
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
Introduction to chapter 12
(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
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
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
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
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
Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.
Proverbs 12:8
despised — as opposed to commended (Pro 11:12).
perverse heart — or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.
Proverbs 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
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
The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle (Pro 6:32; Pro 7:7).
Proverbs 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
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
The way . . . eyes — The fool is self-conceited (compare Pro 12:1; Pro 1:32; Pro 10:17; Jam 3:17).
Proverbs 12:16
prudent . . . shame — He is slow to denounce his insulters (Jam 1:19).
Proverbs 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
Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.
Proverbs 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
no evil — (as in Psa 91:10), under God's wise limitations (Rom 8:28).
mischief — as penal evil.
Proverbs 12:22
deal truly — or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare Joh 3:21).
Proverbs 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
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
a good word — one of comfort.
Proverbs 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
(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
(Compare Pro 8:8, Pro 8:20, &c.). A sentiment often stated; here first affirmatively, then negatively.
Public domain text from the HelloAO Free Use Bible API. Bible references link to the King James text.