Proverbs 12:2
Proverbs 12:2 in Multiple Translations
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
A good man has grace in the eyes of the Lord; but the man of evil designs gets punishment from him.
The Lord blesses the good, but he condemns anyone with evil schemes.
A good man getteth fauour of the Lord: but the man of wicked immaginations will hee condemne.
The good bringeth forth favour from Jehovah, And the man of wicked devices He condemneth.
A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
A good man obtaineth favor from the LORD: but a man of wicked devices he will condemn.
He that is good, shall draw grace from the Lord: but he that trusteth in his own devices doth wickedly.
Yahweh is pleased with good people, but he condemns those who plan to harm others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֗וֹב
יָפִ֣יק
רָ֭צוֹן
מֵ/יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
מְזִמּ֣וֹת
יַרְשִֽׁיעַ
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יָפִ֣יק
pûwq
H6329
to promote
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
רָ֭צוֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
מֵ/יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
מְזִמּ֣וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
N-fp
יַרְשִֽׁיעַ
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:2
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יָפִ֣יק
pûwq
H6329
"to promote"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to promote or bring out something, like furnishing or securing it. In the Bible, it can also mean to succeed or obtain something. It appears in various forms, such as afford or draw out.
Definition: 1) to bring out, furnish, promote, go out, issue 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to produce, furnish 1a2) to bring out, elicit, obtain, cause to come out from 1a3) to promote 1a4) to cause to go out to
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: afford, draw out, further, get, obtain. See also: Psalms 140:9; Proverbs 8:35; Psalms 144:13.
רָ֭צוֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
מֵ/יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְזִמּ֣וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
יַרְשִֽׁיעַ
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:2
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
2The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.
3A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. 4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:35 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. |
| 2 | Acts 11:24 | Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. |
| 3 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 4 | Romans 5:7 | Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:31 | So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
| 6 | Isaiah 32:5–7 | No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected. For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:18 | a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, |
| 8 | Psalms 9:15 | The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 8:8 | As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. |
Proverbs 12:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that when we try to do good and follow God's ways, He is pleased with us and wants to bless us. On the other hand, when we think about or plan to do bad things, God is not happy with us and will not bless us. As it says in Proverbs 11:20, 'The LORD detests all the proud of heart; be sure they will not go unpunished.' We can be a 'good man' by following God's commands and loving Him with all our heart, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40. By doing so, we can receive God's favor and live a life that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'obtain favor from the LORD' in Proverbs 12:2?
Obtaining favor from the LORD means to receive His approval, blessing, and delight, as seen in Psalm 84:11, where it says, 'For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.'
How can we know if we are 'devising evil' as mentioned in Proverbs 12:2?
Devising evil involves planning or scheming to harm or take advantage of others, as warned against in Micah 2:1, which says, 'Woe to those who plot evil, who lie on their beds, and scheme in the morning, saying, “Let us seize their fields, and take their vineyards, and let us oppress the owner.”'
Is it possible for a 'good man' to sometimes 'devise evil'?
While a good man may occasionally stumble, the consistent character of a good man is marked by a desire to follow God's ways, as described in Psalm 37:37, which says, 'Mark the blameless and observe the upright, for the future of that man is peace.'
How does the LORD's condemnation of those who devise evil relate to His love and mercy?
The LORD's condemnation of evil is a demonstration of His holy and just nature, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, which says, 'He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a heart that 'obtains favor from the LORD' in my daily life?
- How can I discern when I am 'devising evil' in my thoughts or actions, and what steps can I take to change my ways?
- What does it mean to be a 'good man' in God's eyes, and how can I strive to live up to this standard?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the character of a 'good man' in my relationships with others, and how can I show them the love and kindness of Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:2
A good [man] obtaineth favour of the Lord,.... One that is made so by the grace of God, for no man is so naturally; there is none good, nor does good, no, not one, until some good thing is put into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord - literally, 'draws forth good will.' On the verb cf. note, Proverbs 3:13.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
Obtaineth favour; whereby he is and shall be acquitted and justified. A man of wicked devices, who designeth and industriously committeth wickedness, will he condemn, when he standeth in judgment, howsoever he may for the present justify himself, and deceive others into a good opinion of him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
Proverbs 12:2 A good [man] obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.Ver. 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord.] Or, "Hath what he will of God"; id quod vult a Domino impetrat; quia eius voluntas est ipsissima Dei voluntas, nec aliud vult. Thus Mercer out of Rabbi Levi. Thus it is written of Luther, that by his prayers he could prevail with God at his pleasure. When great gifts were offered him, he refused them with this brave speech, Valde protestatus sum me nolle sic satiari a Deo: - I solemnly protested to God, that I would not be put off with these low things. And on a time praying for the recovery of a godly useful man, among other passages, he let fall this transcendent rapture of a daring faith, Fiat mea voluntas, "Let my will be done"; and then falls off sweetly, Mea voluntas, Domine, quia tua; " My will, Lord, because thy will!" Here was a good man, here was a blessed man; according to that rule, Beatus est qui habet quicquid vult, et nihil male vult; - Blessed is he that hath what he will, and wills nothing but what he should. But a man of wicked devices.] Such as no good man is; he doth not plot or plough mischief; he doth not cater and "make provision for the flesh"; there is no "way of wickedness" found in him; the peace is not broken between God and him, because his mind never yields to sin, he "walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, therefore no condemnation." If an evil thought haunt his heart, as again it befalls, it is the device of the man, he is not the man of such devices. The wicked, on the contrary, is wholly made up of sinful thoughts and purposes, and is in the midst of them; therefore God will call him to a heavy reckoning. See Jeremiah 6:19 Revelation 2:23.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
(2) A good man.—The corresponding phrase, “a man of wicked devices,” i.e., who plots against his neighbour, fixes the sense of “good” as signifying “benevolent” (comp. Psalms 73:1); and for the sentiment, Luke 6:35.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
Verse 2. A good man obtaineth favour] First, it is God who makes him good; for every child of Adam is bad till the grace of God changes his heart. Secondly, while he walks in the path of obedience he increases in goodness, and consequently in the favour of the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:2
2. obtaineth] See Proverbs 3:13, note. Comp. Proverbs 8:35.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:2
2. A good man — ùׂ ?åá, (tobh,) an unusual word to express moral qualities. Obtaineth — Hebrew, draws out.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Proverbs 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the diligent and the lazy. He emphasizes that the lazy person will end up poor, while the diligent person will become ri |
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(Proverbs) ch.11:12 - 12:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in our words and actions. He highlights that telling lies can lead to trouble and that honesty is |
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Spirit-Filled Salutations by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the power of greetings filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing from the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus. It highlights the import |
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The Son and Life, and Word and Wisdom by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound truth that eternal life is found in believing in the Son, a truth revealed by the Holy Spirit and declared in the Word of God. This eternal life, |
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The Word and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the eternal life found in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who came into the world full of grace and truth. His glory was distinguished by the grace and |
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Words of Spirit and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound impact of Jesus' words as spirit and life, emphasizing the necessity of His death for eternal life. Despite the miracles, many sought Jesus for p |
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The Son and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the unfailing promises of God, emphasizing that every word of His will be fulfilled, including the promise of eternal life made before time began. The Son |