Proverbs 12:8
Proverbs 12:8 in Multiple Translations
A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
A man will be praised in the measure of his wisdom, but a wrong-minded man will be looked down on.
People are appreciated for talking sense, but those with perverted minds are despised.
A man shall be commended for his wisedome: but the froward of heart shalbe despised.
According to his wisdom is a man praised, And the perverted of heart becometh despised.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
A man shall be known by his learning: but he that is vain and foolish, shall be exposed to contempt.
People will praise those who have good sense, but people will despise those ◄who are always thinking about doing evil things/whose thinking is twisted►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:8
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 12:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְֽ/פִי
שִׂ֭כְל/וֹ
יְהֻלַּל
אִ֑ישׁ
וְ/נַעֲוֵה
לֵ֝֗ב
יִהְיֶ֥ה
לָ/בֽוּז
לְֽ/פִי
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
שִׂ֭כְל/וֹ
sekel
H7922
understanding
N-ms | Suff
יְהֻלַּל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/נַעֲוֵה
ʻâvâh
H5753
to twist
Conj | V-Niphal
לֵ֝֗ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/בֽוּז
bûwz
H937
contempt
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:8
לְֽ/פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
שִׂ֭כְל/וֹ
sekel
H7922
"understanding"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means understanding or intelligence, implying success. It involves prudence and insight, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean cunning or craft.
Definition: 1) prudence, insight, understanding 1a) prudence, good sense 1b) insight, understanding 1c) cunning, craft (bad sense) Aramaic equivalent: sokh.le.ta.nu (שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ "insight" H7924)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 3:4.
יְהֻלַּל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
וְ/נַעֲוֵה
ʻâvâh
H5753
"to twist"
Conj | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to do wrong or commit iniquity, like when people turn away from God's laws. It appears in various forms, such as doing wickedly or perverting what is right. In the Bible, it is often used to describe those who stray from God's path.
Definition: 1) to bend, twist, distort 1a) (Niphal) to be bent, be bowed down, be twisted, be perverted 1b) (Piel) to twist, distort 1c) (Hiphil) to do perversely
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: do amiss, bow down, make crooked, commit iniquity, pervert, (do) perverse(-ly), trouble, [idiom] turn, do wickedly, do wrong. See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 38:7; Psalms 106:6.
לֵ֝֗ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/בֽוּז
bûwz
H937
"contempt"
Prep | N-ms
This noun refers to contempt or disrespect, and can stem from evil, prosperity, or judgment, as described in the book of Job. It is used to describe a negative attitude or feeling towards someone or something. This term is translated as contempt or despised in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) contempt 1a) springing from evil 1b) springing from prosperity 1c) springing from judgment
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contempt(-uously), despised, shamed. See also: Genesis 38:23; Psalms 107:40; Psalms 31:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:8
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.
8A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.
9Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food. 10A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 10:18 | For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 3:10–15 | By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. |
| 4 | Acts 12:23 | Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
| 5 | Matthew 27:4–5 | “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. |
| 6 | Luke 16:8 | The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. |
| 7 | Psalms 132:18 | I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown upon him will gleam.” |
| 8 | Malachi 2:8–9 | But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” |
| 9 | Genesis 41:39 | Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. |
| 10 | Luke 12:42–44 | And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. |
Proverbs 12:8 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 12:8, teaches us that people are praised for their wisdom, but those with a twisted mind are despised. To have wisdom means to have a mind that is guided by God's truth and principles, as seen in Psalm 119:97-100, where the psalmist finds wisdom and understanding through meditation on God's Word. When we seek to follow God's wisdom, we can expect to receive praise and respect from others, but if our minds are twisted and corrupted, we will face rejection and disdain, as warned in Ephesians 4:17-18. By fearing God and trusting in His Word, we can acquire the wisdom that leads to praise and a good reputation, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 22:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a 'twisted mind' in Proverbs 12:8?
A twisted mind refers to a person whose thoughts and intentions are corrupted and misguided, as seen in Proverbs 12:8, and is often a result of turning away from God's wisdom, as warned in Romans 1:28 and Ephesians 4:17-18.
How does one acquire wisdom that leads to praise, according to Proverbs 12:8?
Acquiring wisdom that leads to praise involves fearing God and trusting in His Word, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10, and also seeking wisdom through prayer and meditation on Scripture, as encouraged in James 1:5 and Psalm 119:97-100.
Is it possible for someone with a twisted mind to change and gain wisdom?
Yes, it is possible for someone with a twisted mind to change and gain wisdom through repentance and a willingness to learn from God's Word, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 and 1 Corinthians 6:11, where the power of God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit can transform a person's mind and heart.
What are the consequences of having a twisted mind, according to the Bible?
The consequences of having a twisted mind can include being despised by others, as stated in Proverbs 12:8, and also facing spiritual darkness and separation from God, as warned in Ephesians 4:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:4, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom and truth.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I cultivate wisdom in my own life, and what are some practical steps I can take to seek God's guidance and truth?
- How can I discern whether my thoughts and intentions are aligned with God's wisdom, or if I am being influenced by a twisted mindset?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be struggling with twisted thinking, and how can I apply the principles of Proverbs 12:8 to bring about positive change?
- In what ways can I demonstrate wisdom and integrity in my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I be a positive influence on those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,.... Not according to his birth and pedigree; not according to his riches and wealth; not according to the places of honour and trust he may be in;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. A man shall be commended according to (literally, according to the mouth of: a Hebrew idiom for in proportion to) his wisdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
A man shall be commended, to wit, by wise and good men, according to his wisdom; more or less according to the degree of wisdom which his discourses and actions discover to be in him. He that is of a perverse heart, which he showeth by his wicked words and conversation, shall be despised by God and all wise men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
Proverbs 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.Ver. 8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom.] And all wisdom consists in this, Ut Deum quis cognoscat et colat, saith Lactantius; - That a man rightly know and worship God. This did not Apollonius, whom yet Philostratus commendeth, that he was non doctus, sed natus sapiens, not instructed, but born wise. See the contrary, Job 11:12. Nor Archimedes, who yet had the name and note, saith Plutarch, of a divine, and not human wisdom; nor Aristotle, whom yet Averroes admires, as the very rule and copy that nature invented, wherein to set forth the utmost of human perfection; and further saith, that his doctrine was the chiefest truth, and his understanding the utmost extent of human wisdom. These were wise, I confess, in their generations, and so accounted; but by whom? Not by St Paul; he had another opinion of them. See Romans 1:22-23 1 Corinthians 2:6. Not by our Saviour. See Matthew 11:25.
Not by any that are rightly instructed to the kingdom of heaven, and have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. The Italians arrogate to themselves the monopoly of wisdom in that proverb of theirs, Italus sapit ante factum, Hispanus in facto, Germanus post factum. Italians, say they, both seem and are wise; whereas Spaniards seem wise, and are fools; Frenchmen seem fools, and are wise; Portuguese neither are wise, nor so much as seem so. Thus the Jesuits - those great clerks, politicians, and wizards of the world - do vaunt that the Church is the soul of the world, the clergy of the Church, and they of the clergy. But what saith that great apostle that knew more than twenty of them? "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord"; for "not he that commendeth himself is approved," - no, nor he whom the world cries up for a wise man - "but he whom the Lord commendeth." But he that is of a perverse heart.] As all are that are not heavenly wise, and that show not "out of a good conversation their works with meekness of wisdom." But so did none of those heathen sages, whom God, for their unthankfulness, "gave up unto vile affections" and vicious conversation; and so set a noverint universi, as it were, upon them. Know all men that these men know nothing aright, and as they ought to know; "professing themselves to be wise, they proclaim themselves fools." εκανθρωπινεςαλλαδαιμονιουτινοςσυνεσεως. - Plut.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
(8) According to his wisdom—i.e., intelligent observance of the ends to be pursued in life, and the best means of attaining to them; in other words, finding out the will of God and how to fulfil it. Shall be despised.—Comp. 1 Samuel 2:30.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:8
8. According to his wisdom — Shrewdness or prudence. In proportion to it shall he be applauded. Perverse — Crooked of heart. Shall be despised — Literally, it shall be for contempt.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To the Beloved Gaius by Bob Bruton | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Third John and highlights several important lessons. The preacher emphasizes the importance of promoting fellowship and not deny |
|
The Joy of a Good Conscience by Thomas a Kempis | Thomas a Kempis preaches on the importance of maintaining a good conscience to experience true happiness and peace, contrasting the restfulness of a clear conscience with the restl |
|
"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive |
|
The Voice of Gods Judgement by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He emphasizes that each person is given different abilities and resources according to their own |
|
"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious ston |
|
|
Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and warns against engaging in empty rituals. He highlights the power of the Holy Spirit and recounts a person |
|
Cfo Life From Frustration to Adventure by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their mission and the challenges they face in their faith journey. They discuss the importance of having faith and trusting in God's provisi |