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Proverbs 13:12
Verse
Context
Sermons
Alan Martin
Mike Bickle
D.L. Moody
A.W. Tozer
Shane Idleman
Thomas BostonSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The figures of paradise in Pro 13:12 and Pro 13:14 require us to take along with them the intermediate verse (Pro 13:13). 12 Deferred waiting maketh the heart sick, And a tree of life is a wish accomplished. Singularly the lxx Κρείσσων ἐναρχόμενος βοηθῶν καρδίᾳ, followed by the Syr. (which the Targ. Transcribes): (Note: That the Targum of the Proverbs is a Jewish elaboration of the Peshito text, vid., Nldeke in Merx' Archiv, Bd. ii. pp. 246-49.) Better is he who begins to help than he who remains in hesitating expectation, by which תחלת is doubled, and is derived once from הוחיל, to wait, and the second time from החל, to begin. If the lxx, with its imitators, deteriorates to such a degree proverbs so clear, beautiful, and inviolable, what may one expect from it in the case of those not easily understood! משּׁך signifies also, Isa 18:2, to be widely extended (cf. Arab. meshaḳ), here in the sense of time, as נמשׁך, to prolong, Isa 13:22, and post-bibl. משׁך הזּמן, the course of time. Regarding תּוחלת, vid., at Pro 10:28, where as Pro 11:27 תּקות, here תּאוה, as also Psa 78:29 of the object of the wish, and with בוא in the sense of being fulfilled (cf. Jos 21:43), as there with הביא in the sense of accomplishing or performing. Extended waiting makes the heart sick, causes heart-woe (מחלה, part. fem. Hiph. of חלה, to be slack, feeble, sick; R. חל, to loosen, to make loose); on the contrary, a wish that has been fulfilled is a tree of life (cf. p. 23), of a quickening and strengthening influence, like that tree of paradise which was destined to renew and extend the life of man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
desire cometh--is realized. a tree of life--or, "cause of happiness."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick,.... That is, the object hoped for; if it is not enjoyed so soon as expected, at least if it is delayed any length of time, the mind becomes uneasy, the heart sinks and fails, and the man is dispirited and ready to despond, and give up all hope of enjoying the desired blessing; whether it be deliverance from any evil, or the possession of any good; but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life; when that which is hoped and wished for, and has been long expected and desired, comes; when there is an accomplishment of men's wishes, it is as grateful to him as the tree of life was in Eden's garden; it gives him an unspeakable pleasure and delight. This may be applied to many things in a spiritual way, as to the first coming of Christ; and some have thought this is greatly regarded and chiefly intended; this was the object of the hope of Old Testament saints; and it was hoped for on a good foundation, on the promise of God, which was frequently repeated, enlarged, and confirmed; yet this promised and hoped for blessing was deferred a long time; from the first promise of it to its accomplishment were four thousand years; though not deferred longer than the appointed time, yet longer than the saints expected, and which sometimes made their hearts sick; they became weak and feeble, fearful and dispirited, lest it should never come to pass, which occasioned fresh promises and assurances to them; see Isa 35:3, Mal 3:1; but when "the desire" came, Christ the desired object; and who is desirable for the excellencies of his person, his mediatorial qualifications, the work of redemption and salvation he came about, and the blessings he brought with him; and who is the "desire of all nations" that was to come, Hag 2:7; it was exceeding joyful and delightful to all that expected him, and were looking for redemption in Israel, or Christ; "the coming desire" (i), as it may be rendered, is "a tree of life", or "lives", the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; see Pro 3:18. It may be applied also to the spiritual presence of Christ, and communion with him; this is what believers, being sometimes without, hope and wait for; and sometimes it is deferred a long time, at least they think it so, which makes them very uneasy, and even sick of love, as the church was, Sol 5:8; but when what they so earnestly desire is granted them, it is as if they were in Eden's garden, or rather in the paradise above, plucking the fruit of the tree of life: likewise it may be applied to eternal glory and happiness; this is the object of hope in the present state; it is sometimes impatiently expected and desired, and the language of the soul is, "Why is his chariot so long in coming?", "come, Lord Jesus, come quickly", Jdg 5:28; and when this desired happiness is enjoyed, how sweet will it be! and the sweeter for having been so much longed and wished for; and when the saints will be in the paradise of God, and eat of the tree of life in the midst of it, and never hunger more. (i) "desiderium venieus", V. L. Pagninus, Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Nothing is more grievous than the disappointment of a raised expectation, though not in the thing itself by a denial, yet in the time of it by a delay: Hope deferred makes the heart sick and languishing, fretful and peevish; but hope quite dashed kills the heart, and the more high the expectation was raised the more cutting is the frustration of it. It is therefore our wisdom not to promise ourselves any great matters from the creature, not to feed ourselves with any vain hopes from this world, lest we lay up matter for our own vexation; and what we do hope for let us prepare to be disappointed in, that, if it should prove so, it may prove the easier; and let us not be hasty. 2. Nothing is more grateful than to enjoy that, at last, which we have long wished and waited for: When the desire does come it puts men into a sort of paradise, a garden of pleasure, for it is a tree of life. It will aggravate the eternal misery of the wicked that their hopes will be frustrated; and it will make the happiness of heaven the more welcome to the saints that it is what they have earnestly longed for as the crown of their hopes.
Proverbs 13:12
A Father’s Discipline
11Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied. 12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Abounding Hope
By Alan Martin1.8K00:00HopePSA 78:22PRO 13:12ROM 8:241TH 1:3HEB 6:11HEB 6:181PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding fast to hope in order to strengthen one's soul. He compares the value of a diamond to the value of a mature, consistent, and complete walk with God. The speaker also shares personal experiences of overcoming challenges and finding victory through God's power. He highlights the unchangeable nature of God's oath and His inability to lie as the foundation of our hope, serving as an anchor for our souls.
21 - More Reflects on Trip to North Korea
By Ben Torrey76108:36North KoreaPSA 119:105PRO 13:12MAT 5:14ROM 15:13In this sermon, Ben Torrey reflects on his recent trip to North Korea and shares his new insights about the people and the socialist system in the country. He acknowledges that his previous understanding of North Korea was simplistic and that things are not black and white. He highlights the dedication and motivation of individuals he met, including government officials and healthcare professionals, who were working to improve their situation. Torrey also mentions the hospitality and appreciation shown by the staff at a remote and poor facility, but also observes the struggle with hopelessness in some places.
Seven Parables of the Kingdom (Mt. 13)
By Mike Bickle271:09:59Expectations in FaithKingdom Of GodPRO 13:12ISA 55:8DAN 2:34DAN 2:44MAT 13:1MAT 13:44LUK 16:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the seven parables of the kingdom found in Matthew 13, which reveal the true nature and expectations of God's kingdom. He explains that these parables were given to correct the misconceptions held by Israel about the kingdom's immediate glory and power, highlighting instead the importance of small, unseen works of God. Bickle warns against the dangers of having wrong expectations that can lead to offense and discouragement, urging believers to recognize the value of faithfulness in small things. He reassures that God's plan is intentional and that the kingdom will ultimately grow and flourish, even if it starts small and hidden. The sermon calls for a realignment of hearts to trust in God's leadership and to embrace the hidden treasures of the kingdom.
The Triumphs of Love
By D.L. Moody0HopePerseverancePSA 31:24PSA 42:11PRO 13:12ISA 40:31JER 29:11ROM 15:132CO 4:16PHP 4:13HEB 11:11PE 5:10D.L. Moody emphasizes the vital role of hope in the life of a believer, asserting that no one can effectively serve God without it. He reflects on the importance of the Holy Spirit in restoring hope, especially in churches that have seen little growth. Moody shares a personal experience of overcoming discouragement by studying the perseverance of Noah, who remained faithful despite not seeing immediate results. He encourages believers to seek forgiveness for their discouragement and to embrace a hopeful outlook, as it is essential for fruitful service in God's kingdom.
The Disease of Misplaced Hope
By A.W. Tozer0DisillusionmentHopePSA 42:5PSA 71:14PRO 13:12ISA 40:31JER 29:11LAM 3:24ROM 5:5COL 1:27HEB 11:11PE 1:3A.W. Tozer explores the dual nature of hope, describing it as both a precious treasure and a treacherous deceit. He illustrates how misplaced hope can lead to disillusionment, using examples of shipwrecked sailors, prisoners, and the families of missing soldiers who cling to false promises. Tozer warns that hope without a solid foundation can ultimately result in bitterness and despair, emphasizing the need for a hope that is anchored in truth. He concludes that without guarantees of fulfillment, hope can become a disease that misleads and ultimately harms us.
The Difference Between Happiness and Joy
By Shane Idleman0PRO 13:12JHN 3:16ACT 3:19ROM 3:23HEB 12:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires with God's will to experience true fulfillment and purpose in life. He highlights that material possessions, success, and achievements do not bring lasting happiness, but rather a genuine relationship with Christ is the source of hope and joy. Idleman stresses the significance of spiritual prosperity as the foundation for overall health and well-being, urging individuals to prioritize their soul's condition above all else. He challenges the notion that quality alone is sufficient, emphasizing the importance of both quality and quantity in various aspects of life, including relationships and time management.
Hell
By Thomas Boston0PRO 13:12MAT 8:12MAT 25:41LUK 24:50ROM 5:62CO 4:4REV 16:21REV 20:10Thomas Boston preaches about the eternal state of the damned in hell, emphasizing the everlasting misery and torment prepared for those who are cursed and sentenced to separation from God. The sermon delves into the quality, punishment, and aggravations of the condemned, highlighting the eternal duration of their torments and the society of devils they will be locked up with in hell. The preacher stresses the importance of repentance, surrendering to Jesus Christ, and fleeing from the wrath to come to avoid the dreadful fate of eternal punishment in the fiery pit of hell.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The figures of paradise in Pro 13:12 and Pro 13:14 require us to take along with them the intermediate verse (Pro 13:13). 12 Deferred waiting maketh the heart sick, And a tree of life is a wish accomplished. Singularly the lxx Κρείσσων ἐναρχόμενος βοηθῶν καρδίᾳ, followed by the Syr. (which the Targ. Transcribes): (Note: That the Targum of the Proverbs is a Jewish elaboration of the Peshito text, vid., Nldeke in Merx' Archiv, Bd. ii. pp. 246-49.) Better is he who begins to help than he who remains in hesitating expectation, by which תחלת is doubled, and is derived once from הוחיל, to wait, and the second time from החל, to begin. If the lxx, with its imitators, deteriorates to such a degree proverbs so clear, beautiful, and inviolable, what may one expect from it in the case of those not easily understood! משּׁך signifies also, Isa 18:2, to be widely extended (cf. Arab. meshaḳ), here in the sense of time, as נמשׁך, to prolong, Isa 13:22, and post-bibl. משׁך הזּמן, the course of time. Regarding תּוחלת, vid., at Pro 10:28, where as Pro 11:27 תּקות, here תּאוה, as also Psa 78:29 of the object of the wish, and with בוא in the sense of being fulfilled (cf. Jos 21:43), as there with הביא in the sense of accomplishing or performing. Extended waiting makes the heart sick, causes heart-woe (מחלה, part. fem. Hiph. of חלה, to be slack, feeble, sick; R. חל, to loosen, to make loose); on the contrary, a wish that has been fulfilled is a tree of life (cf. p. 23), of a quickening and strengthening influence, like that tree of paradise which was destined to renew and extend the life of man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
desire cometh--is realized. a tree of life--or, "cause of happiness."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick,.... That is, the object hoped for; if it is not enjoyed so soon as expected, at least if it is delayed any length of time, the mind becomes uneasy, the heart sinks and fails, and the man is dispirited and ready to despond, and give up all hope of enjoying the desired blessing; whether it be deliverance from any evil, or the possession of any good; but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life; when that which is hoped and wished for, and has been long expected and desired, comes; when there is an accomplishment of men's wishes, it is as grateful to him as the tree of life was in Eden's garden; it gives him an unspeakable pleasure and delight. This may be applied to many things in a spiritual way, as to the first coming of Christ; and some have thought this is greatly regarded and chiefly intended; this was the object of the hope of Old Testament saints; and it was hoped for on a good foundation, on the promise of God, which was frequently repeated, enlarged, and confirmed; yet this promised and hoped for blessing was deferred a long time; from the first promise of it to its accomplishment were four thousand years; though not deferred longer than the appointed time, yet longer than the saints expected, and which sometimes made their hearts sick; they became weak and feeble, fearful and dispirited, lest it should never come to pass, which occasioned fresh promises and assurances to them; see Isa 35:3, Mal 3:1; but when "the desire" came, Christ the desired object; and who is desirable for the excellencies of his person, his mediatorial qualifications, the work of redemption and salvation he came about, and the blessings he brought with him; and who is the "desire of all nations" that was to come, Hag 2:7; it was exceeding joyful and delightful to all that expected him, and were looking for redemption in Israel, or Christ; "the coming desire" (i), as it may be rendered, is "a tree of life", or "lives", the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; see Pro 3:18. It may be applied also to the spiritual presence of Christ, and communion with him; this is what believers, being sometimes without, hope and wait for; and sometimes it is deferred a long time, at least they think it so, which makes them very uneasy, and even sick of love, as the church was, Sol 5:8; but when what they so earnestly desire is granted them, it is as if they were in Eden's garden, or rather in the paradise above, plucking the fruit of the tree of life: likewise it may be applied to eternal glory and happiness; this is the object of hope in the present state; it is sometimes impatiently expected and desired, and the language of the soul is, "Why is his chariot so long in coming?", "come, Lord Jesus, come quickly", Jdg 5:28; and when this desired happiness is enjoyed, how sweet will it be! and the sweeter for having been so much longed and wished for; and when the saints will be in the paradise of God, and eat of the tree of life in the midst of it, and never hunger more. (i) "desiderium venieus", V. L. Pagninus, Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Nothing is more grievous than the disappointment of a raised expectation, though not in the thing itself by a denial, yet in the time of it by a delay: Hope deferred makes the heart sick and languishing, fretful and peevish; but hope quite dashed kills the heart, and the more high the expectation was raised the more cutting is the frustration of it. It is therefore our wisdom not to promise ourselves any great matters from the creature, not to feed ourselves with any vain hopes from this world, lest we lay up matter for our own vexation; and what we do hope for let us prepare to be disappointed in, that, if it should prove so, it may prove the easier; and let us not be hasty. 2. Nothing is more grateful than to enjoy that, at last, which we have long wished and waited for: When the desire does come it puts men into a sort of paradise, a garden of pleasure, for it is a tree of life. It will aggravate the eternal misery of the wicked that their hopes will be frustrated; and it will make the happiness of heaven the more welcome to the saints that it is what they have earnestly longed for as the crown of their hopes.