Proverbs 17:12
Proverbs 17:12 in Multiple Translations
It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.
It is better to come face to face with a bear whose young ones have been taken away than with a foolish man acting foolishly.
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs than a stupid person and their foolishness.
It is better for a man to meete a beare robbed of her whelpes, then a foole in his follie.
The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And — not a fool in his folly.
Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting in his own folly.
A mother bear whose cubs have been taken away from her is dangerous, but it is more dangerous to confront a foolish person who is doing something foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:12
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 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פָּג֬וֹשׁ
דֹּ֣ב
שַׁכּ֣וּל
בְּ/אִ֑ישׁ
וְ/אַל
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
בְּ/אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ
פָּג֬וֹשׁ
pâgash
H6298
to meet
V-Qal-Ptc
דֹּ֣ב
dôb
H1677
bear
N-ms
שַׁכּ֣וּל
shakkûwl
H7909
childless
Adj
בְּ/אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
בְּ/אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:12
פָּג֬וֹשׁ
pâgash
H6298
"to meet"
V-Qal-Ptc
To meet or encounter someone, like when people come together by chance or on purpose. It appears in the Bible when people gather or run into each other.
Definition: 1) to meet, join, encounter 1a) (Qal) to meet, encounter 1b) (Niphal) to meet together, meet each other 1c) (Piel) to meet, encounter
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: meet (with, together). See also: Genesis 32:18; Psalms 85:11; Proverbs 17:12.
דֹּ֣ב
dôb
H1677
"bear"
N-ms
The bear is described in the Bible as a slow-moving animal, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:34-37 where David fights a bear. The word for bear is also used in Proverbs 28:15.
Definition: bear Aramaic equivalent: dov (דֹּב "bear" H1678)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: bear. See also: 1 Samuel 17:34; Proverbs 28:15; Proverbs 17:12.
שַׁכּ֣וּל
shakkûwl
H7909
"childless"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to be childless due to loss, like a parent who has outlived their kids. It's used in the Bible to describe someone who has been bereaved. In the KJV, it's translated as 'barren' or 'bereaved of children'.
Definition: 1) childless (through bereavement) 2) bereaved, robbed of offspring
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: barren, bereaved (robbed) of children (whelps). See also: 2 Samuel 17:8; Song of Solomon 6:6; Proverbs 17:12.
בְּ/אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
בְּ/אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:12
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
11An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
13If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house. 14To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 13:8 | Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast would tear them apart. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 17:8 | He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:15 | Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:3 | A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both. |
| 5 | Matthew 2:16 | When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 2:24 | Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. |
Proverbs 17:12 Summary
This verse means that it's better to face a wild and angry bear than to deal with someone who is being foolish and stubborn, as seen in the contrast between the bear and the fool in Proverbs 17:12. Fools can be very unpredictable and prone to reckless behavior, which can be hurtful to themselves and others, as warned in Proverbs 10:23. By avoiding fools and seeking wisdom, we can protect ourselves from harm and live more peaceful lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:1-2, where it is written that my son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, and Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the bear in Proverbs 17:12 represent?
The bear in this verse represents a fierce and unpredictable creature, symbolizing the danger and unpredictability of encountering a fool in their folly, as seen in the contrast with a bear robbed of her cubs, which is a desperate and dangerous animal, similar to the description in Proverbs 28:15, which warns against the cruel and oppressive nature of wicked rulers.
Why is it better to meet a bear than a fool?
It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly because a bear, although dangerous, can be predictable in its actions, whereas a fool is unpredictable and prone to reckless behavior, as warned in Proverbs 10:23, where it is written that foolishness brings joy to a fool, but in Proverbs 17:12, the fool's actions are a threat to others.
What does this verse teach us about dealing with fools?
This verse teaches us that dealing with fools can be extremely challenging and even dangerous, and it is often better to avoid them, as advised in Proverbs 14:7, which warns against associating with fools, and Proverbs 23:9, which cautions against speaking to a fool, for they will only scorn your words.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse to our everyday lives by being cautious when interacting with people who exhibit foolish behavior, and by seeking wisdom and discernment in our relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and by avoiding arguments and conflicts with such individuals, as advised in Proverbs 17:14, where it is written that to start a quarrel is to release a flood, so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
Reflection Questions
- What are some warning signs that someone is acting foolishly, and how can I respond to them in a wise and loving manner, as taught in Proverbs 10:8, where it is written that the wise in heart will receive commandments?
- How can I balance the need to avoid fools with the command to love and witness to all people, including those who may be acting foolishly, as seen in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus teaches us to love our enemies?
- What are some strategies for avoiding conflicts with fools, and how can I maintain my own emotional and spiritual well-being in such situations, as advised in Proverbs 22:24-25, where it is written that a man of great anger will bear the penalty, and Proverbs 15:1, where a soft answer turns away wrath?
- How can I discern when someone is being foolish, and when they are simply making a mistake or struggling with a difficult situation, as seen in Proverbs 12:1, where it is written that whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, and Proverbs 19:20, which advises us to listen to advice and accept instruction?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,.... A bear is a very fierce and furious creature, especially a she bear; and she is still more so when robbed of her whelps, which she has just whelped,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than (literally, and not; Proverbs 8:10) a fool in his folly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
Robbed of her whelps, when she is most cruel and fierce. In his folly; in the heat of his lust or passion, because the danger is greater, all things considered, and more unavoidable.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.Ver. 12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man.] A bear is a fierce and fell creature, the she ear especially, as Aristotle notes, but most of all when robbed of her whelps, which she licketh into form, and loveth without measure. To meet her in this rage is to meet death in the face; and yet that danger may be sooner shifted and shunned than a furious fool set upon mischief. Such were the primitive persecutors, not sparing those Christians whom bears and lions would not meddle with. Such a one was our bloody Bonner, who in five years’ time took and roasted three hundred martyrs, most of them within his own walk and diocese. Such another was that merciless Minerius, one of the Pope’ s captains, who destroyed twenty-two towns of the innocent Merindelians in France, together with the inhabitants; and being entreated for some few of them that escaped in their shirts to cover their nakedness, he sternly answered that he knew what he had to do, and that not one of them should escape his hands, but he would send them to hell to dwell among devils. Acts and Mon. Ibid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
(12) A bear robbed of her whelps.—Proverbially dangerous then (2 Samuel 17:8; Hosea 13:8). (See also 1 Kings 2:24.) A fool (khesîl).—Comp. Proverbs 1:32.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
Verse 12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps] At which times such animals are peculiarly fierce. 2 Samuel 17:8.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:12
12. a bear &c.] “The Syrian bear is fiercer than the brown bears to which we are accustomed. It attacks flocks (1 Samuel 17:34), and even oxen (Plin. viii. 64). The fierceness of the she-bear, bereaved of her whelps, became a proverb (2 Samuel 17:8).” Pusey on Hosea 13:8. rather than] Lit. and not.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:12
The large brown bear of Syria, in her rage at the loss of her whelps, was to the Israelites the strongest type of brute ferocity. Compare 2 Samuel 17:8; 2 Kings 2:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps — At which time she is particularly dangerous. Rather than (Hebrew, but not) a fool in his folly — That is, a man had better encounter a ferocious she bear than a wicked fool.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Have I to Do With Idols? by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard |
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The Bear by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion, drawing parallels between the behavior of bears and human interactions. She highlights the sacrificial love of |
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The Character of a Ruler Over Men: Just, Ruling in the Fear of God; Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the essential qualities of a ruler over men, highlighting the need for justice and the fear of God in leadership. He explains that rulers should treat their su |
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Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
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The Birth of the Infant Lord by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three disasters that have engulfed the human race: total, moral, and spiritual disaster. He emphasizes the importance of understanding th |
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At His Feet by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and sharing one's personal testimony of how they became a Christian. He expresses concern that many Christian |
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(Revelation) Part 2 the Desolation in Isreal by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the battle between good and evil as described in the book of Revelation. He focuses on the imagery of a woman clothed with the sun and a great |