Proverbs 21:12
Proverbs 21:12 in Multiple Translations
The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin.
The Upright One, looking on the house of the evil-doer, lets sinners be overturned to their destruction.
The God of justice sees what happens in the homes of the wicked, and brings the wicked down in disaster.
The righteous teacheth the house of the wicked: but God ouerthroweth the wicked for their euill.
The Righteous One is acting wisely Towards the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.
The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.
The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked, that he may withdraw the wicked from evil.
God, the one who is completely righteous, knows what happens inside the houses of wicked people, and he will cause those people to be completely ruined/destroyed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:12
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 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
צַ֭דִּיק
לְ/בֵ֣ית
רָשָׁ֑ע
מְסַלֵּ֖ף
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
לָ/רָֽע
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
מְסַלֵּ֖ף
çâlaph
H5557
to pervert
V-Piel
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
לָ/רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
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 21:12
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מְסַלֵּ֖ף
çâlaph
H5557
"to pervert"
V-Piel
To pervert means to twist or subvert something, often referring to bribery or corruption. It can also mean to overthrow or ruin, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to twist, pervert, distort, overturn, ruin 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to pervert (of bribery) 1a2) to subvert, turn upside down, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: overthrow, pervert. See also: Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 13:6; Proverbs 19:3.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לָ/רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:12
Context — The King’s Heart
10The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. 14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:11 | The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:35–36 | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 3:6–7 | through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:32 | The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. |
| 5 | Amos 4:11 | “Some of you I overthrew as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 52:5 | Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah |
| 7 | Job 5:3 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 10:5 | Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness. |
| 9 | Psalms 107:43 | Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD. |
| 10 | Job 8:15 | He leans on his web, but it gives way; he holds fast, but it does not endure. |
Proverbs 21:12 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 21:12, tells us that God, who is a righteous judge, looks at the lives of those who are wicked and will bring them to ruin. This means that God hates evil and will judge those who do wrong, as also seen in Revelation 20:12-15. But it also reminds us that God loves righteousness and will bless those who follow Him, as seen in Psalm 1:1-3. We can trust that God will always do what is right, and we should strive to live righteous lives, following His commands and loving Him with all our hearts, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Righteous One to consider the house of the wicked?
This means that God, who is righteous, carefully examines the lives and actions of those who are wicked, and He will bring judgment upon them, as seen in Proverbs 21:12 and also in Psalms 37:10-11, where it says the wicked will be cut off from the earth.
Will God really bring the wicked to ruin?
Yes, according to Proverbs 21:12, God will bring the wicked to ruin, which is a reminder of His justice and holiness, as also stated in Romans 6:23, where the wages of sin is death.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's character as a righteous judge, who hates evil and loves righteousness, as seen in Psalm 11:7, where it says the Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds.
What can we learn from this verse about God's involvement in human affairs?
This verse teaches us that God is actively involved in human affairs, observing the actions of both the righteous and the wicked, and will bring about justice, as also seen in Jeremiah 32:19, where God's eyes are open to all the ways of men.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can align my life with God's standards of righteousness, so I can avoid His judgment?
- How can I trust in God's justice, even when I see wickedness prevailing in the world around me?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's love and righteousness to those around me, especially to those who are caught up in wickedness?
- What does it mean for me to 'consider' my own house, or my own life, in light of God's righteous standards, and how can I apply this verse to my personal life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:12
The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked,.... Not so much the stately palace he lives in, and the furniture of it, as the glory, splendour, riches, and largeness of his family;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:12
The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
Wisely considereth the house of the wicked; he looketh through its present power and glory (which dazzleth the eyes of others) unto that ruin to which it is designed. But, or now, or that, this being the thing which he wisely considereth, God overthroweth, or will overthrow in his due time, though for a season he bear with them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.Ver. 12. The righteous man wisely considereth, &c.] He foreseeth its fearful fall, and is not offended at their present prosperity; for God, he knows, will shortly overturn it. This consideration cures him of the fret, as it did David It doth also instruct him in many points of heavenly wisdom, as it did the Church. The destruction of others should be an instruction to us, that we may wash our feet in the blood of the wicked.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
(12) The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked.—Rather, A Righteous one (God) marks the house of the wicked and overthroweth the wicked for (their) destruction. He watches the evil to see whether they will repent (Luke 13:8), and if they will not, at last overthrows them when their iniquity has become full (Genesis 15:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
Verse 12. The righteous man wisely considereth] This verse is understood as implying the pious concern of a righteous man, for a wicked family, whom he endeavours by his instructions to bring into the way of knowledge and peace.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:12
12. God overthroweth] The difficulty of this proverb lies in the elliptical character of the second clause, which leaves a subject of necessity to be supplied. The A.V. makes man the subject of the first clause, and God of the second. But it is better to render, either with R.V. text: The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked; How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin; or with Ewald and others, and R.V. marg., taking the Righteous One in the first clause to be God (Job 34:17), and retaining the same subject throughout. One that is righteous considereth the house of the wicked; He overthroweth the wicked to their ruin. Both LXX. and Vulg., though differing from one another and from our present Heb. text, make “the righteous” the subject of both clauses.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:12
Or, The Righteous One (Yahweh) regardeth well the house of the wicked, and maketh the wicked fall into mischief.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
12. The righteous — Either the “righteous” man, as our version, or the “righteous” God, as others interpret the passage. There is nothing in the original to determine the reading. “The Just One.” — Conant.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Rich and the Poor Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not making pleasure our god and seeking fulfillment in material possessions. He warns that those who love pleasure a |
|
The Family Altar by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches about the importance of establishing a daily 'family altar' through the practice of 'family prayers', emphasizing the Biblical authority and background |
|
If God Could Keep Me From Trouble, Then Why Doesn't He? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and doing good. He encourages the audience to look for opportunities to do good and to rely on God's p |
|
God's Terribleness and Gentleness by Joseph Parker | Joseph Parker preaches about the contrasting truths of God's power and restraint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing both aspects. He illustrates how God's p |
|
This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
|
Waiting Rather Than Fretting by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the inevitability of external stimuli that cause vexation in our lives, suggesting that true deliverance from a fretting spirit comes through humility, self-d |
|
We Should Obey God by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of obeying God rather than following prideful and divisive leaders who incite conflict. He warns against yielding to the harmful inclinati |