Proverbs 29:12
Proverbs 29:12 in Multiple Translations
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
A ruler who listens to lies will have nothing but wicked officials.
Of a prince that hearkeneth to lyes, all his seruants are wicked.
A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers [are] wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
If a ruler hearkeneth to lies, all his servants are wicked.
A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
If a ruler ◄pays attention to/believes► people who tell lies, all his officials will also become wicked.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Proverbs 29:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֹ֭שֵׁל
מַקְשִׁ֣יב
עַל
דְּבַר
שָׁ֑קֶר
כָּֽל
מְשָׁרְתָ֥י/ו
רְשָׁעִֽים
מֹ֭שֵׁל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
מַקְשִׁ֣יב
qâshab
H7181
to listen
V-Hiphil
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
שָׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מְשָׁרְתָ֥י/ו
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel | Suff
רְשָׁעִֽים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
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 29:12
מֹ֭שֵׁל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
מַקְשִׁ֣יב
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
V-Hiphil
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
שָׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מְשָׁרְתָ֥י/ו
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
רְשָׁעִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:12
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:8 | A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:6–7 | Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel. |
| 3 | Psalms 52:2–4 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 22:8–23 | Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” Then the king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests at Nob. And all of them came to the king. “Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied. And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!” Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks your life is seeking mine as well. You will be safe with me.” |
| 5 | Psalms 101:5–7 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 23:19–23 | Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 3:7–11 | Meanwhile, Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 4:5–12 | Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while the king was taking his midday nap. They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away. They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah. They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy who sought your life. Today the LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king against Saul and his offspring.” But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!” So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 21:11–13 | So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. |
| 10 | Proverbs 25:23 | As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks. |
Proverbs 29:12 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 29:12, warns us that when someone in power, like a ruler, listens to lies and false information, it can lead to corruption and evil among their officials. This is because lies and false information can lead people astray and cause them to make poor decisions, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:1. As Christians, we can apply this principle to our own lives by being careful about what we listen to and who we trust for advice, and seeking truth and wisdom from God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105. By doing so, we can make wise decisions and live a life that honors God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a ruler listens to lies?
According to Proverbs 29:12, if a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked, leading to a corrupt and unjust system, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:3 where the sons of Eli the priest were corrupt.
Why is it important for rulers to listen to truth?
Listening to truth is essential for rulers because it helps them make wise and just decisions, as advised in Proverbs 11:14, and leads to a stable and prosperous nation, as seen in Proverbs 29:14.
Can a ruler's character influence the behavior of their officials?
Yes, a ruler's character can significantly influence the behavior of their officials, as stated in Proverbs 29:12, where listening to lies leads to wicked officials, and as seen in 2 Kings 12:2 where King Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and his officials followed his example.
How can we as Christians apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the influences we listen to and the company we keep, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33, and seeking truth and wisdom from God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure I am listening to truth and not lies in my own life?
- How can I be a positive influence on those around me, just as a ruler's character can influence their officials?
- What are some potential consequences of listening to lies, and how can I avoid them in my own decision-making?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and truth from God's Word, and apply it to my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:12
If a ruler hearken to lies,.... To men that tell them in order to soothe and flatter him, or to hurt the character and reputation of others, that they may raise their own: rulers should not listen to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:12
If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants (are) wicked - for they are sure to imitate him. As is the master, so will be his men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
If a ruler hearken to lies, delight in flatteries or calumnies, or any lying words or deceitful and wicked practices, all his servants are wicked; partly because he chooseth only such for his service; and partly because they are either corrupted by his example, or engaged by their place and interest to please him, and comply with his base lusts.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.Ver. 12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.] He shall have his Aiones and Negones, that will say as he says, and fit his humour to a hair, as Doeg did Saul’ s, as the false prophets did Ahab’ s, as Herod’ s courtiers did him on his birthday feast, &c. These were fit helves for such hatchets, fit lettuce for such lips, fit servants for such masters. “ Mobile mutatur semper eum principe vulgus.” Claudian. Like prince, like people. The common sort are like a flock of cranes; as the first fly, all follow. Or as in a beast, the whole body follows the head. Rulers are the looking glasses according to which most men dress themselves. Their sins do much hurt, as by imputation - 2 Samuel 24:15-17, the prince sinned, the people suffered - so by imitation; for man is a creature apt to imitate, and is led more by his eyes than by his ears. Magis intuentur quid fecerit Iupiter, quam quid docuit Plato, saith Augustine. Jupiter’ s adulteries drew the people to like wantonness.
Hence Chaerea in Terence, Haec ego non facerem quae Iupiter fecit? saith he, Should I make dainty of doing that which Jupiter did? Height of place ever adds two wings to sin, example and scandal, whereby it soars higher, and flies much farther. Let rulers, therefore, look to it. Let them not be "partakers of other men’ s sins" - they have enough of their own to answer for. Potentes potenter torquebuntur - let them take heed that "the iniquity of their heels," of those that follow them at the heels, "doth not compass them about." Delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
(12) If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.—If a ruler shows that he likes adulation and falsehood rather than unpleasant truths, his attendants will provide him with what he wishes. (Comp. Sir 10:2.) So Jeremiah complains (Jeremiah 5:31) that prophets, priests, and people were all wilfully deceiving each other.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
Verse 12. If a ruler hearken to lies] Wherever the system of espionage is permitted to prevail, there the system of falsity is established; for he who is capable of being a spy and informer, is not only capable of telling and swearing lies, but also of cutting his king's or even his father's throat. I have seen cases, where the same spy received pay from both parties, and deceived both.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:12
12. Comp. “As is the judge of his people, so are his ministers; And as is the ruler of the city, such are all they that dwell therein.” Sir 10:2.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:12
All his servants are wicked - They know what will please, and they become informers and backbiters.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
12. Lies — Hebrew, word of falsehood. It may mean a false accusation against some one, or a false suggestion as to his own merits, abilities, or prerogatives.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight |
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The Biblical Theology of the Tongue by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon delves into the biblical theology of the tongue, emphasizing the power of words to either speak truth or error, highlighting the struggle with words that we all face. I |
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What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou |
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Follow the Lamb! (Selections) by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the continuous journey of following Christ, urging believers to keep their focus on Jesus and His cross for spiritual health and growth. He warns against |
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Step 10 on Slander or Calumny. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of slander, highlighting how it stems from hatred and malice, draining the blood of charity and leading to the ruin of chastity. He emp |
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1 Corinthians 16:10 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of correcting others with love and gentleness, emphasizing the need to approach reproof with care and compassion. He highlights the si |