Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12:1

WHoso loveth instruction, loveth knowledge] Rather, correction. To wit, by word of mouth, called reproof afterwards. It is a sign he loves knowledge, that can bear his masters reproof: but he that cannot bear it, loves it no more then a beast.

Proverbs 12:3

the root of the righteous shall not be moved] Chap. 10. 25. The state of the righteous, though it shake sometimes, yet is like a deep rooted tree, it will not be blown down, whereas the wicked fall, when they seem strongest.

Proverbs 12:4

vertuous] Heb. Of vertue, Chap. 31. 10.

A vertuous woman is a crown to her husband] 1 Corinthians 11:7. Not onely an excellent helper, but also a chief ornament in the eyes of others, chap. 31. 23.

Proverbs 12:5

The thoughts of the righteous are right] Heb. judgement. That is, right as judgements ought to be.

the counsels of the wicked are deceit] Not onely their rash thoughts, but also their deliberate ones.

Proverbs 12:6

The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood] Chap. 1. 11, 18.

the mouth of the upright shall deliver them] Those whose blood the wicked seek to spill, 1 Samuel 19:4. or, themselves.

Proverbs 12:7

The wicked are overthrown, and are not] Psal 37. 37. chap. 11. 21.

Proverbs 12:8

of a perverse heart] Heb. perverse of heart.

Proverbs 12:10

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast] I mercifull even to the very beast that doth him service.

the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel] If they be cruell, when they pretend to shew mercy, what are they, when they come with a drawn sword to shed blood?

tender] Or, bowels.

Proverbs 12:11

He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread] Chap. 28. 19.

he that followeth vain persons, is void of understanding] And so neglects his businesse, whereby he should live.

Proverbs 12:12

The wicked desireth the net of evil men] He continually imagineth means how to do harm to others.

the net] Or, the fortresse.

the root of the righteous yeeldeth fruit] Meaning, their hear within, which is upright, and doth good to all.

Proverbs 12:13

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips] Heb. The snare of the wicked is in the transgression of lips, Chap. 18. 7. An evill mans tongue brings himself into trouble, and a good mans helps himself out, 1 Sam. 25.

Proverbs 12:14

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth] Chap. 13. 2.

and the recompence of a mans hands shall be rendred unto him] A good man shall be rewarded both for his good words and works.

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes] Chap. 3. 7. His own device: for he thinketh himself wisest, and hearkneth to no mans counsell.

he that hearkneth unto counsel is wise] No man is naturally wise: every one therefore must get wisdom by hearkning to others, Job 11:12.

Proverbs 12:16

A fools wrath is presently known] Or, A fool is known in the day of his wrath. For then he vents his folly.

presently] Heb. in that day.

a prudent man covereth shame] Bridleth his affections, that he may not speak, or do any thing that may shame him: or, hideth the shame of another, by taking no notice of an injury.

Proverbs 12:17

He that speaketh truth, sheweth forth righteousnesse] Chap. 14. 5.

a false witnesse] Heb. of lies.

Proverbs 12:18

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword] Psalms 57:4. and Psalms 59:7. It is not every man that doth so, but there are some so bad, that their tongues wound like swords.

Proverbs 12:19

The lip of truth shall be established for ever] A true speaker can stand it out to the end; but a liar can shift but a while.

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil] Or, Deceit returns into the heart. That is, they that seek to deceive others, hurt themselves: but they that give good counsell, fare the better for it themselves.

Proverbs 12:22

Lying lips are abomination to the Lord] Chap. 6. 17. Though God hate all manner of evill; yet lying is most hatefull to him, being a God of truth, Revelation 22:15.

they that deal truly are his delight] That do as they speak, which liars do not.

Proverbs 12:23

A prudent man concealeth knowledge] Chap. 13. 16. and 15. 2. He that is wise, reveals his knowledge, onely when he may do good with it: but fools by prating, shew their folly.

Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule] Chapter 10. 4.

the slothfull shall be under tribute] Or, deceitfull: For such men live by their wits, not by their hands.

Proverbs 12:25

Heavinesse in the heart of man maketh it stoop] Chap. 15. 13. As a heavy burden weighs down the body.

a good word maketh it glad] A word of comfort from a friend.

word] Or, matter chap. 15. 20.

Proverbs 12:26

excellent] Or, abundant.

the way of the wicked seduceth them] They think their way more excellent; but they are deceived.

Proverbs 12:27

The slothfull man rosteth not that which he took in hunting] A wicked man gets no good by his, for others get it away: but a good man hath good by his riches.

slothfull man] Heb. man of slacknesse, as chap. 10. 4. Micah 6:9.