Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12:1

Knowledge. It is a great kindness to shew us our faults. But God’s grace is necessary to make us reap benefit from correction, (Calmet) as self-love recoils at it.

Proverbs 12:2

But. Hebrew, “and he will condemn the man of devices,” (Mont.[Montanus?]; Haydock) or, “the man of thoughts doth wickedly,” (Calmet) as he trusts in them, rather than in God. (Menochius)

Proverbs 12:4

Diligent. Hebrew, “strong or virtuous,” (Haydock) including all the perfections of the sex, and in particular those of economy and chastity, chap. xiv. 1., and xxxi. 10.

Proverbs 12:7

Turn. In a moment the wicked is not to be found, chap. x. 25., and Psalm xxxvi. 35.

Proverbs 12:8

Learning. We apply to those things which we love, and those who study sacred (Calmet) or useful sciences, shall receive praise.

Proverbs 12:9

Glorious. Or a boaster, (Haydock) as many noblemen are, who are involved in debt, Ecclesiasticus x. 30. (Menochius) — It is better to have a sufficiency, than to be of noble parentage; and starving through a stupid idea, that work would be disgraceful.

Proverbs 12:10

Beasts. Those who treat them with cruelty, would do the like with men. God gives regulations to let brute beasts have rest, Leviticus xxii. 28. (Calmet) (St. Chrysostom in Romans xxix.)

Proverbs 12:11

Idleness. Hebrew, “the idle.” Their company is seducing. — He that, &c. This occurs in the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew or the new edition of St. Jerome. (Calmet) — Wine. Or “in taverns.” — Holds. Soldiers have thus been often surprised. (Menochius) — “Drunkenness is an incitement to lust and madness, the poison of wisdom.” (St. Ambrose)

Proverbs 12:12

Men. They wish to supplant one another.

Proverbs 12:13

Lips. Liars often become the victims of their own deceit.

Proverbs 12:16

Wise. It is more difficult to repress, than to avoid anger. (St. Ambrose) — To dissemble, so as to seek an opportunity of revenge, is not commended.

Proverbs 12:17

That. Hebrew, “the truth announceth justice.” We easily give credit to an honest man. (Calmet)

Proverbs 12:18

Promiseth. Septuagint, “there are, who speaking, wound with the sword; but,” &c. Hebrew bote (Haydock) means also, making a foolish promise, which causes remorse. (Menochius) — This was the case with Herod, when he was pleased with Herodias, Matthew xiv. 8. (Calmet) — Hebrew, “speaketh like the piercings of the sword,” (Protestants; Haydock) as detractors, and those who disseminate impious and scandalous maxims do.

Proverbs 12:19

Frameth. He studies how to escape detection. Hebrew, “a lying tongue is but for a moment;” it is presently discovered.

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit. Or uneasiness. (Calmet) — Honi soit qui mal y pense: “let him be covered with shame who thinks evil in it,” seems nearly the same import. (Haydock)

Proverbs 12:21

Sad. Even if he fall into sin, he will not lose all hope. (Calmet) — The accidents accompanying this life will not overwhelm him. (St. Chrysostom) — Hebrew, “no evil shall befall the just.” If he be afflicted here, he will be amply rewarded hereafter. Septuagint, “the just will not be pleased with any injustice.”

Proverbs 12:23

Cautious. Versutus is taken in a good, as well as in a bad sense. The wise are reserved in speaking, Proverbs xvi. 14. (Calmet)

Proverbs 12:25

Grief. Septuagint, “a fearful speech troubleth the heart of a (just) man.” (Grabe) (Haydock)

Proverbs 12:26

Just. A true friend will make any sacrifice. (Calmet) — “I am convinced that friendship can subsist only among the good,” says Cicero. Hebrew, “the just hath more, (Calmet; Protestants) or is more excellent than his neighbour.” Septuagint, “the intelligent just is his own friend; (but the sentences of the impious are contrary to equity. Evils shall pursue sinners) but the way,” &c. (Grabe) (Haydock)

Proverbs 12:27

Gain. Hebrew and Septuagint, “his prey,” (Calmet) or what “he took in hunting.” (Protestants) (Haydock)

Proverbs 12:28

Bye-way. Of vice. Hebrew, “and a way which leadeth to death,” or “its paths conduct to death.” (Calmet)

Proverbs 12:31

CHAPTER XII.