Proverbs 12:1 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

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Bible Comments

Verse Proverbs 12:9. That is to say, it matters little that one is not counted as of any importance by his neighbors if, nevertheless, he is able to keep a servant, that is, to employ someone to minister to his need. That man is in a far worse case who honors himself, that is, keeps up an appearance out of pride, while, nevertheless, he lacks bread.

Verse Proverbs 12:12. The contrast here is between the feverish desire for the speculative method of obtaining, symbolized by hunting, with the natural and certain, if slower, process of growing.

Verse Proverbs 12:14. This proverb takes for granted that a man's words and works are good, and then teaches that they benefit him as well as those to whom he speaks and for whom he works.

Verse Proverbs 12:20. In order to appreciate the antithesis of the proverb it must be recognized that the writer takes it for granted that deceit in the heart is the cause of misery. Men who imagine evil have to practice deceit, which causes unhappiness. Men who counsel peace have joy in the heart.

Related Commentaries of Proverbs 12:1

Proverbs 12:1-28

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the neta of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wickedb is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presentlyc known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothfuld shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellente than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.