Proverbs 12 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Lie in wait — Are designed to entrap others, and to destroy them. Deliver them — From those that lie in wait for them.

Are not — Both they and their families suddenly perish.

Despised — That lives in a mean condition. Honoureth — That glories in his high birth or gay attire.

Regardeth — He will not destroy it either by labour beyond its strength, or by denying it necessary food or rest. Cruel — There is cruelty mixed even with their most merciful actions.

Tilleth — That employs his time in an honest calling. Vain persons — In an idle course of living.

Desireth — He approves those arts, which wicked men use like nets to ensnare other men. The root — That piety, which is the root of his actions, yields him sufficient fruit both for his own need, and to do good to others.

Mouth — By his pious and profitable discourses. Hands — Of his actions.

Hearkeneth — That distrusts his own judgments, and seeks counsel from others.

Covereth — The shame, or injury done to him, which he conceals and bears with patience.

Deceit — He who uses himself to lying in his common talk, will use falsehood and deceit in judgment.

Health — Tends to the comfort and benefit of others.

A moment — Liars, though they may make a fair shew for a season, yet are quickly convicted.

Deceit — They whose hearts devise mischief shall be deceived in their hopes, and bring trouble upon themselves: but they who by good counsels labour to promote peace, shall reap the comfort of it themselves.

Concealeth — He does not unseasonably utter what he knows. Foolishness — Betrays his ignorance and folly.

A good word — A compassionate or encouraging word.

Neighbour — Than any other men. Seduceth — Heb. maketh them to err, to lose that excellency or happiness which they had promised themselves.

Resteth not — Does not enjoy the fruit of his labours. Precious — Yields him comfort and blessing with it.