A better translation is, "Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread" (RSV)."The point seems to be that some people live beyond their means in a vain show . . . whereas, if they lived modestly, they could have some of the conveniences of life, e.g., a servant." [Note: Ross, p. 969.] read more
The contrast appears to be between two kinds of people. The wicked want to gain from the work of other evil people (e.g., skimming money off the top of a gambling operation). On the other hand, the righteous are content to earn wages from their own honest toil. [Note: Cf. Toy, pp. 249-50; and Ross, p. 970.] read more
6. Avoiding trouble 12:13-28 read more
A prudent person "ignores an insult" (RSV). The insult is dishonor to himself or herself. A fool’s reaction is "like an injured animal and so his opponent knows that he has been wounded." [Note: McKane, p. 442.] A fool brings dishonor on himself and becomes vulnerable by making a big deal out of some insult that he received. read more
Thoughtless or critical speech can wound others. Transparent sharing can wound the speaker. Transparent sharing is good, but we must practice it wisely. [Note: See my comments on 10:19.] Wise people do not cause harm by their reckless talk."The sage is not primarily interested in winning debates, and he avoids speech which creates bitterness and erects barriers between himself and others." [Note: McKane, p. 446.] read more
". . . decent people do not have frequent trouble of their own making . . ." [Note: Ross, p. 972.] The verse is also true when one considers what happens to people after death, as well as before."The rigid application of this law was the mainstay of Job’s comforters; but taken rightly, it is a stimulating truth as valid for Paul (Romans 8:28 with 36, 37) as for Joseph (Genesis 50:20)-cheaply held in prosperity, precious in adversity." [Note: Kidner, p. 98.] read more
"When words can’t be trusted, then society starts to fall apart. Contracts are useless, promises are vain, the judicial system becomes a farce, and all personal relationships are suspect." [Note: Wiersbe, p. 118.] read more
What is the "good word?" It could be any word that gives encouragement. Solomon was evidently general deliberately. read more
The antecedent of "them" in Proverbs 12:26 b is "the wicked" (plural). [Note: Cf. J. A. Emerton, "A Note in Proverbs 12:26," Zeitschrift für die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 76 (1964):191-93.] read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 12:6
The words of the wicked, particularly their false accusations, are an ambush, but the words of the upright are straightforward and sincere (cf. Proverbs 1:18). [Note: Cf. Whybray, The Book . . ., p. 73.] read more