regardeth, &c. = knoweth. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 33:13 , Genesis 33:14 ); David (1 Samuel 17:34 , 1 Samuel 17:35 ). life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . cruel. Illustrations: Nahash (1 Samuel 11:1 , 1 Samuel 11:2 ); Pilate (Luke 23:16 ). read more
"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."A various reading for the second clause is, "The heart of the wicked is cruel," or "The heart of the wicked is without mercy."[16] This proverb reflects the thought of the commandment that, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn." (Deuteronomy 25:4). read more
Proverbs 12:10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast— Lord Bacon observes upon this verse, that there is implanted in man's nature [by Divine grace] a noble and excellent affection of pity and compassion, called here mercy (for the word rendered righteous, signifies mild, clement, merciful), which mercy extends itself even unto brute creatures, that are by divine ordination subject to his command. Therefore this compassion hath some analogy with that of a prince toward his subjects;... read more
10. regardeth—literally, "knoweth" (Psalms 1:6). mercies . . . cruel—as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man. read more
5. The value of righteousness 12:1-12 read more
4. A crown, etc.] Possibly there may be a reference to the crown worn on their wedding-day by bride and bridegroom (Song of Solomon 3:11; Song of Solomon 8:9). In Damascus the bridal crown consists of a silver hoop covered with a network of strings of corals. On this net are fastened strings of gold coins.5. Two kinds of plans. 6. Their very words are an ambush, meant to cause destruction.9. Even a poor man in those days could afford to have a slave (cp. Exodus 21:32), and such a man, although... read more
(10) Regardeth the life of his beast.—Rather, knows their feelings (comp. Exodus 23:9), and so can feel for them. God’s own care for the brute creation (Jonah 4:11) was shown in the merciful provisions of the Law, by which cattle shared the rest of the Sabbath, and had their portion of the corn as it was being trodden out (Deuteronomy 25:4).Tender mercies.—What the wicked calls tenderness and kind treatment is really cruelty, as he takes no thought for the comfort of his beast. read more
Wasted Gains Proverbs 12:27 I. By toil, by tears, by sharing in the toil and tears of others, our life is rich in gains. Trophies have fallen to our bow, and to the bow of the nation with which we are one, and to the bow of the Gospel we believe; and we have never roasted what we took in hunting. The gains are wasted; the trophies are unused. 1. I want to run that thought out into various spheres of life; and first, the wasted gains in bodily life. Take speech or sight. Compare the... read more
CHAPTER 13THE TONGUE"A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his MOUTH: and the doings of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him."- Proverbs 12:14"In the transgression of the LIPS is a snare to an evil man: but the righteous shall come out of trouble."- Proverbs 12:13"A fool’s vexation is PRESENTLY KNOWN: but a prudent man concealeth shame."- Proverbs 12:16"He that uttereth truth SHOWETH FORTH righteousness, but a false witness deceit."- Proverbs 12:17"The LIP of truth shall be... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:1-28
Honest speech and honest work (12:1-28)There are further proverbs on attitudes towards criticism (12:1-2; see notes on 9:7-9), the stability of the righteous (3) and the value of a good wife (4). The righteous, besides having good principles, have the courage to speak up at risk to themselves in order to save others (5-7).If people live humbly and in keeping with their financial capacity, they may not achieve high social status, but at least they will remain free of debt. They are wiser than... read more