Proverbs 12:1-6 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3

A man shall not be established by wickedness. Man is metaphorically compared to a tree, especially the olive. Wickedness gives him no firm hold for growth or life (comp. Proverbs 10:25 ). The root of the righteous shall not be moved. The righteous are planted in a good soil, are "rooted and grounded in love" ( Ephesians 3:17 ), and the root being thus well placed, the tree is safe, and brings forth much fruit (comp. Proverbs 12:12 ; Job 14:7-9 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3

The instability of wickedness I. WICKEDNESS MAY BRING TEMPORAL PROSPERITY . It is important to observe the limitations of our subject. The Bible is not an unreasonable book; it does not ignore the patent facts of life; it does not deny that there are pleasures of sin. The very statement that "a man shall not be established by wickedness" implies that he may be lifted up, and may really enjoy prosperity for a season. Though not built up, he may be puffed up. This is to be borne... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3-12

Strength and fruitfulness Concerning the righteous man two things are here affirmed. I. IN HIM IS STRENGTH . "The root of the righteous shall never be moved." The strong wind comes and blows down the tree which has not struck its roots far into the foil; it tears it up by the roots and stretches it prone upon the ground. It has no strength to stand because its root is easily moved. The righteous man is a tree of another kind; his root shall never be moved; he will stand... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4

A virtuous woman; one whose portrait is beautifully traced in Proverbs 31:1-31 . The term is applied to Ruth ( Ruth 3:11 ). The Vulgate renders, diligens ; Septuagint, ἀνδρεία . The expression means one of power either in mind or body, or both. The same idea is contained in ἀρετὴ and virtus. Such a woman is not simply loving and modest and loyal, but is a crown to her husband; is an honour to him, adorns and beautifies his life, making, as it were, a joyous festival. So... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4-11

Blessings and miseries of domestic life I. ELEMENTS OF HAPPINESS IN THE HOME . 1 . The virtuous wife. ( Proverbs 12:4 .) The word is literally "a woman of power, " and the idea of force lies in the word and the idea of virtue. Her moral force and influence makes itself felt in all the life of the household ( Proverbs 31:10 ; Ruth 3:11 ). She is her husband's "crown of rejoicing", his glory and pride. "A thousand decencies do daily flow From all her... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4-12

Proverbs 12:4-12 contain proverbs concerning the management of a house and business. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:5

The thoughts of the righteous are right; literally, judgments ; i.e. just and fair, much more then words and actions. St. Gregory ('Mor. in Job,' lib. 25) takes another view, seeing in "judgments" the stings of conscience, and a rehearsal of the day of account. "The righteous," he says, "approach the secret chambers of the Judge in the recesses of their own hearts; they consider how smartly he smites at last, who long patiently bears with them. They are afraid for the sins which they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:5

Right (just) thoughts "The thoughts of the righteous are right," or are "just" (Revised Version). There is something more than a truism in these words. We may see first— I. THE PLACE OF THOUGHT IN MAN . This is one of the greatest importance, for it is the deepest of all; it is at the very foundation. 1 . Conduct rests on character. It is often said that conduct is the greater part of life; it is certainly that part which is most conspicuous, and therefore most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:6

The words of the wicked are to lie in wait —a lying in wait—for blood (see Proverbs 1:11 ). The wicked, by their lies, slanders, false accusations, etc; endanger men's lives, as Jezebel compassed Naboth's death by false witness ( 1 Kings 21:13 ). The mouth of the upright shall deliver them; i.e. the innocent whose blood the wicked seek. The good plead the cause of the oppressed, using their eloquence in their favour, as in the Apocryphal Story of Susannah, Daniel saved the accused... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 12:1

Proverbs 12:1. Whose loveth instruction Admonition, or reproof, (as appears from the next clause,) which is a singular means of gaining true wisdom; loveth knowledge Shows that he is a true lover of it, because he is willing to purchase it upon such unwelcome terms, as reproofs are generally thought to be. But he that hateth reproof Who cannot endure to be told of, and reproved for, his faults; is brutish Discovers himself to be a most foolish and stupid creature, because he is an... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:6

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 12:1

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