Proverbs 12:16-20 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:16

Note, 1. Passion is folly: A fool is known by his anger (so some read it); not but that a wise man may be angry when there is just cause for it, but then he has his anger under check and direction, is lord of his anger, whereas a fool's anger lords it over him. He that, when he is provoked, breaks out into indecent expressions, in words or behaviour, whose passion alters his countenance, makes him outrageous, and leads him to forget himself, Nabal certainly is his name and folly is with him. A... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:17

Here is, 1. A faithful witness commended for an honest man. He that makes conscience of speaking truth, and representing every thing fairly, to the best of his knowledge, whether in judgment or in common conversation, whether he be upon his oath or no, he shows forth righteousness; he makes it to appear that he is governed and actuated by the principles and laws of righteousness, and he promotes justice by doing honour to it and serving the administration of it. 2. A false witness condemned... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:18

The tongue is death or life, poison or medicine, as it is used. 1. There are words that are cutting and killing, that are like the piercings of a sword. Opprobrious words grieve the spirits of those to whom they are spoken, and cut them to the heart. Slanders, like a sword, wound the reputation of those of whom they are uttered, and perhaps incurably. Whisperings and evil surmises, like a sword, divide and cut asunder the bounds of love and friendship, and separate those that have been dearest... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:19

Be it observed, to the honour of truth, that sacred thing, 1. That, if truth be spoken, it will hold good, and, whoever may be disobliged by it and angry at it, yet it will keep its ground. Great is the truth and will prevail. What is true will be always true; we may abide by it, and need not fear being disproved and put to shame. 2. That, if truth be denied, yet in time it will transpire. A lying tongue, that puts false colours upon things, is but for a moment. The lie will be disproved. The... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:20

Note, 1. Those that devise mischief contrive, for the accomplishing of it, how to impose upon others; but it will prove, in the end, that they deceive themselves. Those that imagine evil, under colour of friendship, have their hearts full of this and the other advantage and satisfaction which they shall gain by it, but it is all a cheat. Let them imagine it ever so artfully, deceivers will be deceived. 2. Those that consult the good of their neighbours, that study the things which make for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:16

A fool's wrath is presently known ,.... Having no command of himself, he cannot repress it, nor keep it in; no sooner is he provoked but he shows it in his countenance, and by his words and actions; it is to be seen in the fire of his eyes, in the frowns of his face, in the gnashing of his teeth, and in the stamping of his feet, as well as in the bitter expressions of his mouth: or "a fool's wrath in that day is known" F2 ביום "eo die quo irritatur", Tigurine version; "eodem die",... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:17

He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness ,.... He that "blows" or "breathes out truth" F4 יפיח "effiat", Junius & Tremellius; "spirat", Schultens. , as the word signifies; that utters it freely and fully without any hesitation; that speaks nothing but truth, and speaks out the whole truth without any reserve; such a man upon every occasion will declare that which is just and right, and show himself to be an honest and upright man; he that uses himself to speak truth... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:18

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword ,.... Whose words are like sharp swords, cutting, wounding, dividing, killing; see Psalm 57:4 ; such are the words of false witnesses, who by their false testimonies and perjuries are as guilty of the murder of men as cutthroats; such are the words of slanderers, backbiters, and talebearers, who grieve the innocent, wound their characters, destroy their good name and credit, and separate chief friends; and such are the words of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:19

The lip of truth shall be established for ever ,.... The man that speaks truth is and will be established in his credit and reputation among men; he is uniform and all of a piece, and what he says is believed; truth, though it may be opposed, will prevail against lies and falsehood; the word of truth, the Gospel of Christ, will stand for ever; the ministers of truth and righteousness will be continued to the end of the world; Christ, who is truth itself, abides the same to day, yesterday,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:20

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil ,.... That secretly devise mischief in their hearts against their neighbours; that plough evil, as the word F7 חרשי . signifies, and sow discord among men; and by many artful and deceitful methods promote contention and division, in order to answer some base designs of theirs; but sooner or later they are deceived themselves, are disappointed of their views, the consequence of which is vexation and sorrow; but to the counsellors... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 12:20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:19

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:20

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