FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Proverbs 12:17
KJVHe that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Read it in context
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
Start reading at Proverbs 12:1 (Proverbs 12:1 to Proverbs 12:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
- 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
- 12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
- 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
- 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
- 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
- 12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
- 12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
- 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
- 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
- 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
- 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
- 12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
- 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
- 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
- 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
- 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
- 12:17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
- 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
- 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
- 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
- 12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
- 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
- 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
- 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
- 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
- 12:26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
- 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
- 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 10:1–21:31): The sayings instruct learners in Israel's wisdom tradition. The righteous, wicked, wise, foolish, rulers, and household members are examples or subjects of the sayings, not necessarily the immediate people being addressed. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Loving Discipline and Knowledge. Read Proverbs 12:1 through Proverbs 12:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Loving Discipline and Knowledge (Proverbs 12:1 to Proverbs 12:28). Start reading at Proverbs 12:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 12:28, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- that Prov 14:5,25 1 Sam 22:14-15
- but Prov 6:19 Prov 19:5,28 Prov 21:28 Prov 24:28 Matt 15:19 Matt 26:59 Acts 6:13 1 Pet 3:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 12
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.