Proverbs 12:8-9

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 12:8

8. despised—as opposed to commended (Proverbs 11:12). perverse heart—or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 12:9

9. despised—held in little repute, obscure (1 Samuel 18:23; Isaiah 3:5). hath a servant—implying some means of honest living. honoureth himself—is self-conceited. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 12:1-12

5. The value of righteousness 12:1-12 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 12:9

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

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 12:1-28

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 12:8

(8) According to his wisdom—i.e., intelligent observance of the ends to be pursued in life, and the best means of attaining to them; in other words, finding out the will of God and how to fulfil it.Shall be despised.—Comp. 1 Samuel 2:30. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 12:9

(9) He that is despised.—That is, lowly in his eyes and those of others, as David (1 Samuel 18:23); if “he hath a servant,” that is, if he be in easy circumstances. It has been remarked that “the first necessity of an Oriental in only moderate circumstances is a slave.”He that honoureth himself.—Boasts of his pedigree, it may be, and is all the while starving. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Proverbs 12:1-28

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:1-28

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Proverbs 12:1-28

CHAPTER 12 The Contrast in Relation to Various Conditions In these proverbs we have the righteous mentioned, his thoughts, his words, his domestic relationship, his attitude toward animal creation Proverbs 12:10 ); his diligence; all is contrasted with the wicked in these beautiful antithetic expressions of wisdom. The thoughts of the righteous are right Proverbs 12:5 ), because his heart is right; his words bring deliverance Proverbs 12:6 ); in speaking truth he showeth forth righteousness... read more