King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.
Berean Standard Bible:
The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
American Standard Version:
The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, Howthe wicked are overthrown to their ruin.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The righteous{H6662} man wisely considereth{H7919} the house{H1004} of the wicked{H7563}: but God overthroweth{H5557} the wicked{H7563} for their wickedness{H7451}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 14:11
- ¶ The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
Psalms 37:35
- I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Psalms 37:36
- Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Proverbs 14:32
- ¶ The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Amos 4:11
- I have overthrown [some] of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
2 Peter 2:4
- For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2 Peter 2:9
- The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
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Commentary for Proverbs 21:12
Proverbs 21:12 is a verse that encapsulates the wisdom tradition's reflection on righteousness and divine justice. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which often contrasted the fates of the righteous and the wicked. In the cultural and religious milieu of Israel, wisdom was seen as a divine gift, and the book of Proverbs, where this verse is found, is a collection of sayings and teachings aimed at instructing people in the ways of wisdom.
The verse itself highlights two key themes: the discernment of the righteous and the ultimate downfall of the wicked orchestrated by God. The righteous individual is characterized by prudence and thoughtfulness, carefully observing and considering the actions and fate of the wicked. This observation is not out of mere curiosity but serves as a moral lesson, reinforcing the righteous path by witnessing the negative consequences of wicked behavior.
The second part of the verse asserts that God is active in the moral order of the universe, overthrowing the wicked on account of their wickedness. This speaks to the belief in a just and sovereign God who will not allow evil to prevail indefinitely. The verse reassures the reader that, despite appearances of prosperity among the wicked, there is a divine justice at work that will ultimately bring about their downfall.
In summary, Proverbs 21:12 emphasizes the importance of wisdom in discerning right from wrong and the assurance that God's justice will prevail over wickedness. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement, reminding the reader to live righteously while trusting in the moral governance of God. This verse reflects the broader themes of the book of Proverbs, which seeks to guide individuals in the pursuit of wisdom, understanding, and a life lived in accordance with divine principles.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6662
There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צַדִּיק
Transliteration: tsaddîyq
Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man). - Strong's Number: H7919
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂכַל
Transliteration: sâkal
Pronunciation: saw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent; consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. - Strong's Number: H1004
There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּיִת
Transliteration: bayith
Pronunciation: bah'-yith
Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). - Strong's Number: H7563
There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָשָׁע
Transliteration: râshâʻ
Pronunciation: raw-shaw'
Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. - Strong's Number: H5557
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סָלַף
Transliteration: çâlaph
Pronunciation: saw-laf'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to wrench, i.e. (figuratively) to subvert; overthrow, pervert. - Strong's Number: H7451
There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רַע
Transliteration: raʻ
Pronunciation: rah
Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).