Proverbs 27:12

ยถ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.

A prudent {H6175} man foreseeth {H7200} the evil {H7451}, and hideth {H5641} himself; but the simple {H6612} pass on {H5674}, and are punished {H6064}.

The clever see trouble coming and hide; the thoughtless go on and pay the penalty.

The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; Butthe simple pass on, and suffer for it.

Commentary

Proverbs 27:12 delivers a sharp contrast between two approaches to life: one characterized by foresight and the other by naivete. It underscores a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: the importance of discernment and proactive decision-making to avoid negative consequences.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for daily living. Often attributed to King Solomon, these proverbs frequently contrast the "wise" with the "foolish" or "simple," illustrating the natural outcomes of different choices. Proverbs 27:12 fits within a broader theme of valuing discretion and understanding, warning against the dangers of thoughtlessness and impulsivity that can lead to suffering.

Key Themes

  • Prudence and Foresight: The "prudent man" (Hebrew: `arum) is one who possesses discernment and practical wisdom. He is able to anticipate potential dangers or difficulties before they fully materialize. This isn't about fear or cowardice, but about intelligent assessment and wise planning to protect oneself or others. This foresight allows for timely action, such as "hiding himself," which implies taking protective measures or avoiding a perilous situation altogether.
  • Simplicity and Naivete: In contrast, the "simple" (Hebrew: pethiy) person is characterized by naivete, lack of experience, or an inability to discern danger. They "pass on," meaning they proceed heedlessly or without considering the risks involved. This lack of foresight leads directly to negative outcomes; they "are punished," experiencing the detrimental consequences of their unthinking actions.
  • Consequences of Choice: The verse clearly links specific behaviors (prudence vs. simplicity) to their inevitable results (safety vs. punishment). It teaches that life is not random; choices have consequences. Just as one sows, so shall they reap, and wisdom compels us to sow seeds of discernment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prudent," `arum (ืขึธืจื•ึผื), carries the connotation of being shrewd or sensible. While it can sometimes be used in a negative sense (like cunning), here it signifies a positive, discerning intelligence that recognizes potential harm and takes appropriate steps. The "simple" person, pethiy (ืคึผึถืชึดื™), is often depicted in Proverbs as easily misled or lacking critical judgment, making them vulnerable to deception and harm. The "punishment" they face, `anash (ืขึธื ึทืฉื), denotes suffering a penalty or loss, highlighting the tangible negative impact of their lack of wisdom.

Practical Application

This proverb remains profoundly relevant for modern life. It encourages believers to cultivate discernment in all areas: financial decisions, relationships, spiritual matters, and personal safety. Rather than reacting to crises, the wise person anticipates challenges and prepares accordingly. This might involve:

  • Spiritual Discernment: Recognizing the subtle traps of temptation or false teachings and taking refuge in God's Word (Psalm 119:105) and prayer.
  • Life Planning: Making wise financial choices, planning for the future, and avoiding unnecessary risks.
  • Relational Wisdom: Discerning harmful relationships or situations and setting appropriate boundaries.
  • Seeking Wisdom: Actively pursuing knowledge and understanding, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Ultimately, Proverbs 27:12 is a call to intentional living, urging us to be proactive in seeking wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls that await the thoughtless.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 22:3

    ยถ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

  • Proverbs 18:10

    ยถ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • 2 Peter 3:14

    Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Exodus 9:20

    He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

  • Exodus 9:21

    And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.
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