Proverbs 12:10

ยถ A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

A righteous {H6662} man regardeth {H3045} the life {H5315} of his beast {H929}: but the tender mercies {H7356} of the wicked {H7563} are cruel {H394}.

A righteous man takes care of his animal, but the wicked? Even his compassion is cruel.

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Commentary

Proverbs 12:10 (KJV) offers a profound insight into the character of individuals, contrasting the inherent compassion of the righteous with the deceptive cruelty of the wicked, particularly in their treatment of animals.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often presenting stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. These proverbs aim to guide listeners towards a life that honors God and flourishes. This particular verse fits within a larger theme of ethical conduct, demonstrating that true righteousness extends beyond human interactions to encompass the treatment of all living creatures under one's care. It reveals the heart's true disposition.

Key Themes

  • Compassion for Animals: The first part, "A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast," highlights that genuine righteousness includes kindness and concern for the well-being of animals. It suggests that a person's character is profoundly revealed by how they treat those who are vulnerable and dependent upon them, including their livestock or pets. This isn't just about utility but about recognizing the value of life itself.
  • The Deceptive Nature of Wickedness: The second part, "but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel," is a powerful antithesis. It implies that any apparent kindness or compassion shown by the wicked is superficial, self-serving, or ultimately leads to harm. What they might present as "mercy" is, in reality, a mask for their underlying ruthlessness, indifference, or manipulative intentions. Their actions, even those seemingly benevolent, are tainted by their corrupt heart, often resulting in suffering for others. This echoes the sentiment of knowing a tree by its fruits.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "regardeth" (ื™ึนื“ึตืขึท - yodea') in the first clause means "knows" or "is acquainted with." It implies an intimate understanding and active concern for the animal's needs, going beyond mere ownership to a deep sense of responsibility and care. The phrase "tender mercies" (ืจึทื—ึฒืžึตื™ - rachamei) often denotes deep compassion or pity. The stark contrast with "cruel" (ืึทื›ึฐื–ึธืจึดื™ - 'akhzari), meaning harsh or severe, underscores the ironic and deceptive nature of the wicked's supposed kindness. What they claim as mercy is inherently devoid of true compassion and is, in fact, destructive.

Practical Application

Proverbs 12:10 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of holistic righteousness. It challenges believers to:

  • Cultivate True Compassion: Our character is measured not just by how we treat those we respect, but by how we treat the vulnerable, including animals under our care. This verse implicitly encourages responsible pet ownership, ethical treatment of farm animals, and a general respect for creation, reflecting God's own mercy over all His works.
  • Discern True Intentions: It warns us to look beyond superficial displays of kindness. True mercy springs from a pure heart; false mercy may hide selfish motives or lead to harm. This encourages discernment in our relationships and interactions.
  • Examine Our Own Hearts: This proverb calls for self-reflection. Do our "mercies" truly stem from genuine care and love, or are they tainted by ulterior motives, convenience, or a lack of true empathy? Our actions towards the less powerful reveal our true moral compass.
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

  • Deuteronomy 25:4 (14 votes)

    Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out [the corn].

  • Genesis 33:13 (6 votes)

    And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

  • Genesis 33:14 (6 votes)

    Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

  • Numbers 22:28 (6 votes)

    And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

  • Numbers 22:32 (6 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because [thy] way is perverse before me:

  • James 2:13 (3 votes)

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • James 2:16 (3 votes)

    And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?