11 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain [persons] is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men; But the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].
13 In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble.
14 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.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.
16 A fool's vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.
17 He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
25 Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of men [is to] the diligent.
28 In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 12:11-28
Commentary on Proverbs 12:11
(Read Proverbs 12:11)
It is men's wisdom to mind their business, and follow an honest calling. But it is folly to neglect business; and the grace of God teaches men to disdain nothing but sin.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:12
(Read Proverbs 12:12)
When the ungodly see others prosper by sin, they wish they could act in the same way. But the root of Divine grace, in the heart of the righteous, produces other desires and purposes.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:13
(Read Proverbs 12:13)
Many a man has paid dear in this world for the transgression of his lips.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:14
(Read Proverbs 12:14)
When men use their tongues aright, to teach and comfort others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure answer the end of their being.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:15
(Read Proverbs 12:15)
A fool, in the sense of Scripture, means a wicked man, one who acts contrary to the wisdom that is from above. His rule is, to do what is right in his own eyes.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
(Read Proverbs 12:16)
A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing it; he is ever in trouble and running into mischief. It is kindness to ourselves to make light of injuries and affronts, instead of making the worst of them.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
(Read Proverbs 12:17)
It is good for all to dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by honesty.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:18
(Read Proverbs 12:18)
Whisperings and evil surmises, like a sword, separate those that have been dear to each other. The tongue of the wise is health, making all whole.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
(Read Proverbs 12:19)
If truth be spoken, it will hold good; whoever may be disobliged, still it will keep its ground.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
(Read Proverbs 12:20)
Deceit and falsehood bring terrors and perplexities. But those who consult the peace and happiness of others have joy in their own minds.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
(Read Proverbs 12:21)
If men are sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have enough of it.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:22
(Read Proverbs 12:22)
Make conscience of truth, not only in words, but in actions.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
(Read Proverbs 12:23)
Foolish men proclaim to all the folly and emptiness of their minds.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:24
(Read Proverbs 12:24)
Those who will not take pains in an honest calling, living by tricks and dishonesty, are paltry and beggarly.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
(Read Proverbs 12:25)
Care, fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, deprive men of vigour in what is to be done, or courage in what is to be borne. A good word from God, applied by faith, makes the heart glad.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
(Read Proverbs 12:26)
The righteous is abundant; though not in this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, which are the true riches. Evil men vainly flatter themselves that their ways are not wrong.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:27
(Read Proverbs 12:27)
The slothful man makes no good use of the advantages Providence puts in his way, and has no comfort in them. The substance of a diligent man, though not great, does good to him and his family. He sees that God gives it to him in answer to prayer.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
(Read Proverbs 12:28)
The way of religion is a straight, plain way; it is the way of righteousness. There is not only life at the end, but life in the way; all true comfort.