12:1 He who loves discipline loves knowledge The wise love discipline because it increases their knowledge (9:8; 21:11).

Wisdom and Related Terms

is stupid The Hebrew term used here, ba'ar, refers to someone who hates correction.

The Fool in Proverbs

12:2 favor The Hebrew word used here refers to what is pleasing or acceptable (Prov 10:32; 11:1). The person who seeks to do good is pleasing to Yahweh (11:27).

12:3 A person will not be established by wickedness Rather than claiming that wicked people cannot prosper, this principle points to the preference of righteousness over wickedness and expresses a belief in the ultimate judgment of the wicked (compare 11:21 and note). Elsewhere in Proverbs, Yahweh establishes people’s steps (16:9).

12:4 A woman of strength The Hebrew phrase used here, referring to an excellent wife or a woman of character, is used to describe Ruth (Ruth 3:11). Compare Prov 31:10 and note.

12:9 and a servant to someone The Hebrew text here could be understood as speaking about a servant or a person working for himself. Either way, the proverb asserts that it is better to live humbly but comfortably than to make a false, superficial show of wealth.

12:10 his animal The Hebrew term used here generally refers to domestic animals (Lev 25:7; 2 Kgs 3:17). While the righteous care for their animals, the wicked act cruelly even when they attempt to be merciful or compassionate.

12:11 He who works his land Hard work is a characteristic of the wise throughout Proverbs (Prov 10:5); laziness is a characteristic of the fool (24:30–34).

The Fool in Proverbs

12:12 the root of the righteous bears fruit This verse contrasts the covetousness of the wicked with the productivity (or endurance) of the righteous.

12:13 By the transgression of lips The wicked are caught by their own speech. This may indicate someone being caught in a lie or falling victim to their own rash or foolish words (1 Sam 25:10–13). Foolish or sinful speech ultimately harms the speaker (Prov 18:7; Psa 64:8).

the righteous escapes from trouble Rather than claiming that the righteous never encounter trouble, this phrase indicates that the righteous avoid the trouble that comes to the person who lies or speaks foolishly.

12:15 he who listens to advice is wise This contrasts with the stupid person, who hates correction. See note on Prov 12:1.

12:16 he who ignores This may refer to forgiving an offense or to overlooking the offense completely.

an insult The Hebrew word used here, qalon, often refers to shame or disgrace. Elsewhere, disgrace accompanies pride (11:2), wickedness (18:3), and an arrogant refusal to heed instruction (13:18).

12:18 like the thrust of a sword Emphasizes the potential damage of speech. This may indicate those who speak without thinking (Lev 5:4), damaging both themselves and others. Elsewhere, a false accusation is compared to a sword (Prov 25:18). The speech of the forbidden woman is also compared to a sword (5:3–4).

12:24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule The benefit of hard work is emphasized throughout Proverbs. The diligent person becomes wealthy (10:4; 12:27). The diligent person’s life is abundantly supplied (13:4; 21:5). Here, hard work puts the diligent person a position of authority over the lazy person.

12:26 will lead them astray The ways of both the righteous and the wicked influence those whom they associate with. See note on 11:10–11.