Mishlei 12 (Proverbs 12) Draft
Mishlei 12
Return to Mishlei
Return to Books of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies
Mishlei 12:1
1 Whoso loves instruction loves knowledge. But he that hates reproof stubbornly stupid (baar).
Stubbornly stupid (formerly brutish) comes from the Hebrew word בַּעַר baar (H1198). It is in the Bible 5 times. בַּעַר baar (H1198) is translated brutish 4 times and foolish 1 time. בַּעַר baar (H1198) is from בָּעַר baar (H1197).
בָּעַר baar (H1197) is in the Bible 94 times. בָּעַר baar (H1197) is translated burn 41 times, … away 21 times, kindle 13 times, brutish 7 times, eaten 2 times, set 2 times, burn up 2 times, eat up 2 times, feed 1 time, heated 1 time, took 1 time and wasted 1 time. בָּעַר baar (H1197) is somewhat of a complicated word.
Of the several Hebrew words which are translated “to burn” two are most often used figuratively. These are בָּעַר baar (H1197) and חָרָה charah (H2734). The other words all have to do primarily with literal burning, whereas these two are commonly used to describe anger, passion, intrigue. חָרָה charah (H2734) is confined almost totally to usage with anger, while בָּעַר baar (H1197) stresses the consuming and contagious qualities of fire especially in the religious context.
This discussion is not intended to be a complete analysis of בָּעַר baar (H1197). What must be understood from this is בָּעַר baar (H1197) is mainly used with “fire” when it is God’s instrument to consume the wicked. For example Bemidbar 11:1.
1 And the people complained, it displeased (ra ozen) Yehovah. And Yehovah heard; and His anger (af) was kindled (charah); and the fire of Yehovah burnt (baar) among them, and consumed in the uttermost parts of the camp.
To be of an alien nature to God is to be as dry tinder before a flame, Yeshayahu 10:17.
17 And the light of Yisrael shall be for a fire and his Holy One for a flame. And it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day;
This, the prophets promised, was to be rebellious Israel’s experience before a Holy God, Yirmeyahu 7:20.
20 Therefore thus says the Lord Yehovah; Behold, My anger (af) and My fury (chemah) shall be poured out upon this place, upon man (adam), and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the earth (adamah); and it shall burn (baar) and shall not be quenched.
What is being referred to in Yeshayahu 10:17 and Yirmeyahu 7:20 is not a literal fire, but the fires of baptism that will occur both in this lifetime and the Millennium
בָּעַר baar (H1197) is also used to describe intense emotions, Tehilla 39:3.
3 My heart was hot (chamam) within me, while I was meditating (hagiyg) the fire (esh) burned (baar). Spoke I with my tongue,
Understanding that בָּעַר baar (H1197) is a figurative word helps to explain how בַּעַר baar (H1198) could mean something beyond brutish or foolish. בַּעַר baar (H1198) seems to be used to describe an individual that is “stubbornly stupid”. Because of this, there is a great likelihood that their end will be meet with complete and utter destruction. If these individual do not change or even consider other than their way of thinking, they will have minimal if any chance of surviving into Eternity. As such in all instances, בָּעַר baar (H1197) should be rendered stubbornly stupid. As such, Mishlei 12:1 should have been translated:
1 Whoso loves instruction loves knowledge. But he that hates reproof stubbornly stupid (baar).
The Hebrew text is בָּעַר. Most deal with this word as if it is בַּעַר baar (H1198). In this case it does not present a huge problematic issue. Either way we have an individual that will find themselves well on their way to Mishlei 29:1
1 Man (iysh) that being often reproved hardens neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Mishlei 12:2
2 A good obtains favors of Yehovah. But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Wicked devics is probably evil thoughts.
Mishlei 12:3
3 A man (adam) shall not be established by wickedness. But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Mishlei 12:4
4 A virtuous woman a crown to her husband. But she that makes ashamed as rottenness in his bones.
Virtuous is from חַיִל chayil (H2428). It is in the Bible 243 times. חַיִל chayil (H2428) is translated army 56 times, man of valor 37 times, host 29 times, forces 14 times, valiant 13 times, strength 12 times, riches 11 times, wealth 10 times, power 9 times, substance 8 times, might 6 times, strong 5 times and 33 miscellaneous words.
Mishlei 12:5
5 The thoughts of the righteous judgment (mishpat). The counsels of the wicked deceit.
Mishlei 12:6
6 The words of the wicked to lie in wait for blood. But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Mishlei 12:7
7 The wicked are overthrown, and not. But the house of the righteous shall stand.
Mishlei 12:8
8 A man shall be praised (halal) for mouth of his understanding. But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Mishlei 12:9
9 Despised, and has a servant, better than he that honors himself, and lacks bread.
Mishlei 12:10
10 A righteous knows (yada) the life of his beast. But the tender mercies of the wicked cruel.
Mishlei 12:11
11 He that tills his earth (adamah) shall be satisfied with bread. But he that follows vain void of heart (lev).
Mishlei 12:12
12 The wicked desires the net of evil. But the root of the righteous yields.
Mishlei 12:13
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of lips. But the righteous (tzaddiyq) shall come out of trouble.
Mishlei 12:14
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of mouth. And the recompence hands of man (adam) shall be rendered to him.
Mishlei 12:15
15 The way of a fool right in his own eyes. But he that hearkens to counsel wise.
Mishlei 12:16
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known. But a prudent covers shame.
Mishlei 12:17
17 Speaks faithfulness (emunah) shows forth righteousness. But a false witness deceit.
Mishlei 12:18
18 There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword. But the tongue of the wise health.
Mishlei 12:19
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever. But a lying tongue but for a moment.
Mishlei 12:20
20 Deceit in the heart of them that imagine evil. But to the counselors of peace is joy.
Mishlei 12:21
21 There shall no evil happen to the righteous (tsaddiyq). But the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Mishlei 12:22
22 Lying lips abomination to Yehovah. But they that deal faithfulness (emunah) His delight.
Mishlei 12:23
23 A prudent man (adam) conceals knowledge. But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
Mishlei 12:24
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule. But the slothful shall be under tribute.
Mishlei 12:25
25 Anxiety (deagah) in the heart of man makes it bow down (shachah). But a good word makes it glad.
Mishlei 12:26
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor. But the way of the wicked seduces them.
Mishlei 12:27
27 The slothful roasts not that which he took in hunting. But the substance of a diligent man (adam) is precious.
Mishlei 12:28
28 In the way of righteousness life; and the pathway no death.
Return to Mishlei
Return to Books of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies