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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_21_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:12 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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he will bring disaster on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The righteous <i>man</i> wisely considereth the house of the wicked: <i>but God</i> overthroweth the wicked for <i>their</i> wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The righteous <i>God</i> wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for <i>their</i> wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Bringing the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked— How the wicked are cast down to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he brings the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; He brings the wicked to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God is always fair! He knows what the wicked do and will punish them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked; how the wicked are overthrown to their ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A righteous person wisely considers the house of a wicked person. He throws wicked people into disasters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God, the righteous one, knows what goes on in the homes of the wicked, and he will bring the wicked down to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous God considers the house of the wicked, bringing the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The Righteous One is acting wisely "" Toward the house of the wicked, "" He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The Righteous One is acting wisely Towards the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The just one being circumspect for the house of the unjust one: overthrowing the unjust for evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked, that he may withdraw the wicked from evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The just thinks carefully about the house of the impious, so that he may draw the impious away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Righteous One appraises the house of the wicked, bringing down the wicked to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he casts the wicked down to ruin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The righteous man wisely understands the hearts of the wicked; and he overthrows the wicked into mischief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The Righteous One understands the heart of the evil, and he drives out the evil ones unto affliction.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The Righteous One considereth the house of the wicked; Overthrowing the wicked to their ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4231" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">The Righteous One</a> <a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: maś·kîl (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">considers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/5557.htm" title="5557: mə·sal·lêp̄ (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To twist, pervert, overturn. A primitive root; properly, to wrench, i.e. to subvert.">and brings</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: lā·rā‘ (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">to ruin.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-37.htm">Psalm 37:37-38</a></span><br />Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace. / But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-5.htm">Psalm 1:5-6</a></span><br />Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. / For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-29.htm">Proverbs 10:29-30</a></span><br />The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil. / The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-11.htm">Proverbs 14:11</a></span><br />The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Proverbs 24:15-16</a></span><br />Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place. / For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-7.htm">Psalm 92:7</a></span><br />that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-10.htm">Psalm 37:10</a></span><br />Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10-11</a></span><br />Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. / Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">2 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a></span><br />Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18-19</a></span><br />Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Proverbs 12:7</a></span><br />The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Proverbs 15:25</a></span><br />The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked: but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Considereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Considers</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Lets</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Note</a> <a href="/psalms/119-129.htm">Observes</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Overthroweth</a> <a href="/psalms/116-8.htm">Overthrowing</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Overturned</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Considereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Considers</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">House</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-28.htm">Lets</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Note</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Observes</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Overthroweth</a> <a href="/acts/13-19.htm">Overthrowing</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Overturned</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The Righteous One</b><br>This phrase refers to God, who is often depicted as the ultimate standard of righteousness in the Bible. In the Old Testament, God is frequently described as the Righteous Judge (<a href="/psalms/7-11.htm">Psalm 7:11</a>). The term "Righteous One" can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is called the Righteous One in the New Testament (<a href="/acts/3-14.htm">Acts 3:14</a>). This highlights the divine attribute of justice and moral perfection.<p><b>considers the house of the wicked</b><br>The word "considers" implies a careful examination or scrutiny. In biblical times, the "house" often represented not just a physical dwelling but the entire household, including family and possessions. The wicked are those who live in opposition to God's laws. This phrase suggests that God is fully aware of the actions and intentions of the wicked, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/psalms/11-4.htm">Psalm 11:4-5</a>, where God examines the righteous and the wicked.<p><b>and brings the wicked to ruin</b><br>This part of the verse speaks to the inevitable judgment and downfall of those who oppose God's ways. The concept of divine retribution is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the wicked face consequences for their actions (<a href="/proverbs/10-29.htm">Proverbs 10:29</a>). Historically, this can be seen in the downfall of nations and individuals who defied God, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). This also foreshadows the ultimate judgment at the end of times, as described in <a href="/revelation/20-11.htm">Revelation 20:11-15</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous_one.htm">The Righteous One</a></b><br>This term is often understood to refer to God Himself, who is the ultimate judge and discerner of human hearts and actions. In a broader sense, it can also refer to any person who seeks to live according to God's standards and wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_the_wicked.htm">The House of the Wicked</a></b><br>This phrase symbolizes the life, actions, and influence of those who live in opposition to God's ways. It encompasses not just physical dwellings but the entirety of the wicked's existence and impact.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Individuals or groups who act contrary to God's laws and principles, often characterized by immoral or unjust behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_is_inevitable.htm">God's Justice is Inevitable</a></b><br>The verse assures believers that God is aware of the actions of the wicked and will bring about justice in His time. This encourages trust in God's sovereignty and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_righteous_living.htm">Discernment in Righteous Living</a></b><br>The Righteous One's consideration of the wicked's house implies a call for believers to be discerning and aware of the influences around them, choosing to align with God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_wickedness.htm">The Consequences of Wickedness</a></b><br>The ultimate ruin of the wicked serves as a warning against living in opposition to God's ways. It reminds believers of the importance of repentance and aligning with God's righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_righteous.htm">Encouragement for the Righteous</a></b><br>For those striving to live righteously, this verse offers encouragement that their efforts are seen by God and that He will uphold justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_a_ransom_for_whom.htm">Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wicked_people_prosper_despite_psalm_37_9.htm">How can Psalm 37:9 ('evildoers shall be cut off') be taken seriously when many wicked individuals throughout history have lived long and prosperous lives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_proverbs_12_10_say_on_animals.htm">What does Proverbs 12:10 say about caring for animals?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_16_4_imply_god_created_evil.htm">Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">A Righteous one </span>(God) <span class= "ital">marks the house of the wicked and overthroweth the wicked for </span>(their) <span class= "ital">destruction. </span>He watches the evil to see whether they will repent (<a href="/luke/13-8.htm" title="And he answering said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:">Luke 13:8</a>), and if they will not, at last overthrows them when their iniquity has become full (<a href="/genesis/15-16.htm" title="But in the fourth generation they shall come here again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.">Genesis 15:16</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked:</span> <span class="cmt_word">but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.</span> The Authorized Version introduces the words "but God" in order to eke out the sense desired; the Revised Version, for the same reason, has, "how the wicked are overthrown;" and both versions signify that the good man contemplates the fortunes and seeming prosperity of the wicked, and, looking to the end of these men, sees how hollow is their success and what a fatal issue awaits them. The Vulgate refers the passage to the zeal of the righteous for the salvation of sinners - a thought quite foreign to the present subject - thus: <span class="accented">Excogitat justus de domo impii, ut detrahat impios a malo</span>, "The righteous man reflects concerning the house of the wicked how he may deliver them from <span class="accented">evil."</span> The Hebrew is literally, <span class="accented">A righteous one looketh on the house of the wicked</span>: <span class="accented">he precipitates the wicked to destruction.</span> There is no change of subject in the two clauses, and "a righteous One" (<span class="accented">tsaddik</span>) is God, put indeterminately to excite the greater awe (comp. <a href="/job/34-17.htm">Job 34:17</a>). The Lord keeps the sinners under his eye, that he may punish them at the fit moment (comp. <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Proverbs 22:12</a>; <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Job 12:19</a>). The notion of God's moral government of the universe prevails most strongly in every pronouncement of the writer. The LXX. interprets "the house" as heart and conscience, and renders, "A righteous man understands the hearts of the godless, and despises the impious in their wickednesses;" he sees through their outward felicity, knows well its unreality, and despises them for the low aims and pursuits which satisfy them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The Righteous One</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֭דִּיק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">considers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַשְׂכִּ֣יל</span> <span class="translit">(maś·kîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, circumspect, intelligent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the house</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבֵ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wicked;</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָׁ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He brings</span><br /><span class="heb">מְסַלֵּ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(mə·sal·lêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5557.htm">Strong's 5557: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twist, pervert, overturn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְשָׁעִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to ruin.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָרָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-12.htm">Proverbs 21:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:12 The Righteous One considers the house (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>