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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 12:26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/12-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_12_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 12:26 - Loving Discipline and Knowledge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray." /><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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the wicked lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The righteous <i>is</i> more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteous person is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked makes them wander about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are better off to do right, than to lose your way by doing wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The righteous is a guide to his neighbour: but the way of the wicked causeth them to err.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A righteous person looks out for his neighbor, but the path of wicked people leads others astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The righteous person is a guide to his friend, but the path of the wicked leads them astray. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous person is cautious with respect to his neighbor, but the lifestyle of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous searches his companion, "" And the way of the wicked causes them to err.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The just excelled above his neighbor: and the way of the unjust shall lead them astray.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that neglecteth a loss for the sake of a friend, is just: but the way of the wicked shall deceive them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He who ignores a loss for the sake of a friend is just. But the way of the impious will deceive them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The just act as guides to their neighbors, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous gives good advice to friends, but the way of the wicked leads astray.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man gives good counsel to his neighbor; but the way of the wicked shall lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The righteous gives good counsel to his friend and the way of the evil will mislead them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The righteous is guided by his friend; But the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/12-26.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=2330" 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/12.htm">Loving Discipline and Knowledge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">A righteous man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8446.htm" title="8446: yā·ṯêr (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To seek out, spy out, explore. A primitive root; to meander about, especially for trade or reconnoitring.">is cautious</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: mê·rê·‘ê·hū (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">in friendship,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: wə·ḏe·reḵ (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">but the ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/8582.htm" title="8582: taṯ·‘êm (V-Hifil-Imperf-3fs:: 3mp) -- To err. A primitive root; to vacillate, i.e. Reel or stray; also causative of both.">lead them astray.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.…<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/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-63.htm">Psalm 119:63</a></span><br />I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Proverbs 22:24-25</a></span><br />Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, / or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7</a></span><br />But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-4.htm">Psalm 26:4-5</a></span><br />I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. / I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduces them.</p><p class="hdg">righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Proverbs 12:13</a></b></br> The wicked is snared by the transgression of <i>his</i> lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27</a></b></br> He that hath knowledge spareth his words: <i>and</i> a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-3.htm">Psalm 16:3</a></b></br> <i>But</i> to the saints that <i>are</i> in the earth, and <i>to</i> the excellent, in whom <i>is</i> all my delight.</p><p class="hdg">excellent or abundant </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12,13</a></b></br> At the brightness <i>that was</i> before him his thick clouds passed, hail <i>stones</i> and coals of fire… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-13.htm">James 1:13,14</a></b></br> Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18-22</a></b></br> For when they speak great swelling <i>words</i> of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, <i>through much</i> wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Cautious</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/psalms/119-118.htm">Err</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Error</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm">Friendship</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/psalms/139-10.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Guideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Searcheth</a> <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Cautious</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Err</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Error</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Friendship</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-33.htm">Guideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-20.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-20.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Searcheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge</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'; 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In biblical context, righteousness is often associated with living in accordance with God's laws and principles. The Hebrew word for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tzaddik) implies someone who is just and moral. The caution in friendship suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach, reflecting the wisdom literature's broader theme of prudence. <a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a> supports this idea, stating, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." The cultural context of ancient Israel placed high value on community and relationships, making the choice of friends significant for one's spiritual and moral well-being.<p><b>but the ways of the wicked lead them astray</b><br>This part contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the consequences of following ungodly paths. The "ways of the wicked" refers to lifestyles and choices that deviate from God's commandments. In biblical terms, wickedness is often associated with rebellion against God and moral corruption. The phrase "lead them astray" suggests a deviation from the right path, a common theme in wisdom literature where the path metaphor is used to describe one's life journey. <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1-6</a> contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, reinforcing the idea that the latter leads to destruction. Historically, the Israelites were warned against adopting the practices of surrounding pagan nations, which often led them away from God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning oneself with those who uphold godly values.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_man.htm">Righteous Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who live according to God's standards, seeking wisdom and discernment in their relationships.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked.htm">Wicked</a></b><br>Refers to those who reject God's ways, often leading themselves and others into moral and spiritual danger.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/friendship.htm">Friendship</a></b><br>The context of relationships and associations, highlighting the importance of choosing companions wisely.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_relationships.htm">Discernment in Relationships</a></b><br>The righteous are called to exercise discernment in their friendships, understanding that these relationships can significantly impact their spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_of_companions.htm">Influence of Companions</a></b><br>Recognize that the people we surround ourselves with can either lead us closer to God or away from Him. Choose friends who encourage and support your faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deception.htm">Guarding Against Deception</a></b><br>The way of the wicked is deceptive and can lead one astray. Be vigilant and grounded in Scripture to avoid being misled.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_friendships.htm">Reflecting Christ in Friendships</a></b><br>As believers, our friendships should reflect Christ's love and truth, serving as a testimony to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_counsel.htm">Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>In making decisions about friendships, seek guidance through prayer and the wisdom found in God's Word.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_often_should_we_forgive_others.htm">What does the Bible say about true friendship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_recompense.htm">What does the Bible say about recompense?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_true_friendship_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about true friendship?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.</span>--Though, perhaps, inferior to him in worldly advantages. Or, it may signify, the just man is a guide to his neighbour, showing him "the way wherein he should walk;" the wicked, on the other hand, so far from guiding others, himself helplessly wanders.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.</span> This rendering has the authority of the Chaldee, and would signify that a good man is superior to others morally and socially, is more respected and stands higher, though his worldly position be inferior. But the clause is better translated, <span class="accented">The just man is a guide to his neighbour</span>, directs him in the right way; as the Syriac puts it, "gives good counsel to his friend." Septuagint, "The righteous wise man (<span class="greek">ἐπιγνώμων</span>) will be a friend to himself;" Vulgate, "He who regards not loss for a friend's sake is righteous," which is like Christ's word, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (<a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13</a>). Hitzig, Delitzsch, and others, reading differently, translate, "A just man spieth out (or, looketh after) his pasture; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he is not like the sinner, hampered and confined by the chain of evil habits and associations, but is free to follow the lead of virtue, and to go whither duty and his own best interests call him. This gives a very good sense, and makes a forcible antithesis with the succeeding clause. <span class="cmt_word">But the way of the wicked seduceth them</span>; "causes them, the wicked, to err." Far from guiding others aright, the wicked, reaping the moral consequences of their sin, drift hopelessly astray themselves. Before the last clause some manuscripts of the Septuagint add, "But the judgments of the wicked are harsh; evils shall pursue sinners" (<a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Proverbs 13:21</a>). The whole is probably a gloss. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/12-26.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">A righteous man</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּ֑יק</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">is cautious</span><br /><span class="heb">יָתֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṯêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8446.htm">Strong's 8446: </a> </span><span class="str2">To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in friendship,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the ways</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדֶ֖רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of 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">lead them astray.</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּתְעֵֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(taṯ·‘êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8582.htm">Strong's 8582: </a> </span><span class="str2">To vacillate, reel, stray</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/12-26.htm">Proverbs 12:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 12:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/12-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 12:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:27" /></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>