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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm" title="Proverbs 12:9">◄</a> Proverbs 12:10 <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm" title="Proverbs 12:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A righteous <i>man</i> regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked <i>are</i> cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A righteous <i>man</i> regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked <i>are</i> cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal, But <i>even</i> the compassion of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, But the compassion of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A righteous man knows <i>the value of</i> the life of his animal, But <i>even</i> the compassion of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteous cares about his animal’s health, but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.<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 cares about his animal&#8217s health, but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Good people are kind to their animals, but a mean person is cruel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.<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 cares [even] about the life of his animals, but the compassion of wicked people is [nothing but] cruelty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous person looks out for the welfare of his livestock, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A righteous person cares for the life of his animal, but even the most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. <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 knows the life of his beast, "" And the mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The righteous knoweth the life of his beast, And the mercies of the wicked are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The just one shall know the soul of his cattle: and the compassion of the unjust are cruel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The just regardeth the lives of his beasts: but the bowels of the wicked are cruel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The just one knows the lives of his beasts. But the inner most parts of the impious are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The just take care of their livestock, but the compassion of the wicked is cruel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.<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 regards the life of his beast; but the mercies of the wicked are suppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The righteous one is aware of the soul of his animal, and the evil withhold their compassions.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/12-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2209" 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">9</span>Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food. <span class="reftext">10</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/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">regards</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fsc) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">the life</a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: bə·hem·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">of his animal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7356.htm" title="7356: wə·ra·ḥă·mê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Compassion. From racham; compassion; by extension, the womb; by implication, a maiden.">but the tender mercies</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/394.htm" title="394: ’aḵ·zā·rî (Adj-ms) -- Cruel. From 'akzar; terrible.">are only cruelty.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.…<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="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-28</a></span><br />Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” / So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. / God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a></span><br />Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Psalm 145:9</a></span><br />The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Psalm 36:6</a></span><br />Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Matthew 6:26</a></span><br />Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-6.htm">Luke 12:6</a></span><br />Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Matthew 10:29-31</a></span><br />Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-7.htm">Job 12:7-10</a></span><br />But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. / Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you. / Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-6.htm">Isaiah 11:6-9</a></span><br />The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Jonah 4:11</a></span><br />So should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-19.htm">Romans 8:19-22</a></span><br />The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. / For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9-10</a></span><br />For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? / Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-6.htm">Hebrews 2:6-8</a></span><br />But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? / You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor / and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-7.htm">James 3:7</a></span><br />All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.</p><p class="hdg">righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Genesis 33:13,14</a></b></br> And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children <i>are</i> tender, and the flocks and herds with young <i>are</i> with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Numbers 22:28-32</a></b></br> And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a></b></br> Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out <i>the corn</i>.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-26.htm">Genesis 37:26-28</a></b></br> And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit <i>is it</i> if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/1-7.htm">Judges 1:7</a></b></br> And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered <i>their meat</i> under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/11-2.htm">1 Samuel 11:2</a></b></br> And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this <i>condition</i> will I make <i>a covenant</i> with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it <i>for</i> a reproach upon all Israel.</p><p class="hdg">tender mercies</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></b></br> But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels <i>of compassion</i> from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/135-8.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Cares</a> <a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Mercies</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-2.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/138-6.htm">Regardeth</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Regards</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm">Tender</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-18.htm">Cares</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-20.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Life</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-7.htm">Mercies</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-18.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Regardeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Regards</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-25.htm">Tender</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.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'; </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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>A righteous man</b><br />The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), which denotes someone who is just, lawful, and in right standing with God. In the biblical context, righteousness is not merely about following rules but living in a way that reflects God's character. A righteous man, therefore, is one who embodies God's love, justice, and compassion in all aspects of life, including how he treats animals. This phrase sets the stage for understanding that righteousness extends beyond human relationships to all of creation.<p><b>Regards the life</b><br />The Hebrew verb "יָדַע" (yada) is used here, often translated as "regards" or "knows." It implies a deep, intimate understanding and consideration. This suggests that a righteous person is not indifferent to the needs and well-being of his animals. Instead, he is attentive and responsive, recognizing the intrinsic value of life as part of God's creation. This reflects a broader biblical principle of stewardship, where humans are called to care for the earth and its creatures.<p><b>Of his animal</b><br />The term "בְּהֵמָה" (behemah) refers to domestic animals or livestock. In ancient agrarian societies, animals were vital for survival, providing labor, food, and clothing. The righteous man's regard for his animal underscores a respect for the God-given role of animals in human life. It also highlights the biblical view that all creatures are part of God's creation and deserve humane treatment. This respect for animals is a reflection of the Creator's care for all living things.<p><b>But the tender mercies</b><br />The phrase "tender mercies" is translated from the Hebrew word "רַחֲמִים" (rachamim), which typically conveys compassion or pity. However, in this context, it is used ironically to describe the actions of the wicked. The contrast here is stark: what the wicked consider as acts of mercy are, in reality, devoid of true compassion. This serves as a warning that without a heart aligned with God's righteousness, even seemingly kind actions can be tainted by selfish motives.<p><b>Of the wicked</b><br />The Hebrew word "רָשָׁע" (rasha) describes someone who is morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. The wicked are characterized by a fundamental disregard for God's laws and the well-being of others. In this verse, their treatment of animals reveals their true nature. Unlike the righteous, who act out of genuine care, the wicked's actions are superficial and self-serving, lacking the depth of true compassion.<p><b>Are only cruelty</b><br />The Hebrew word "אַכְזָרִי" (akzari) means cruel or ruthless. This phrase emphasizes the outcome of the wicked's actions, which, despite any pretense of kindness, result in harm and suffering. It serves as a sobering reminder that without a heart transformed by God's righteousness, human efforts at mercy can fall short, leading to unintended cruelty. This highlights the importance of aligning one's heart and actions with God's standards of love and justice.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Regardeth the life of his beast.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">knows their feelings </span>(comp. <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm" title="Also you shall not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt.">Exodus 23:9</a>), and so can feel for them. God's own care for the brute creation (<a href="/jonah/4-11.htm" title="And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more then six score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?">Jonah 4:11</a>) was shown in the merciful provisions of the Law, by which cattle shared the rest of the Sabbath, and had their portion of the corn as it was being trodden out (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm" title="You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out the corn.">Deuteronomy 25:4</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Tender mercies</span>.--What the wicked calls tenderness and kind treatment is really cruelty, as he takes no thought for the comfort of his beast.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.</span> For "regardeth," the Hebrew word is literally "knoweth" (<a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9</a>); he knows what animals want, what they can bear, and treats them accordingly (comp. <a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23</a>). The LXX. translates "pitieth." The care for the lower animals, and their kind treatment, are not the produce of modern sentiment and civilization. Mosaic legislation and various expressions in Scripture recognize the duty. God's mercies are over all his works; he saves both man and beast; he hateth nothing that he hath made (<a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Psalm 36:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Psalm 145:9</a>; <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Jonah 4:11</a>; Wisd. 11:24). So he enacted that the rest of the sabbath should extend to the domestic animals (<a href="/exodus/20-10.htm">Exodus 20:10</a>); that a man should help the over-burdened beast, even of his enemy (<a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4, 5</a>); that the unequal strength of the ox and the ass should not be yoked together in the plough (<a href="/deuteronomy/22-10.htm">Deuteronomy 22:10</a>); that the ox should not be muzzled when he was treading out the corn (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a>): that the sitting bird should not be taken from her little brood (<a href="/deuteronomy/22-6.htm">Deuteronomy 22:6</a>), nor a kid seethed in its mother's milk (<a href="/exodus/23-19.htm">Exodus 23:19</a>). Such humane injunctions were perhaps specially needed at a time when man's life was little regarded, and animal sacrifices had a tendency to make men cruel and unfeeling, when their symbolical meaning was obscured by long familiarity. These enactments regarding animals, and the mysterious significance affixed to the blood (<a href="/genesis/9-4.htm">Genesis 9:4</a>; <a href="/leviticus/17-10.htm">Leviticus 17:10-14</a>), afforded speaking lessons of tenderness and consideration for the inferior creatures, and <span class="accented">a fortiori</span> taught regard for the happiness and comfort of fellow men. Our blessed Lord has spoken of God's ears of flowers and the lower creatures of his hand. <span class="cmt_word">But the tender mercies;</span> literally, <span class="accented">the bowels</span>, regarded as the seat of feeling. The wicked cannot be supposed to have "tender mercies;" hence it is best to take the word in the sense of "feelings," "affections." What should be mercy and love are in an evil man only hard-heartedness and cruelty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/12-10.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">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">regards</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹדֵ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·ḏê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the life</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֣פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his animal,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהֶמְתּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·hem·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the tender mercies</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽרַחֲמֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ra·ḥă·mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7356.htm">Strong's 7356: </a> </span><span class="str2">Compassion, the womb, a maiden</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים</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">are only cruelty.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַכְזָרִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ·zā·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_394.htm">Strong's 394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Terrible</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regards the life (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 12:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 12:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:11" /></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>