Proverbs 12:26
Proverbs 12:26 in Multiple Translations
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
The upright man is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of evil-doers is a cause of error to them.
Good people look out for their friends, but the way the wicked live leads them astray.
The righteous is more excellent then his neighbour: but the way of the wicked will deceiue them.
The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
He that neglecteth a loss for the sake of a friend, is just: but the way of the wicked shall deceive them.
Godly/Righteous people try to give good advice to their friends (OR, try to make friends with others), but the manner in which wicked people live misleads their friends.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָתֵ֣ר
מֵ/רֵעֵ֣/הוּ
צַדִּ֑יק
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
תַּתְעֵֽ/ם
יָתֵ֣ר
tûwr
H8446
to spy
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/רֵעֵ֣/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cs
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
תַּתְעֵֽ/ם
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:26
יָתֵ֣ר
tûwr
H8446
"to spy"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.
Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.
מֵ/רֵעֵ֣/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
תַּתְעֵֽ/ם
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:26
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
24The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.
26A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
27A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession. 28There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 2:26 | I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:46–48 | If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:27 | A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. |
| 4 | James 1:13–14 | When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 6 | Luke 6:32–36 | If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. |
| 7 | Psalms 18:12–13 | From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded— hailstones and coals of fire. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:18–21 | Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: |
| 9 | Revelation 12:9 | And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:18–22 | With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
Proverbs 12:26 Summary
[Proverbs 12:26 teaches us that a righteous person is careful about who they choose as friends, because the people we surround ourselves with can either help or hurt our relationship with God (Psalm 1:1). The ways of wicked people can lead us astray, which is why it's essential to be cautious in our friendships and to seek out people who will support and encourage us in our faith (Proverbs 27:9). By being mindful of the company we keep and seeking out righteous friendships, we can avoid being led astray and instead find life and fulfillment in our relationships (Proverbs 12:28).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be cautious in friendship?
Being cautious in friendship, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:26, means being careful and discerning when choosing friends, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25, which warns against befriending those with bad temperaments, lest we suffer the same fate.
Can a righteous person have wicked friends?
While a righteous person may have acquaintances who are wicked, Proverbs 12:26 suggests that they will not be closely tied to them, as their ways can lead them astray, a concept also seen in Psalm 1:1, which warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked.
How do the ways of the wicked lead them astray?
The ways of the wicked can lead them astray by promoting sinful behaviors and attitudes, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:26, and as seen in Romans 1:21-23, which describes how people can become futile in their thinking and exchange the truth for a lie.
What is the importance of choosing righteous friends?
Choosing righteous friends is crucial, as they can provide positive influences and support, as seen in Proverbs 27:9, which highlights the value of pleasant and timely advice from a friend, and in Proverbs 12:26, which emphasizes the importance of being cautious in friendships to avoid being led astray.
Reflection Questions
- What kind of friendships do you currently have, and are they leading you closer to or further from God?
- In what ways can you be more cautious in your friendships, and what steps can you take to surround yourself with positive influences?
- How can you discern whether a particular friendship is righteous or wicked, and what scripture can guide you in making this determination?
- What role can prayer play in helping you navigate complex friendships and make wise decisions about who to surround yourself with?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:26
The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour,.... Not than his neighbour who is righteous also; for though one may have more excellent gifts than another, or a larger measure of grace; one
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:26
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
More excellent; either, 1. In his temper and disposition, more just, and generous, and public-spirited, and merciful, &c. Or, 2. In his condition, more happy, notwithstanding all his sufferings and the contrary opinion of the world concerning them. Than his neighbour; than any other men. Seduceth them, Heb. maketh them to err or wander, to lose that excellency or happiness which they had promised to themselves in and by their wicked practices.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
Proverbs 12:26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.Ver. 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.] Let him dwell by whomsoever; he is ever a better man than his neighbours; he is "a prince of God" among them, as Abraham was among the Hittites. The Jews say that those seventy souls that went with Jacob into Egypt, were as much worth as all the seventy nations in the world. Nemo me maior, nisi qui iustior, said Agesilaus, when he heard the king of Persia styled the great king, i.e., I acknowledge none more excellent than myself, unless more righteous; none greater, unless better: "Upon all the glory shall be a defence," that is, upon all the righteous, those only glorious, those "excellent of the earth," that are "sealed up to the day of redemption." Now, whatsoever is sealed with a seal, that is excellent in its own kind, as Isaiah 28:25 hordeum signatum, excellent barley. The poorest village is an ivory palace, in quo est pastor et credentes aliqui, saith Luther, if it have in it but a minister and a few good people. But the way of the wicked seduceth them,] i.e., The wicked will not be persuaded of the just man’ s excellence; he cannot discern, nor will be drawn to believe, that there is any such gain in godliness, any such worth in well doing, any such difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. He therefore goes another way to work, but is fearfully frustrated; for "who ever yet hardened himself against God and prospered?" They think themselves far better than the righteous; and so they were indeed, if they could find that felicity in wicked ways which their deceitful hearts promise them. But this they can never do.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
(26) The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.—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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
Verse 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour] That is, if the neighbour be a wicked man. The spirit of the proverb lies here: The POOR righteous man is more excellent than his sinful neighbour, though affluent and noble. The Syriac has it, "The righteous deviseth good to his neighbour." A late commentator has translated it, "The righteous explore their pastures." How מרעהו can be translated THEIR pastures I know not; but none of the versions understood it in this way. The Vulgate is rather singular: Qui negligit damnum propter amicum, justus est. "He who neglects or sustains a loss for the sake of his friend, is a just man." The Septuagint is insufferable: "The well-instructed righteous man shall be his own friend." One would hope these translators meant not exclusively; he should love his neighbour as himself.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:26
26. is more excellent than] Rather, is a guide to, R.V. Comp. “He guideth (the same word) the perfect in his way,” 2 Samuel 22:33, R.V. seduceth them] Rather, causeth them to err, R.V. The antithesis between the two clauses of the verse is thus brought out more forcibly, especially if we understand by “them” the persons included in the collective word “neighbour.” See Proverbs 11:9, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:26
Is more excellent than - Rather, the just man guides his neighbor.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
26. More excellent… neighbour — Meaning, than his unrighteous neighbour. There is some difficulty in this verse on the word rendered more excellent, or, by some, more abundant.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Plea for the Godly by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the characteristics of a righteous man, emphasizing the importance of humility, holiness, justice, love, and perseverance in one's faith. He highlights |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 9 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the importance of maintaining the power of holiness and righteousness in the lives of Christians. He emphasizes that true holiness is essential for c |
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About Your Friends. by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of friendships on our lives, particularly in youth, where the choice of friends can shape one's future. He warns against indiscriminate f |
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To Reach Jehovahs Witnesses by David Bowker | In this sermon, Mr. David Bowker shares his personal experience of being raised in the Watchtower movement and eventually leaving it. He explains how Jehovah's Witnesses are taught |
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How Our Joy Can Be Full - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the need to turn away from earthly concerns and focus on heavenly things to experience true joy, peace, and freedom from fear and anxiety. It highlights the |
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1 John 2:26 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the apostle's warning to the 'little children' about the dangers posed by antichrists and deceivers who seek to seduce them away from the truth. He explains th |
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Epistles of John Chapter 8 the Victory by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the victory believers have through Christ, asserting that the battle against evil is ultimately the Lord's. He outlines key elements of this victory: the bl |