Proverbs 24:12

Proverbs 24:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

King James Version KJV

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

American Standard Version ASV

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work?

Bible in Basic English BBE

If you say, See, we had no knowledge of this: does not the tester of hearts give thought to it? and he who keeps your soul, has he no knowledge of it? and will he not give to every man the reward of his work?

Free Bible Version FBV

If you say, “Look, we didn't know anything about this,” don't you think the God who judges your motives will see what's happening? He who watches over you knows, and he will pay people back for what they've done.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If thou say, Beholde, we knew not of it: he that pondereth the heartes, doeth not hee vnderstand it? and hee that keepeth thy soule, knoweth he it not? will not he also recompense euery man according to his workes?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

When thou sayest, 'Lo, we knew not this.' Is not the Ponderer of hearts He who understandeth? And the Keeper of thy soul He who knoweth? And He hath rendered to man according to his work.

World English Bible WEB

If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this,” doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not give to every man according to his work?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? and will not he render to every man according to his works?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If thou say: I have not strength enough: he that seeth into the heart, he understandeth, and nothing deceiveth the keeper of thy soul, and he shall render to a man according to his works.

Translation for Translators T4T

If you say, “I did not know anything about it, so ◄it is not my concern/I did not try to help him►,” remember that God knows what we have done, and he knows what we were thinking [IDM, RHQ], and he will certainly [RHQ] repay us as we deserve for what we have done or for not doing what we should have done.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:12

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 24:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי תֹאמַ֗ר הֵן֮ לֹא יָדַ֪עְנ֫וּ זֶ֥ה הֲֽ/לֹא תֹ֘כֵ֤ן לִבּ֨וֹת הֽוּא יָבִ֗ין וְ/נֹצֵ֣ר נַ֭פְשְׁ/ךָ ה֣וּא יֵדָ֑ע וְ/הֵשִׁ֖יב לְ/אָדָ֣ם כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

תֹאמַ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

הֵן֮ hên H2005 look! Part

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדַ֪עְנ֫וּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cp

זֶ֥ה zeh H2088 this Pron

הֲֽ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

תֹ֘כֵ֤ן tâkan H8505 to measure V-Qal

לִבּ֨וֹת libbâh H3826 heart N-fp

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יָבִ֗ין bîyn H995 to understand V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/נֹצֵ֣ר nâtsar H5341 to watch Conj | V-Qal

נַ֭פְשְׁ/ךָ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יֵדָ֑ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/הֵשִׁ֖יב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

לְ/אָדָ֣ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) Prep | N-ms

כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ pôʻal H6467 work Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:12

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

תֹאמַ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הֵן֮ hên H2005 "look!" Part

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָדַ֪עְנ֫וּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

זֶ֥ה zeh H2088 "this" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הֲֽ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תֹ֘כֵ֤ן tâkan H8505 "to measure" V-Qal

Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.

Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.

לִבּ֨וֹת libbâh H3826 "heart" N-fp

The heart is the center of a person's emotions and thoughts. In the book of 1 Samuel, it describes Hannah's heart being filled with joy and gratitude, while in the book of Job, it talks about the heart being heavy with sorrow.

Definition: heart

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: heart. See also: Psalms 7:10; Proverbs 17:3; Psalms 125:4.

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

יָבִ֗ין bîyn H995 "to understand" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.

Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.

וְ/נֹצֵ֣ר nâtsar H5341 "to watch" Conj | V-Qal

This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.

Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.

נַ֭פְשְׁ/ךָ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

יֵדָ֑ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

וְ/הֵשִׁ֖יב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

לְ/אָדָ֣ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" Prep | N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ pôʻal H6467 "work" Prep | N-ms | Suff

A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.

Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.

Study Notes — Proverbs 24:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 24:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:12
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:12
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12
Sermons on Proverbs 24:12

Context — Saying 25

10If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! 11Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.

12If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

13Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. 14Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Job 34:11	For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.
2	Revelation 2:23	Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
3	Jeremiah 17:10	I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
4	Romans 2:6	God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”
5	Psalms 121:8	The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
6	1 Samuel 16:7	But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
7	Proverbs 21:2	All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
8	Psalms 121:3	He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
9	Ecclesiastes 5:8	If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
10	Psalms 62:12	and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.

Proverbs 24:12 Summary

[This verse reminds us that God knows everything about us, including our thoughts and intentions, and He will judge us according to our actions, as also seen in Psalm 139:1-4. It encourages us to take responsibility for our choices and to act with kindness and compassion towards others, just like it says in Proverbs 24:11. We should not make excuses or pretend we do not know what is right, because God sees and knows everything. By living with integrity and honesty, we can have a clear conscience before God, as taught in Acts 24:16.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God 'weighs hearts' in Proverbs 24:12?

This phrase means that God carefully examines and judges the motivations and intentions of our hearts, as also seen in Proverbs 21:2, where it says that God weighs the hearts of men to see what is in them.

Will God really repay a man according to his deeds as stated in Proverbs 24:12?

Yes, this is a biblical principle that is repeated in other scriptures such as Psalm 62:12 and Romans 2:6, where it is clear that God will reward or punish each person according to their actions and the intentions of their heart.

What does it mean to say 'we did not know about this' in the context of Proverbs 24:12?

This phrase refers to people making excuses or claiming ignorance when they have failed to act or have acted wrongly, similar to the concept in Leviticus 5:17, where it talks about sinning unintentionally, but still being accountable to God.

How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for others, as seen in the preceding verse Proverbs 24:11?

This verse emphasizes that we are accountable to God for our actions and inactions, especially when it comes to helping those in need, as seen in Proverbs 24:11, where it instructs us to rescue those being led away to death, and this is a fundamental aspect of living out our faith, as also taught in James 1:27.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I be more mindful of my actions and their consequences before God, considering that He weighs my heart?
How can I balance my own limitations and lack of knowledge with the expectation to act responsibly and make wise decisions, as implied in Proverbs 24:12?
What are some areas in my life where I may be making excuses or claiming ignorance, and how can I take responsibility for my actions in those areas?
In what ways can I demonstrate my care and concern for others, especially those in need, as a reflection of my accountability to God?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:12

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not,.... The danger the person was in; or the innocency of his cause; or what method to take to deliver him; or that it was in our power to do anything for him; so

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:12

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12

We knew it not; I was ignorant either of his innocency, or of his extreme danger, or of my power to relieve him. Consider it; that this is only a frivolous excuse, and that the true reason of thy neglect was thy want of true love to thy brother, whose life thou wast by the law of God and of nature obliged to preserve, and thy sinful self-love, and a carnal fear of some mischief or trouble which might befall thee in the discharge of thy duty. He that keepeth thy soul; God, who is the preserver of men, , who daily doth, and who only can, keep thee both in and from the greatest dangers. And this favour of God may be here mentioned, partly, as a strong obligation upon him to preserve him who is made after God’ s image, and whom God hath commanded him to love and preserve; partly, as an encouragement to the performance of his duty herein from the consideration of God’ s special care and watchfulness over those that do their duty; and partly, to intimate to them the danger of the neglect of this duty, whereby they will forfeit God’ s protection over themselves, and expose themselves to manifold dangers and calamities. Or, as others render it, and as the Hebrew verb is frequently used, he that observeth thy soul, that seeth all the secret thoughts and inward motions of the heart; which exposition is favoured both by the following words, doth not he know it? which agrees better to God’ s observing than to his preserving a man’ s soul; and by the former clause, to which this translation doth more exactly answer, the same thing being here repeated in other words, after the manner of these sacred writers. Shall not he render to every man according to his works? God will certainly deal with thee as thou hast dealt with him, either rewarding thy performance of this duty, or punishing thy neglect of it.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12

Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?Ver. 12. If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not, &c.] As no wool is so coarse but will take some colour; so there is no sin so foul but will admit some excuse. Ignorance is commonly pleaded, - We know not this man’ s case, the justice of his cause, the means of his rescue, &c. But "be not deceived, God is not mocked." They that would mock him imposturum faciunt et patientur, defraud themselves, as the emperor said of him that sold glass for pearl. Deo obscura clarent, muta respondent, silentium confitetur. God’ s "eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men." The former points out his knowledge, the latter his critical descant. Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider?] No man needs a window in his breast - as the heathen Momus wished - for God to look in at; for every man before God is all window, and his "eyes are as a flaming fire," that need no outward light, that see extra mittendo by sending out a ray, &c., that see through that transparent body, the world, called "a sea of glass." Isidor.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12

(12) If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not.—Man being too much inclined to answer after the manner of Cain (Genesis 4:9), “Am I my brother’s keeper?” when he might give aid to those who need it.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:12

12. knew it not] Lit. knew not this (thing, or man).

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:12

As Proverbs 24:11 warned men against acquiescing in an unrighteous tyranny, so this denounces the tendency to hush up a wrong with the false plea of ignorance. Compare Ecclesiastes 5:8.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:12

11, 12. If thou forbear to deliver… his works — Muenscher’s translation and note are: “Dost thou forbear to deliver [those who are] led away to death, and those who are tottering to the slaughter?

Sermons on Proverbs 24:12

	Sermon	Description
	Growth Follows Revival by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, B. Earl shares a personal story about his struggles as an evangelist. He describes how he prepared tough and hard-hitting sermons in an attempt to reach stubborn pe
	The Sinners Mistakes Exposed and Reproved. by Edward Payson	Edward Payson preaches about the ancient doctrine of a judgment to come, emphasizing that God, though silent in the present life, carefully records the sins of impenitent sinners f
	The Holy Spirit—let Him Come by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an accou
	Christ - the Searcher of Men's Hearts by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes Christ as the searcher of men's hearts, drawing from Revelation 1 and 2 to highlight the importance of allowing Jesus to search our hearts, reveal hidden sin
	The Scripture View of the Present State of Man by Thomas Reade	Thomas Reade preaches about the sinful state of man as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the necessity of divine illumination and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understan
	Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham	This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli
	The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne! by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge an