Proverbs 27:12
Proverbs 27:12 in Multiple Translations
The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
The sharp man sees the evil and takes cover: the simple go straight on and get into trouble.
If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and suffer the consequences.
A prudent man seeth the plague, and hideth himselfe: but the foolish goe on still, and are punished.
The prudent hath seen the evil, he is hidden, The simple have passed on, they are punished.
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
The prudent man seeing evil hideth himself: little ones passing on have suffered losses.
Those who have good sense will realize that there is something dangerous ahead, and they will hide; those who do not have good sense just keep going, and later they will suffer because of doing that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:12
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 27:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָר֤וּם
רָאָ֣ה
רָעָ֣ה
נִסְתָּ֑ר
פְּ֝תָאיִ֗ם
עָבְר֥וּ
נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ
עָר֤וּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Adj
רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
נִסְתָּ֑ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
פְּ֝תָאיִ֗ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-mp
עָבְר֥וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ
ʻânash
H6064
to fine
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:12
עָר֤וּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
"prudent"
Adj
The Hebrew word for being prudent or cunning, often in a negative sense. It appears in Proverbs 12:16 and 12:23, warning against deceitful behavior. This idea is also found in Genesis 3:1, describing the serpent's cleverness.
Definition: 1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible 1a) crafty 1b) shrewd, sensible, prudent
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crafty, prudent, subtil. See also: Genesis 3:1; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 12:16.
רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
נִסְתָּ֑ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
פְּ֝תָאיִ֗ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
עָבְר֥וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ
ʻânash
H6064
"to fine"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To fine or punish is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying a penalty. It is used in the Bible to describe punishment or condemnation, as seen in various translations. This word is about inflicting a penalty.
Definition: 1) to fine, amerce, punish, condemn, mulct 1a) (Qal) to fine, punish 1b) (Niphal) to be fined, be punished, be mulcted
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: amerce, condemn, punish, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 21:22; Proverbs 21:11; Proverbs 17:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:12
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
12The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. 14If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:3 | The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:10 | The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:7 | By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:10–14 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 3:7 | And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. |
| 6 | Exodus 9:20–21 | Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field. |
| 7 | Psalms 57:1–3 | Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. |
| 8 | Hebrews 6:18 | Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. |
| 9 | Isaiah 26:20–21 | Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. |
| 10 | Matthew 3:7 | But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? |
Proverbs 27:12 Summary
This verse means that wise people see trouble coming and take steps to avoid it, but foolish people just keep going and end up getting hurt. It's like seeing a big storm cloud and taking shelter, as opposed to ignoring it and getting caught in the rain. We can apply this to our lives by being careful and thoughtful in our decisions, and seeking guidance from God's Word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By being prudent and wise, we can avoid many problems and live more peaceful lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be prudent in the context of Proverbs 27:12?
To be prudent means to have wisdom and foresight, allowing us to anticipate and avoid danger, as seen in Proverbs 27:12, and to make wise decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:8-9 and Psalms 111:10.
Who are the simple mentioned in Proverbs 27:12?
The simple are those who lack wisdom and discernment, often acting impulsively without considering the consequences of their actions, as described in Proverbs 1:4 and Proverbs 9:4-6.
What is the penalty mentioned in Proverbs 27:12?
The penalty refers to the negative consequences that come from ignoring danger and failing to take necessary precautions, as warned in Proverbs 27:12 and illustrated in the story of the foolish builder in Luke 6:49.
How can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 27:12 to our daily lives?
We can apply this wisdom by being cautious and discerning in our decisions, seeking guidance from God's Word and wise counsel, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and James 1:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential dangers in my life that I need to be aware of and take cover from?
- How can I cultivate prudence and wisdom in my daily decisions and actions?
- What are some areas where I tend to be simple or naive, and how can I seek wisdom and discernment in those areas?
- How can I balance being cautious and prudent with being bold and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:12
A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil,.... [See comments on Proverbs 22:3]; or "seeth the evil" (f); the evil of sin, as it is contrary to the nature, will, and law and abominable in his sight; and not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:12
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Note, Proverbs 22:3.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
This was delivered , and is here repeated to enforce the foregoing exhortation, by representing the great advantage of wisdom.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
Proverbs 27:12 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.Ver. 12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
(12) A prudent man foreseeth the evil.—See above on Proverbs 22:3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
Verse 12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil] The very same as Proverbs 22:3.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:12
12. See Proverbs 22:3 and notes.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:12
Compare the marginal reference.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:12
12. Substantially the same as Proverbs 22:3. There is some difference in the form of the words, but none in the sense. Prudent — Shrewd.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Covering by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience if they have enough strength to face the challenges and temptations of the world. He emphasizes the importance of counting |
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From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h |
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The Progress of Error by William Cowper | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35414 delves into the concept of 'respect' (pronoeo), which means to think before, observe in advance, and plan carefully. It involves giving care |
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Being Prepared by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh |
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I Am the Lord That Heals You by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of getting right with God, addressing areas of sin and disobedience in our lives. It highlights the need to surrender to God, seek forgiveness |
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The Stumbling Block of Viewing Things From a Human Point of View by Ian Robson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in spiritually, urging listeners to recognize the signs of the times and not be blind or short-sighted. It hig |
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Purity - Your Past Doesn't Scare God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes that our past does not intimidate God, encouraging believers to rise above discouragement and defeat. He highlights the destructive nature of sexual sin, p |