Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Original Language Analysis
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
man regardeth
H3045
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
man regardeth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
the life
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּהֶמְתּ֑וֹ
of his beast
H929
בְּהֶמְתּ֑וֹ
of his beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Historical Context
Ancient agrarian societies depended on livestock for transportation, agriculture, food, and clothing. Animals represented significant economic investment requiring proper care. Mosaic Law included provisions for animal welfare, unique among ancient Near Eastern legal codes. This distinguished Israel's ethic from neighboring cultures where animals were purely utilitarian. The proverb tests character through treatment of vulnerable, voiceless creatures—if one mistreats animals, how will they treat people?
Questions for Reflection
- How does your treatment of animals, employees, or others under your authority reveal your character?
- In what ways might we perform 'tender mercies' that are actually motivated by selfishness rather than genuine compassion?
- How does the gospel transform hard hearts toward genuine mercy for all God's creatures?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb reveals character through treatment of animals and contrasts true compassion with counterfeit mercy. "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" uses yode'a tsaddiq (יוֹדֵעַ צַדִּיק, knows the righteous) and nefesh behemto (נֶפֶשׁ בְּהֶמְתּוֹ, the soul/life of his animal). The verb yada (יָדַע, know) implies intimate awareness and care. The righteous understand and attend to their animals' needs—food, rest, humane treatment.
"But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" presents shocking paradox. Even when the wicked attempt compassion (rachamey resha'im, רַחֲמֵי רְשָׁעִים, mercies of the wicked), it remains akhzari (אַכְזָרִי, cruel, fierce). Their best efforts at kindness are tainted by selfishness, neglect, or exploitation. What appears as mercy serves ulterior motives rather than genuine care.
This verse establishes that character penetrates all relationships—even with animals. Deuteronomy 25:4 commands not muzzling the ox while treading grain, and Exodus 23:12 prescribes Sabbath rest for livestock. Jesus noted that Pharisees would rescue animals on the Sabbath yet opposed healing people (Luke 14:5). True righteousness shows compassion to the vulnerable, including beasts. Conversely, cruelty to animals reveals hard-heartedness that will manifest toward people. The gospel transforms hearts from cruelty to genuine mercy (Micah 6:8).