Proverbs 12:8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Original Language Analysis
לְֽפִי
according
H6310
לְֽפִי
according
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהֻלַּל
shall be commended
H1984
יְהֻלַּל
shall be commended
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
3 of 8
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
אִ֑ישׁ
A man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
A man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְנַעֲוֵה
but he that is of a perverse
H5753
וְנַעֲוֵה
but he that is of a perverse
Strong's:
H5753
Word #:
5 of 8
to crook, literally or figuratively
לֵ֝֗ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֝֗ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Acts 12:23And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.Psalms 132:18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.Proverbs 5:23He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.Proverbs 1:26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;Proverbs 3:35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.Genesis 41:39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:Luke 16:8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.Daniel 12:2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Historical Context
Reflects covenant community where character eventually produced fitting reputation. While temporary discrepancies occurred, wisdom ultimately brought honor and perverseness brought shame.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your reputation reflect wisdom or perverseness?
- How can you pursue wisdom that merits genuine commendation rather than mere image management?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. Public estimation follows character - wisdom brings commendation (halal - praise, glory); perverse heart brings contempt. This verse presents reputation as reflecting reality - wise persons deserve and receive praise; perverse persons deserve and receive contempt. Genuine character eventually produces corresponding reputation.