Proverbs 22:12
The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
Original Language Analysis
עֵינֵ֣י
The eyes
H5869
עֵינֵ֣י
The eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
1 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָ֣צְרוּ
preserve
H5341
נָ֣צְרוּ
preserve
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
3 of 7
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
וַ֝יְסַלֵּ֗ף
and he overthroweth
H5557
וַ֝יְסַלֵּ֗ף
and he overthroweth
Strong's:
H5557
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to wrench, i.e., (figuratively) to subvert
Historical Context
Biblical history repeatedly shows God overthrowing wicked houses—Pharaoh's household, Eli's priestly line, Ahab's dynasty. God's justice is certain though sometimes delayed.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you trust God's perfect knowledge and timing to judge wickedness, or do you grow impatient?
- How should knowing God observes your household affect your private behavior?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'righteous man' here likely refers to God, who 'wisely considereth the house of the wicked'—observing with perfect knowledge and judgment. He then 'overthroweth' the wicked in their dwellings, bringing comprehensive judgment. Nothing escapes divine notice; no wickedness avoids accountability. This assures believers that God sees all injustice and will certainly judge. His timing may seem slow, but His justice is certain. The wicked's apparent prosperity is temporary; their 'house' (household, legacy, entire life) will be overturned. This should produce patience in the oppressed and fear in the wicked. God's omniscience and justice mean both comfort for the righteous and terror for the unrepentant.