Bible Strands
Proverbs 12:8
A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses the reader within a wisdom collection, positioning this maxim between statements on the destruction of the wicked and the practical value of humble service.
The words — שִׂ֭כְל/וֹ (Sikh.lo/v) = "his prudence" and יְהֻלַּל\־ (ye.hu.lal) = "he is praised" establish the first clause, while אִ֑ישׁ ('Ish) = "a person" and יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih.Yeh) = "he will become" frame the second.
The thread — This pairing of wisdom and twisted disposition recurs in Proverbs 3:35, which ties honor to the wise and shame to fools, and in 2 Corinthians 10:18, which shifts the standard of commendation from self to the Lord.
Why it lands — The text states that external praise or contempt is the direct result of internal character, asking the reader to cultivate prudence rather than a perverted heart to avoid contempt.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 3:35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.
- 2 Corinthians 10:18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
- Malachi 2:8 But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.
- Matthew 27:4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- Genesis 41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
- Psalms 132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown upon him will gleam.”
- Daniel 12:2 And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
- Luke 12:42 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?