Bible Strands
Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses a student with wisdom instruction regarding moral responsibility. The passage responds to a hypothetical objection about human ignorance when faced with the duty to rescue the oppressed.
The words — The Hebrew term תֹכֵן (to.Khen) literally means "one who weighs," describing God's examination of hearts. The conjunction כִּי (ki) introduces the conditional scenario "if you say."
The thread — The theme of divine repayment according to deeds appears in Job 34:11 and Jeremiah 17:10. Revelation 2:23 identifies the speaker as the One who searches minds and hearts.
Why it lands — The text asserts that human claims of ignorance cannot evade divine knowledge or just recompense. It demands that readers acknowledge God's scrutiny of internal motives and external actions as the basis for judgment.
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
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
Cross-references
- Job 34:11 For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.
- Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
- Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
- Psalms 121:8 The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
- Proverbs 21:2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
- Romans 2:6 God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”
- Psalms 121:3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
- Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
- Psalms 17:3 You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.