Proverbs 12:2
New International Version
Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.

New Living Translation
The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

English Standard Version
A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

Berean Standard Bible
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

King James Bible
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

New King James Version
A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

New American Standard Bible
A good person will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a person who devises evil.

NASB 1995
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

NASB 1977
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

Legacy Standard Bible
A good man will obtain favor from Yahweh, But a man of evil schemes He will condemn.

Amplified Bible
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

Christian Standard Bible
One who is good obtains favor from the LORD, but he condemns a person who schemes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The good person obtains favor from the LORD, but He condemns a man who schemes.

American Standard Version
A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD likes everyone who lives right, but he punishes everyone who makes evil plans.

English Revised Version
A good man shall obtain favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A good person obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns everyone who schemes.

Good News Translation
The LORD is pleased with good people, but condemns those who plan evil.

International Standard Version
The good person will gain favor from the LORD, but the man who plots evil will be condemned by him.

Majority Standard Bible
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

NET Bible
A good person obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a person with wicked schemes.

New Heart English Bible
A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.

Webster's Bible Translation
A good man obtaineth favor from the LORD: but a man of wicked devices he will condemn.

World English Bible
A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The good brings forth favor from YHWH, "" And the man of wicked schemes He condemns.

Young's Literal Translation
The good bringeth forth favour from Jehovah, And the man of wicked devices He condemneth.

Smith's Literal Translation
The good shall obtain acceptance from Jehovah: and the man of mischief he will condemn.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that is good, shall draw grace from the Lord : but he that trusteth in his own devices doth wickedly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever is good shall draw grace from the Lord. But whoever trusts in his own thoughts acts impiously.

New American Bible
A good person wins favor from the LORD, but the schemer he condemns.

New Revised Standard Version
The good obtain favor from the LORD, but those who devise evil he condemns.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A good man obtains favor of the LORD; but a wicked one will be condemned.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
It will be well for the man who keeps the will of LORD JEHOVAH and an evil man will be condemned.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A good man shall obtain favour of the LORD; But a man of wicked devices will He condemn.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that has found favour with the Lord is made better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. 2The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. 3A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.…

Cross References
Psalm 5:12
For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.

Psalm 112:5
It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.

Psalm 125:4
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to the upright in heart.

Isaiah 3:10
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Isaiah 26:7
The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.

Isaiah 33:15-16
He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— / he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”


Treasury of Scripture

A good man obtains favor of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

good

Proverbs 8:35
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Psalm 112:5
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Ecclesiastes 8:8
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

a man

Proverbs 1:31
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Proverbs 6:18
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Psalm 9:15
The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

Jump to Previous
Condemn Condemneth Condemns Crafty Designs Devices Devises Evil Eyes Favor Favour Forth Gets Good Grace Mischievous Obtain Obtaineth Obtains Punishment Wicked
Jump to Next
Condemn Condemneth Condemns Crafty Designs Devices Devises Evil Eyes Favor Favour Forth Gets Good Grace Mischievous Obtain Obtaineth Obtains Punishment Wicked
Proverbs 12
1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge














The good man
The phrase "the good man" refers to an individual who embodies righteousness and moral integrity. In Hebrew, the word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which conveys a sense of moral goodness, pleasantness, and ethical virtue. This concept of goodness is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself, as seen throughout the Old Testament. A "good man" aligns his life with God's commandments and seeks to live in a way that reflects God's own nature. Historically, this would have been understood as someone who adheres to the covenantal laws given to Israel, striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.

obtains favor from the LORD
The Hebrew word for "favor" is "רָצוֹן" (ratson), which implies pleasure, delight, or goodwill. To "obtain favor from the LORD" suggests that God looks upon the good man with approval and blessing. This favor is not earned by human effort alone but is a result of living in accordance with God's will. In the scriptural context, favor from the LORD often results in tangible blessings, protection, and guidance. Theologically, this reflects the principle that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him and live righteously.

but the LORD condemns
The word "condemns" in Hebrew is "יַרְשִׁיעַ" (yarshi'a), which means to declare guilty or to pronounce judgment. This indicates a divine response to moral wrongdoing. The LORD, as the ultimate judge, discerns the intentions and actions of individuals. In the biblical narrative, God's condemnation is not arbitrary but is a just response to sin and rebellion against His laws. This serves as a warning that God is not indifferent to evil and will hold individuals accountable for their actions.

a man who devises evil
The phrase "a man who devises evil" describes someone who intentionally plans or schemes wrongdoing. The Hebrew word for "devises" is "חָשַׁב" (chashav), which means to think, plan, or calculate. This implies a deliberate and premeditated effort to engage in actions that are contrary to God's will. "Evil" in Hebrew is "רָע" (ra), encompassing anything that is morally wrong, harmful, or wicked. In the historical and scriptural context, devising evil is seen as a direct affront to God's holiness and order, often leading to societal harm and personal destruction. This part of the verse serves as a stark contrast to the earlier mention of the "good man," highlighting the moral dichotomy between righteousness and wickedness.

(2) A good man.--The corresponding phrase, "a man of wicked devices," i.e., who plots against his neighbour, fixes the sense of "good" as signifying "benevolent" (comp. Psalm 73:1); and for the sentiment, Luke 6:35.

Verse 2. - A good man. The word is general, the particular virtue intended being often modified by the context. In view of the contrast in the second clause, it means here "pure," "straightforward." having a heart free from evil thoughts. As the psalm says, "Surely God is good to Israel, even to such as are pure in heart" (Psalm 73:1). Obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 8:35); Septuagint, "Better is he who findeth favour from the Lord." A man of wicked devices (Proverbs 14:17); one whose thoughts are perverse and artful. Will he - Jehovah - condemn; Vulgate, "He who trusts to his imaginations doeth wickedly;" Septuagint, "A man that is a sinner shall be passed over in silence (παρασιωπηθήσεται)."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The good [man]
ט֗וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

obtains
יָפִ֣יק (yā·p̄îq)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6329: To issue, furnish, to secure, to succeed

favor
רָ֭צוֹן (rā·ṣō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will

from the LORD,
מֵיְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

but [the LORD] condemns
יַרְשִֽׁיעַ׃ (yar·šî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7561: To be, wrong, to disturb, violate

a man
וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who devises evil.
מְזִמּ֣וֹת (mə·zim·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4209: A plan, evil, sometimes good


Links
Proverbs 12:2 NIV
Proverbs 12:2 NLT
Proverbs 12:2 ESV
Proverbs 12:2 NASB
Proverbs 12:2 KJV

Proverbs 12:2 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 12:2 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 12:2 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 12:2 French Bible
Proverbs 12:2 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:2 A good man shall obtain favor (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 12:1
Top of Page
Top of Page