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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 12:16–21

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.
21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

All 63 ranked passages are available for comparison.

Proverbs 12:16Cross-references · 9 ranked passages

  1. Open

    11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

  2. Open

    19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  3. Open

    12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

  4. Open

    9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

  5. Open

    28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

  6. Open

    33Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

  7. Open

    22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

  8. Open

    1AND Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

    2Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

  9. Open

    30Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness?

    31For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

    32And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

    33And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

    34So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

Proverbs 12:17Cross-references · 12 ranked passages

  1. Open

    25A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

  2. Open

    5A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

  3. Open

    28Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

  4. Open

    19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

  5. Open

    19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

  6. Open

    28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

  7. Open

    5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

  8. Open

    28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

  9. Open

    16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  10. Open

    14Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king’s son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?

    15Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

  11. Acts 6:13Rank 11
    Open

    13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

  12. Open

    59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

Proverbs 12:18Cross-references · 15 ranked passages

  1. Open

    24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  2. Open

    4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

  3. Open

    20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

    21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

  4. Open

    4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

  5. Open

    6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

    7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

    8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

  6. Open

    2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.

  7. Open

    7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

  8. Open

    18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

  9. Open

    22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

  10. Open

    33And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

  11. Open

    17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

  12. Open

    3Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

  13. Open

    7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

  14. Open

    16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

  15. Open

    2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Proverbs 12:19Cross-references · 6 ranked passages

  1. Open

    9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

  2. Open

    4Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

    5God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

  3. Job 20:5Rank 3
    Open

    5That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

  4. Open

    4Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.

    5Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

    6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

  5. Open

    3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

    4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

    5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

    6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

    7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

    8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

    9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

    10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

  6. Open

    35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Proverbs 12:20Cross-references · 11 ranked passages

  1. Open

    9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

  2. Open

    8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

    9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

    10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

    11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

    12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

    13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

  3. Open

    21For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

    22Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

  4. Open

    14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

  5. Open

    16As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.

  6. Open

    12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

  7. Open

    24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

    25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

    26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

  8. Open

    13Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

  9. Open

    6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

    7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

  10. Open

    14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Cæsar, or not?

    15Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.

    16And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar’s.

    17And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

  11. Open

    29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Proverbs 12:21Cross-references · 10 ranked passages

  1. Open

    13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

  2. Open

    10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

  3. Open

    28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

  4. Open

    12¶ Therefore thou shalt speak unto them this word; Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say unto thee, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?

    13Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David’s throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.

    14And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the Lord: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

  5. Open

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

  6. Open

    22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

    23And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

  7. Open

    16Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord’s right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.

  8. Open

    14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

  9. Open

    6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

  10. Open

    17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:16

COMBINED MEANING

fool

↗

Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wrath

↗

Fierce anger, indignation, displeasure, rage, or the punitive judgment and destructive action that proceed from it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

prudent

↗

Wise, discerning, thoughtful, circumspect, and careful in judgment or conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

covereth

↗

Places, spreads, or keeps something over another; hides, conceals, encloses, shelters, clothes, or occupies its surface or extent.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shame

↗

Sense 1: A painful sense of guilt, disgrace, or dishonor. Sense 2: As a verb, to make ashamed or bring disgrace upon.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:17

COMBINED MEANING

truth

↗

1. That which is true; conformity to fact or reality. 2. Faithfulness. 3. God's revealed word.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

forth

↗

1. Outward, away, or forward from a place, person, possession, or former position. 2. In constructions of bearing or producing, into birth, growth, fruit, or another stated result. 3. With verbs such as put, stretch, spread, or reach, outward by extension or exertion. 4. In constructions of showing, speaking, issuing, or displaying, into view, expression, publication, or effect. 5. Onward from a stated time or point, as in from that time forth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

false

↗

Not solid or sound; deceiving expectations. Not faithful or loyal; treacherous; perfidious; deceitful.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

witness

↗

Sense 1: A person or thing that attests, testifies, records, or supplies evidence; also testimony, record, or the act of bearing testimony. Sense 2: To see in person, testify, attest, or give evidence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

deceit

↗

Falsehood, guile, fraud, trickery, or a purpose, word, or act intended to mislead.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:18

COMBINED MEANING

like

↗

Sense 1: Similar or of the same kind; in the same manner; likely. Sense 2: A like person or thing; an equal or counterpart. Sense 3: To please, choose, or regard with favour.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

1. The organ of the mouth used for tasting and speech. 2. Speech, words, or a language. 3. A tongue-shaped projection or arm of land or water.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

health

↗

Sense 1: Soundness or well-being of body. Sense 2: Healing, cure, or restoration to soundness. Sense 3: Saving help or deliverance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:19

COMBINED MEANING

lip

↗

1. The edge or border of the mouth. 2. Speech or words.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

truth

↗

1. That which is true; conformity to fact or reality. 2. Faithfulness. 3. God's revealed word.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

established

↗

Set firmly; founded, made stable, ordained, enacted, ratified, or confirmed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for ever

↗

1. Without end; for all time. 2. Continually or permanently throughout the duration in view.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ever

↗

At any time; always or continually; throughout all time or for ever.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

lying

↗

1. Reclining, resting, remaining, or being situated in a place. 2. Speaking or representing what is false or deceptive. 3. Lying with a person; having sexual intercourse.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

1. The organ of the mouth used for tasting and speech. 2. Speech, words, or a language. 3. A tongue-shaped projection or arm of land or water.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

moment

↗

A very short portion of time; an instant.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:20

COMBINED MEANING

deceit

↗

Falsehood, guile, fraud, trickery, or a purpose, word, or act intended to mislead.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

peace

↗

Freedom from war, strife, disturbance, or inward trouble; quietness, reconciliation, safety, or well-being.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

joy

↗

Sense 1: Gladness, delight, or rejoicing. Sense 2: To rejoice, delight, or be glad.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:21

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

happen

↗

To light; to fall or come unexpectedly. To come by chance; to come without one’s previous expectation; to fall out. To come; to befall.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

filled

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of fill. Sense 1: To make full or occupy capacity. Sense 2: To satisfy. Sense 3: To occupy. Sense 4: To complete what is lacking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Nearby verses · passage boundary unavailable · Proverbs 12:15–22

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

12:16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

Selected passage

12:17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

Selected passage

12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Selected passage

12:19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Selected passage

12:20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.

Selected passage

12:21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

Selected passage

12:22Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

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