Read the Bible
KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 12:16–23

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Share
Email linkOpen a new message in your email app
Read chapter
More
Report an issueTell us about a text or study problem

PASSAGE SELECTION

Build from either side

8 selected · 2 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

40 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 16

  1. Proverbs 29:11Rank 1 from verse 16
    Open

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

  2. James 1:19Rank 2 from verse 16
    Open

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

  3. Proverbs 10:12Rank 3 from verse 16
    Open

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

  4. Proverbs 17:9Rank 4 from verse 16
    Open

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

  5. Proverbs 25:28Rank 5 from verse 16
    Open

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

From verse 17

  1. Proverbs 14:25Rank 1 from verse 17
    Open

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

  2. Proverbs 14:5Rank 2 from verse 17
    Open

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

  3. Proverbs 24:28Rank 3 from verse 17
    Open

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

  4. Proverbs 6:19Rank 4 from verse 17
    Open

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

  5. Matthew 15:19Rank 5 from verse 17
    Open

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

From verse 18

  1. Proverbs 16:24Rank 1 from verse 18
    Open

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

  2. Proverbs 15:4Rank 2 from verse 18
    Open

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

  3. Proverbs 10:20–21Rank 3 from verse 18
    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. Psalms 57:4Rank 4 from verse 18
    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. James 3:6–8Rank 5 from verse 18
    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.

From verse 19

  1. Proverbs 19:9Rank 1 from verse 19
    Open

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

  2. Psalms 52:4–5Rank 2 from verse 19
    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 from verse 19
    Open

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

  4. Zechariah 1:4–6Rank 4 from verse 19
    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. Acts 5:3–10Rank 5 from verse 19
    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.

From verse 20

  1. Matthew 5:9Rank 1 from verse 20
    Open

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

  2. 1 Peter 3:8–13Rank 2 from verse 20
    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. Mark 7:21–22Rank 3 from verse 20
    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. Hebrews 12:14Rank 4 from verse 20
    Open

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

  5. Jeremiah 17:16Rank 5 from verse 20
    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.

From verse 21

  1. 1 Peter 3:13Rank 1 from verse 21
    Open

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

  2. Psalms 91:10Rank 2 from verse 21
    Open

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

  3. Romans 8:28Rank 3 from verse 21
    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. Jeremiah 13:12–14Rank 4 from verse 21
    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. Proverbs 1:31Rank 5 from verse 21
    Open

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

From verse 22

  1. Psalms 5:6Rank 1 from verse 22
    Open

    6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

  2. Proverbs 11:20Rank 2 from verse 22
    Open

    20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

  3. Proverbs 6:16–17Rank 3 from verse 22
    Open

    16¶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

    17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

  4. Revelation 22:15Rank 4 from verse 22
    Open

    15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

  5. Jeremiah 9:24Rank 5 from verse 22
    Open

    24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

From verse 23

  1. Proverbs 13:16Rank 1 from verse 23
    Open

    16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

  2. Proverbs 10:19Rank 2 from verse 23
    Open

    19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

  3. Proverbs 11:13Rank 3 from verse 23
    Open

    13A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

  4. Proverbs 10:14Rank 4 from verse 23
    Open

    14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

  5. Proverbs 15:2Rank 5 from verse 23
    Open

    2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

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

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:22

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

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

abomination

↗

Sense 1: A person, thing, act, practice, creature, or condition regarded as detestable or loathsome. Sense 2: An idol or idolatrous thing so regarded.

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

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

deal

↗

Sense 1: A portion, share, or measured quantity. Sense 2: To distribute, conduct oneself, or act toward another.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

truly

↗

According to truth; in agreement with fact; Sincerely; honestly; really; faithfully; Exactly; justly.

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

COMBINED MEANING

delight

↗

Sense 1: To take or give great pleasure or satisfaction. Sense 2: A high degree of pleasure or satisfaction of mind; joy.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:23

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

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

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

fools

↗

Persons lacking wisdom or sound judgment, especially in moral or spiritual conduct.

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 12:15–24

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.

Selected passage

12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Selected passage

12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

LOCAL PASTOR DIRECTORY

Find a Pastor Near You

Enter a U.S. ZIP code to find nearby pastors committed to holding fast the faithful word.

Your ZIP is processed in this browser from local data. It is not sent to a ZIP lookup service or to a church. ZIP coordinates from GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.