Devine Scripture

Proverbs 17:12

What does Proverbs 17:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 17:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

It is better to come face to face with a bear whose young ones have been taken away than with a foolish man acting foolishly.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And--not a fool in his folly.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting in his own folly.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.

Context

v.11An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

v.12This passage

v.13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hosea 13:8

    I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart; and there will I devour them like a lioness; the wild beast shall tear them.

  • 2 Samuel 17:8

    Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

  • Matthew 2:16

    Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men.

  • Proverbs 27:3

    A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.

  • Proverbs 28:15

    Asa roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So isa wicked ruler over a poor people.

  • 2 Kings 2:24

    And he looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Jehovah. And there came forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two lads of them.

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