Amplified Bible
Proverbs 12:4
4A virtuous and excellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
- New International Version (NIV)A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
- English Standard Version (ESV)An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
- New King James Version (NKJV)An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
Context of Proverbs 12:4
2A good man will obtain favor from the Lord, But He will condemn a man who devises evil. 3A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the [consistently] righteous will not be moved. A virtuous and excellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones. 5The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are just (honest, reliable), But the counsels and schemes of the wicked are deceitful. 6The [malevolent] words of the wicked lie in wait for [innocent] blood [to slander], But the mouth of the upright will rescue and protect them.
Read all of Proverbs 12Proverbs 12:4 word by word
אֵֽשֶׁת־חַ֭יִל עֲטֶ֣רֶת בַּעְלָ֑הּ וּכְרָקָ֖ב בְּעַצְמוֹתָ֣יו מְבִישָֽׁה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- A virtuousחַ֫יִלchayil · strength: worthyH2428
- womanאִשָּׁה'ishshâh nâshîym · woman: wifeH802
- a crownעֲטָרָה‛ăţârâh · crownH5850
- to her husbandבַּעַלba‛al · master: husbandH1167
- but she that maketh ashamedבּוֹשׁbûsh · be ashamedH954
- as rottennessרָקָבrâqâb · rottennessH7538
- in his bonesעֶ֫צֶם‛etsem · boneH6106
Cross-references for Proverbs 12:4
- Proverbs 14:1The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].
- Proverbs 19:13A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water].
- Proverbs 31:10An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
- 1 Corinthians 11:7A man ought not have his head covered [during worship], since he is the image and [reflected] glory of God; but the woman is [the expression of] man’s glory.
- Proverbs 21:9It is better to live in a corner of the housetop [on the flat roof, exposed to the weather] Than in a house shared with a quarrelsome (contentious) woman.
- Proverbs 27:15A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious (quarrelsome) woman are alike;
- Proverbs 14:30A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body, But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones.
- Habakkuk 3:16I heard and my whole inner self trembled; My lips quivered at the sound. Decay and rottenness enter my bones, And I tremble in my place. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise who will invade and attack us.
Commentaries on Proverbs 12:4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband - חיל אשת esheth chayil, a strong woman. Our word virtue (virtus) is derived from vir, a man; and as man is the noblest of God's creatures, virtue expresses what is becoming to man; what is noble, courageous, and dignified: and as vir, a man, comes from vis, power or strength; so it implies what is strong and vigorous in principle: and as in uncivilized life strength and courage were considered the very highest…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 4Virtuous - The word implies the virtue of earnestness, or strength of character, rather than of simple chastity. A crown - With the Jews the sign, not of kingly power only, but also of joy and gladness. Compare Song of Song of Solomon 3:11 .Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 4Verse 4 A wife who is pious, prudent, and looks well to the ways of her household, who makes conscience of her duty, and can bear crosses; such a one is an honour and comfort to her husband. She that is the reverse of this, preys upon him, and consumes him.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 4In other parts of Proverbs, a crown represents: Wealth (Proverbs 14:24) Long life (Proverbs 16:31) Grandchildren (17:6) decay (literally rot): A disgraceful wife is a serious and life-threatening issue.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 44. A virtuous woman--in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties (Pr 31:10). maketh ashamed--that is, by misconduct. rottenness--an incurable evil.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 12:4
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
Amplified Bible — © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631
Commentaries