Berean Standard Bible
Proverbs 12:4
4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay 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
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. A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. 5The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit. 6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Read all of Proverbs 12Proverbs 12:4 word by word
אֵֽשֶׁת־חַ֭יִל עֲטֶ֣רֶת בַּעְלָ֑הּ וּכְרָקָ֖ב בְּעַצְמוֹתָ֣יו מְבִישָֽׁה׃Read the interlinear
- A wifeאִשָּׁה'ishshâh nâshîym · woman: wifeH802
- of noble characterחַ֫יִלchayil · strength: worthyH2428
- is her husband’sבַּעַלba‛al · master: husbandH1167
- crownעֲטָרָה‛ăţârâh · crownH5850
- but she who causes shameבּוֹשׁbûsh · be ashamedH954
- is like decayרָקָבrâqâb · rottennessH7538
- in his bonesעֶ֫צֶם‛etsem · boneH6106
Cross-references for Proverbs 12:4
- Proverbs 14:1Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
- Proverbs 19:13A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
- Proverbs 31:10A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.
- 1 Corinthians 11:7A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.
- Proverbs 21:9Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
- Proverbs 27:15A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—
- Proverbs 14:30A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
- Habakkuk 3:16I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade 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
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