Proverbs 12:4

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 person obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a person with wicked schemes. 3No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root cannot be moved. A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones. 5The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood, but the words of the upright will deliver them.

Proverbs 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 14:1Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
• Proverbs 19:13A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping.
• Proverbs 31:10Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.
• 1 Corinthians 11:7For a man should not have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man.
• Proverbs 21:9It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.
• Proverbs 27:15A continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike.
• Proverbs 14:30A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.
• Habakkuk 3:16I listened and my stomach churned; the sound made my lips quiver. My frame went limp, as if my bones were decaying, and I shook as I tried to walk. I long for the day of distress to come upon the people who 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

• Family
• Wife
• Women

In the dictionaries

• Crown
• Cruel
• Happen
• Heaviness
• Pathway
• Poetry
• Reproof
• Vain
• Bone; Bones
• Proverb

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