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

2The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. 3Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. 5The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. 6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.

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 14:1A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
• Proverbs 19:13A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.
• Proverbs 31:10Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
• 1 Corinthians 11:7A man should not wear anything on his head when worshiping, for man is made in God’s image and reflects God’s glory. And woman reflects man’s glory.
• Proverbs 21:9It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
• Proverbs 27:15A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.
• Proverbs 14:30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
• Habakkuk 3:16I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike 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

• 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