Proverbs 12:12 kjv

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

Proverbs 12:12 nkjv

The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

Proverbs 12:12 niv

The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures.

Proverbs 12:12 esv

Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

Proverbs 12:12 nlt

Thieves are jealous of each other's loot,
but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

Proverbs 12 verses

Proverbs 12 12 Meaning

Proverbs 12:12 sharply contrasts the motivations and outcomes of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are portrayed as driven by an illicit craving for the ill-gotten gains of other evildoers, focusing on external, tainted acquisitions. In direct opposition, the righteous are depicted as deeply rooted, naturally yielding good and lasting "fruit" from their intrinsic character and steadfast walk with the Divine. The proverb underscores that true and lasting prosperity stems not from corrupt acquisition, but from an upright heart and integrity.

Proverbs 12 12 Context

Proverbs chapter 12 frequently juxtaposes the characteristics and destinies of the righteous and the wicked. It opens with the benefits of discipline for those who love knowledge, contrasting it with those who despise correction. Throughout the chapter, it highlights various facets of life—from thoughts and speech to work ethic and trust—and shows how the wicked inevitably falter, while the righteous find stability and success. Verse 12 serves as a pivotal summary of these contrasting life philosophies: the wicked are focused on obtaining things unjustly from others, reflecting their internal depravity, while the righteous possess an inherent, stable source of true prosperity and goodness. Historically and culturally, the concept of "spoil" would have been very tangible, relating to war plunder, banditry, or ill-gotten gains through dishonest dealings. The "root" and "fruit" imagery draws on an agrarian society's understanding of growth, health, and sustained yield. This verse subtly challenges the idea that outward material gain, however acquired, signifies blessing, by showing the moral corruption inherent in such pursuits for the wicked.

Proverbs 12 12 Word Analysis

• The wicked (Hebrew: rasha‘ - רָשָׁע): Refers to the morally guilty, unrighteous, and ungodly. This word indicates a person whose character is fundamentally opposed to divine and righteous ways, implying deep-seated rebellion and wrongdoing, not merely an occasional fault.

• covet (Hebrew: chamad - חָמַד): Signifies a strong, often illicit or greedy desire. This verb is notably used in the Tenth Commandment, "You shall not covet," underscoring its negative connotation of wanting what rightly belongs to another or what is ill-gotten. It implies a consuming inward longing that can lead to sin.

• the spoil (Hebrew: metsod - מְצוֹד): Means plunder, prey, or what is captured through hunting or battle. It distinctly refers to something acquired unjustly, often through violence, trickery, or exploitation.

• of evildoers (Hebrew: ra‘im - רָעִים): A plural form emphasizing "bad" or "evil ones." It deepens the condemnation, clarifying that the wicked do not merely desire wealth but specifically covet the fruits of other wicked people's schemes and unrighteous acts, indicating a pervasive attraction to corruption.

• but (Hebrew: waw - וְ): This strong adversative conjunction introduces a stark and profound contrast, shifting the focus entirely from the negative actions and desires of the wicked to the positive nature and outcome of the righteous.

• the root (Hebrew: shoresh - שֹׁרֶשׁ): Symbolizes the foundational aspect, the very core, source, or essence. For the righteous, it represents their deep spiritual integrity, their character, their principles, and their firm connection to the divine. It implies stability and sustenance from within.

• of the righteous (Hebrew: tzaddiq - צַדִּיק): Refers to those who are just, upright, and aligned with God's commands. Their righteousness is a core attribute, their established way of life, from which all other things proceed.

• yields fruit (Hebrew: yitten - יִתֵּן): Translates to "will give" or "will produce." This describes a natural, organic, and abundant outcome. The "fruit" represents the positive results, blessings, and good works that flow naturally and consistently from the stable and vital "root" of a righteous life, contrasting sharply with the precarious and corrupt "spoil" sought by the wicked.

Proverbs 12 12 Bonus Section

• The proverb illustrates two distinct philosophies of life: one that takes and consumes, feeding on others' misfortunes or illicit gains, and one that cultivates and produces, contributing positively and living justly.
• The "spoil of evildoers" is an unstable foundation; what is gained through unrighteousness is often fleeting and ultimately destructive (as seen in Prov 1:19 and 28:8).
• The emphasis on the "root" for the righteous signifies that their stability and productivity come from deep within, symbolizing unwavering faith, character, and spiritual principles that cannot be easily swayed or corrupted, unlike superficial success.

Proverbs 12 12 Commentary

Proverbs 12:12 powerfully articulates the divergent paths and sources of provision for the wicked and the righteous. The first half reveals the wicked's misplaced desires: they are captivated by "the spoil of evildoers," indicating a corrupt fascination with material gains that come from illicit and violent means. This craving not only points to their own depravity but also highlights a cycle of covetousness for tainted wealth, leading to further wickedness. Their focus is external, on fleeting gains acquired through unholy methods, signifying an inherent instability in their "prosperity."

In stark contrast, the second half declares that "the root of the righteous yields fruit." This agricultural metaphor illustrates that the source of blessing and genuine prosperity for the righteous is internal, stemming from their core character and relationship with the Divine. Unlike the wicked who crave what others seize, the righteous produce naturally and abundantly from their deeply embedded spiritual foundations. This "fruit" represents spiritual vitality, good works, integrity, lasting peace, and God's abundant provision, all emanating from their very being. The proverb teaches that true flourishing is not found in ill-gotten wealth but in a life deeply rooted in uprightness, generating blessings that endure.