Proverbs 12:26 kjv

The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

Proverbs 12:26 nkjv

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26 niv

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26 esv

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26 nlt

The godly give good advice to their friends;
the wicked lead them astray.

Proverbs 12 verses

Proverbs 12 26 Meaning

Proverbs 12:26 asserts the fundamentally different influence and discernment of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous person is characterized by discernment and good influence, either by wisely choosing associates or by serving as a trustworthy guide. In stark contrast, the wicked person's path itself is misleading, ultimately leading to destruction, both for themselves and those who follow them.

Proverbs 12 26 Context

Proverbs 12 belongs to a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Prov 10-22:16) that offer short, pointed instructions on righteous living and its contrasting outcome to wickedness. This chapter particularly emphasizes the value of diligence, honesty, humility, and truthful speech, alongside the danger of idleness, deceit, pride, and folly. Proverbs 12:26 specifically fits within the broader theme of wisdom's practical application in social interaction and the significant influence individuals exert on their surroundings. It contrasts the constructive contribution of the righteous with the destructive path of the wicked, reinforcing the chapter's constant juxtaposition of upright and perverse behavior. The cultural context views a person's life as a "way" or "path," indicating a trajectory of choices and habits with inevitable consequences.

Proverbs 12 26 Word analysis

• The righteous (tsaddiq, צַדִּ֖יק): One who is just and upright, conforming to God's standard in thought, word, and deed. This denotes moral and spiritual integrity, someone walking in covenant faithfulness.

• is a guide / chooses (yakir, יָכִ֥יר): From the root nakar (נָכַר), meaning "to know," "discern," "recognize," "distinguish." The verb is Hiphil imperfect, implying causation or intense perception.

  • Interpretation 1 ("is a guide"): Emphasizes that the righteous person, because of their discernment, "knows" or "discerns" the true path and can therefore guide their neighbor away from harm. Their understanding of right and wrong makes them a reliable beacon. This view suggests their very being provides a positive influence or example.
  • Interpretation 2 ("chooses carefully"): Emphasizes that the righteous person recognizes or discerns who their companions should be. They choose their friends or associates wisely, distinguishing good company from bad. This protects them from the negative influence of the wicked.
  • Both interpretations stem from the core meaning of discernment, implying that the righteous possess spiritual wisdom enabling wise choices in relationships and moral navigation for themselves and potentially for others.

• to his neighbor (rēaʿ, רֵעֵֽהוּ): This term broadly refers to an acquaintance, friend, companion, or associate, not limited to geographical proximity. It emphasizes the social aspect and personal interaction.

• but the way (derekh, וְדֶ֣רֶךְ): The "way" here refers to a person's life-path, their habitual course of action, their conduct, and lifestyle choices.

• of the wicked (rashaʿ, רְשָׁעִ֣ים): Those who are guilty, ungodly, estranged from God's ways. They are characterized by defiance of God's laws and often by deceit and destructive behavior.

• leads them astray (yatʿēm, יַתְעֵֽם): From the root taʿah (תָּעָה), meaning "to wander," "stray," "err," or "to cause to stray," "mislead," "deceive."

  • This phrase indicates that the path chosen by the wicked naturally leads them (the wicked) astray, or, their path causes others to go astray if followed. Their very existence and choices are inherently deceptive or misleading, bringing about ruin or error.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The righteous is a guide to his neighbor": Highlights the active or passive positive influence of a righteous person within their community. Whether through direct counsel or wise selection of relationships, their character benefits their circle.
  • "but the way of the wicked leads them astray": Directly contrasts the first half. The trajectory of a wicked life is one of error and deception, not only for themselves but potentially for anyone influenced by or aligned with them. This underscores the danger of associating with ungodly paths.

Proverbs 12 26 Bonus section

• The dual meaning in yakir (discernment leading to "guiding" or "choosing") exemplifies the richness of Hebrew wordplay and the complementary truths found within Proverbs. It is not necessarily an "either/or" but a "both/and" interpretation; a discerning person both guides others and chooses their associations wisely.
• This proverb has profound implications for choosing mentors, friends, business partners, and even marriage partners. It stresses that character determines one's influence and trajectory.
• The wisdom in this proverb aligns with New Testament teachings on separation from evil, such as "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" (2 Cor 6:14), and the call for believers to be "light in the world" (Mt 5:14). The consistent biblical message is that association impacts destiny.

Proverbs 12 26 Commentary

Proverbs 12:26 presents a vital truth about the nature of influence and discernment within society. The righteous, guided by God's wisdom, possess a keen ability to discern right from wrong and beneficial associations from harmful ones. This discernment can manifest in two key ways: enabling them to act as a trustworthy 'guide' to others seeking counsel or direction, or allowing them to 'choose their friends carefully', thus preserving their own moral integrity and fostering mutually uplifting relationships. In essence, the very character and life-path of a righteous person is either a light that guides others away from error, or a discernment that shields them from negative influences.

Conversely, the verse paints a stark picture of the wicked. Their 'way' or chosen path in life is inherently deceptive and destructive. This deception can ensnare them personally, causing them to wander from truth and eventually perish, or it can serve as a dangerous snare for those around them, misleading them into folly and ruin. There is an active principle of deception at work in the life of the wicked, making any close association perilous. This proverb therefore serves as a warning and an encouragement: pursue righteousness for your own benefit and as a blessing to others, and stringently avoid the misleading influence of the wicked, for their path inevitably leads astray.