Proverbs 12:4 kjv
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 nkjv
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 niv
A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 esv
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 nlt
A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
Proverbs 12 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 31:10-31 | "Who can find a virtuous woman?... her price is far above rubies... She will do him good..." | Extended portrait of the ’eshet chayil |
| Prov 31:23 | "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." | A virtuous wife enhances husband's public honor |
| Ruth 3:11 | "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." | Ruth recognized as an ’eshet chayil |
| Prov 18:22 | "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord." | Blessing of a good wife |
| Prov 19:14 | "House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord." | A wise wife is a divine gift |
| Prov 4:9 | "She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee." | Wisdom bringing a crown of glory |
| Prov 16:31 | "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." | Righteousness associated with a crown |
| Isa 28:5 | "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people," | Lord as the source of true glory/crown |
| 1 Thes 2:19 | "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" | Converts as spiritual "crowns" |
| Php 4:1 | "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." | Believers bringing joy and honor |
| Prov 10:5 | "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame." | Conduct causing shame |
| Prov 17:2 | "A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren." | Disgrace caused by offspring or associates |
| Prov 14:34 | "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." | Sin bringing shame/reproach |
| Hos 4:7 | "As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame." | Glory transformed into shame |
| Prov 14:30 | "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." | Direct parallel: "rottenness in the bones" due to sin |
| Hab 3:16 | "When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself..." | Inner decay and weakening |
| Ps 38:3 | "There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin." | Sin affecting physical/inner core |
| Ps 102:3 | "For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth." | Deep suffering associated with bones |
| Lam 1:13 | "From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back..." | Severe internal affliction on bones |
| 1 Cor 11:7 | "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man." | Woman as the glory/honor of man |
| Eph 5:25-28 | "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church... So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies." | Mutual impact and care in marriage |
| 1 Pet 3:1-2 | "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;" | Wife's conduct influencing her husband |
| Gen 2:18 | "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." | Wife as essential complement |
| Prov 5:11 | "And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed," | Consequences of folly leading to decay |
Proverbs 12 verses
Proverbs 12 4 Meaning
A wife of noble character and capability brings honor, dignity, and flourishing to her husband, elevating his standing and bringing him joy. Conversely, a wife who acts shamefully, dishonors her husband, or brings disgrace upon him, slowly debilitates his core well-being, like a chronic disease or internal decay, affecting his health, spirit, and reputation from within.
Proverbs 12 4 Context
Proverbs 12, part of the broader wisdom literature, frequently contrasts the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. Verse 4 stands within this framework by specifically illustrating the profound influence of a wife's character on her husband, impacting his honor, well-being, and social standing. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a man's reputation was intricately tied to his family, particularly his wife's conduct, as the family unit was the foundational element of society. The community would often gauge a man's wisdom and success by the management of his household, prominently featuring his wife's integrity and competence. A wife's public or private actions could either affirm or undermine her husband's public persona, particularly at "the gates" where public and legal matters were conducted. The proverb also highlights the deep, internal connection between marital harmony/discord and one's personal health and vitality.
Proverbs 12 4 Word analysis
"A virtuous woman" (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל – ’eshet chayil):
- ’eshet (אֵשֶׁת) means "woman" or "wife."
- chayil (חַיִל) is a powerful, multifaceted term meaning "strength," "ability," "wealth," "might," "efficiency," and "virtue." When applied to a woman, it denotes one of outstanding moral character, capability, and industry; she is strong, competent, and highly capable in managing her household and personal affairs, reflecting true inner worth. It describes a woman who contributes robustly and positively.
"is a crown" (כֶּתֶר – keter):
- keter (כֶּתֶר) refers to a royal crown or diadem. It is a potent symbol of honor, glory, dignity, authority, public recognition, and celebration. It indicates that such a wife adds immeasurable value and prestige to her husband, elevating his status in the eyes of others.
"to her husband" (בַּעְלָהּ – ba'lah):
- ba'lah (בַּעְלָהּ) is a common Hebrew term for "her husband" or "her master." It directly specifies the recipient of the virtuous woman's positive influence within the marital bond.
"but she that maketh ashamed" (וּמַבְשִׁימָה – u-mavshimah):
- Derived from the root bosh (בּוֹשׁ), meaning "to be ashamed," "to put to shame," or "to disgrace." The Hiphil participle describes one who actively causes shame, reproach, or embarrassment. This could be due to immorality, idleness, foolishness, contentious behavior, or general lack of integrity, directly leading to her husband's public dishonor and internal distress.
"is as rottenness" (כְרָקָב – keraqav):
- raqav (רָקָב) signifies decay, rot, or putrefaction. The prefix "כְ" (ke-) means "like" or "as." It vividly describes an insidious, slow, and destructive process. It's not a sudden blow but a persistent, eroding affliction, eating away at something from within.
"in his bones" (בַּעֲצָמָיו – ba'atzamav):
- atzamav (עֲצָמָיו) means "his bones." In Hebrew thought, bones represented the innermost being, the core of one's physical and mental strength, health, and vitality. "Rottenness in his bones" depicts a deep, debilitating suffering that saps a man's strength, vitality, and spirit, leading to chronic weakness, despair, and an existential drain rather than just a superficial wound. It's a comprehensive internal decay.
Words-group Analysis:
- "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband": This phrase paints a picture of honor, glory, and outward public acclaim. Her moral and practical excellence not only reflects well on her husband but actively elevates his reputation and status, much like a physical crown worn by a king. It brings him respect and strengthens his inner resolve.
- "but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones": This contrast highlights utter devastation. A disgraceful wife does not merely cause temporary discomfort or outward embarrassment; her actions deeply and internally undermine her husband's core being, inflicting slow, agonizing, spiritual, emotional, and possibly even physical decay, signifying complete debilitation and loss of life's vitality.
Proverbs 12 4 Bonus section
The strong contrast in this proverb implicitly serves as a polemic against any societal tendencies that might treat women merely as property or undervalue their moral agency. Instead, it powerfully affirms a woman's critical role in shaping the family's honor and the profound impact of her character on her spouse's very essence. This proverb underscores that genuine well-being for a husband is inextricably linked to the virtuous character of his wife, and vice versa in terms of dishonor. While the verse focuses on the wife's role, the overarching wisdom of Proverbs, and indeed the entire Bible, supports the principle of mutual responsibility and the profound influence spouses have on one another, highlighting that wisdom builds and folly destroys the home. The vivid imagery used, comparing a wife to a crown and to rottenness, is characteristic of Proverbs' practical and memorable instruction.
Proverbs 12 4 Commentary
Proverbs 12:4 provides a profound dualistic portrait of a wife's integral and far-reaching impact on her husband's life. On one hand, the "virtuous woman" (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל), embodying competence, integrity, and diligence, acts as a "crown" – a symbol of honor, joy, and elevated public standing for her husband. Her character and actions bring him respect and enrich his life from within. Conversely, a wife who brings "shame" through her poor character, ungodly actions, or moral failings acts as "rottenness in his bones." This graphic metaphor illustrates a slow, internal decay that saps a man's vitality, inner strength, and public reputation, leading to profound emotional, spiritual, and potentially physical debilitation. The verse emphasizes that marital relationships are not superficial but foundational, profoundly influencing one's well-being and honor at the deepest levels.
- Examples for practical usage: A wife diligently manages the household and raises children in godliness, and her husband is respected as a man with a well-ordered home. Or, a wife's irresponsible spending and public indiscretion cause her husband constant worry and bring him embarrassment in his community.