Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? New Living Translation Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. English Standard Version If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work? Berean Standard Bible If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? King James Bible If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? New King James Version If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? New American Standard Bible If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He who weighs the hearts not consider it? And does He who watches over your soul not know it? And will He not repay a person according to his work? NASB 1995 If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? NASB 1977 If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? Legacy Standard Bible If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts understand? And does not He who guards your soul know? And will not He render to man according to his work? Amplified Bible If you [claim ignorance and] say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs and examines the hearts and their motives? And does He not know it who guards your life and keeps your soul? And will He not repay [you and] every man according to his works? Christian Standard Bible If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t he who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t he who protects your life know? Won’t he repay a person according to his work? Holman Christian Standard Bible If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t He who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t He who protects your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work? American Standard Version If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work? Contemporary English Version Don't say, "I didn't know it!" God can read your mind. He watches each of us and knows our thoughts. And God will pay us back for what we do. English Revised Version If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this: doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his work? GOD'S WORD® Translation When you say, "We didn't know this," won't the one who weighs hearts take note of it? Won't the one who guards your soul know it? Won't he pay back people for what they do? Good News Translation You may say that it is none of your business, but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you; he knows. And he will reward you according to what you do. International Standard Version If you say, "Look here, we didn't know about this," doesn't God, who examines motives, discern it? Doesn't the one who guards your soul know about it? Won't he repay each person according to what he has done? Majority Standard Bible If you say, ?Behold, we did not know about this,? does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? NET Bible If you say, "But we did not know about this," does not the one who evaluates hearts consider? Does not the one who guards your life know? Will he not repay each person according to his deeds? New Heart English Bible If you say, "Look, we did not know this;" doesn't he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn't he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work? Webster's Bible Translation If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and will not he render to every man according to his works? World English Bible If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this,” doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen you say, “Behold, we did not know this.” Is the Ponderer of hearts not He who understands? And the Keeper of your soul He who knows? And He has rendered to man according to his work. Young's Literal Translation When thou sayest, 'Lo, we knew not this.' Is not the Ponderer of hearts He who understandeth? And the Keeper of thy soul He who knoweth? And He hath rendered to man according to his work. Smith's Literal Translation If thou shalt say, Behold, we knew not this; will not he trying hearts, understand? and he guarding thy soul, knew? and he turned back to man according to his work. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf thou say: I have not strength enough: he that seeth into the heart, he understandeth, and nothing deceiveth the keeper of thy soul, end he shall render to a man according to his works. Catholic Public Domain Version If you would say: “I do not have sufficient strength.” He who inspects the heart, the same one understands, and nothing slips past the one who preserves your soul. And he shall repay a man according to his works. New American Bible because you said, “We didn’t know about it”? Surely, the Searcher of hearts knows and will repay all according to their deeds. New Revised Standard Version if you say, “Look, we did not know this”— does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it? And will he not repay all according to their deeds? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf you say, Behold, I did not know it, then know that it is God who searches the thought of the heart; and he who keeps your soul knows it, and shall render to every man according to his works. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if you say, "I did not know it”, know that God examines the thought of the heart, and he who keeps your soul knows, and rewards a son of man according to his works. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If thou sayest: 'Behold, we knew not this', Doth not He that weigheth the hearts consider it? And He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? And shall not He render to every man according to his works? Brenton Septuagint Translation But if thou shouldest say, I know not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he that formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Do not Envy…11Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. 12If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? 13Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.… Cross References Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Romans 2:6-8 God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. Psalm 62:12 and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds. Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Job 34:11 For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. Jeremiah 32:19 the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Psalm 139:1-4 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ... Treasury of Scripture If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not he that ponders the heart consider it? and he that keeps your soul, does not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? doth he not Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. that keepeth 1 Samuel 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 1 Samuel 25:29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. Psalm 66:9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. and shall Job 34:11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Psalm 62:12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Jeremiah 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: Jump to Previous Consider Guards Heart Hearts Keeper Keepeth Keeps Life Perceive Pondereth Preserveth Render Rendered Rendereth Repay Requite Soul Tester Thought Understandeth Watch Weigheth Weighs Work WorksJump to Next Consider Guards Heart Hearts Keeper Keepeth Keeps Life Perceive Pondereth Preserveth Render Rendered Rendereth Repay Requite Soul Tester Thought Understandeth Watch Weigheth Weighs Work WorksProverbs 24 1. Precepts and WarningsIf you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” This phrase addresses the human tendency to claim ignorance as an excuse for inaction or wrongdoing. In biblical context, it reflects the call for personal responsibility and accountability. The law of Moses emphasized the importance of knowing and following God's commandments (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). Ignorance is not a valid defense when it comes to moral and spiritual obligations, as God has made His will known through His Word and creation (Romans 1:20). does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? Persons / Places / Events 1. He who weighs heartsThis refers to God, who is omniscient and judges the true intentions and thoughts of individuals. 2. He who guards your life Again, this is a reference to God, emphasizing His role as protector and overseer of human life. 3. A man This represents any individual who might try to excuse their inaction or ignorance regarding moral responsibilities. Teaching Points God's OmniscienceWe cannot hide our true intentions or ignorance from God. He knows our hearts and will hold us accountable. Moral Responsibility We are called to be aware of our moral duties and cannot claim ignorance as an excuse for inaction. Divine Justice God’s justice is perfect, and He will repay each person according to their deeds. This should encourage us to live righteously. Self-Examination Regularly examine your heart and actions to ensure they align with God’s will, knowing He sees and knows all. Active Compassion Be proactive in addressing the needs and injustices around you, understanding that God expects us to act justly and mercifully.(12) If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not.--Man being too much inclined to answer after the manner of Cain (Genesis 4:9), "Am I my brother's keeper?" when he might give aid to those who need it.Verse 12. - If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not. The disciple of Wisdom may excuse himself from making any effort for the prisoners' release, by saying he had not heard of the case. St. Jerome makes the excuse to be inability, vires non suppetunt. The LXX. makes it a personal matter, ignoring the plural form of the previous paragraph. "I know him not, he is no friend of mine; why should I trouble myself about him?" Such a selfish person, like the priest and Levite in the parable, would "pass by on the other side." Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? God knows the truth - knows that the excuse is vain; for he is the Weigher and Searcher of hearts (Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2). Cain's plea, "Am I my brother's keeper?" is unavailable; the law of love is limited by no circumstances. He that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? The expression, "keeping the soul," may be equivalent to "preserving the life;" but it more probably means watching, observing, the inmost secrets of the nature (Job 7:20). The verb used is נָצַר (natsar), which has both significations. The sense of "forming." which some give it, seems not allowable. (For "heart" (leb) and "soul" (nephesh), see note on Proverbs 2:10.) Shall not he render to every man according to his works? Knowing the heart and the motive, God deals out retributive justice (Proverbs 12:14; Psalm 62:12; Romans 2:6). Septuagint, "But if thou say, I know not this man, know that the Lord knoweth the hearts of air; and he who formed (πλάσας) breath for all, himself knoweth all things, who rendereth to every man according to his works." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you say, תֹאמַ֗ר (ṯō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Behold, הֵן֮ (hên) Interjection Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! we did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know יָדַ֪עְנ֫וּ (yā·ḏa‘·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 3045: To know about this,” זֶ֥ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that will not הֲֽלֹא־ (hălō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no He הֽוּא־ (hū-) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are who weighs תֹ֘כֵ֤ן (ṯō·ḵên) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8505: To balance, measure out, arrange, equalize, levelling hearts לִבּ֨וֹת ׀ (lib·bō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3826: The heart consider it? יָבִ֗ין (yā·ḇîn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand Does not the One ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are who guards וְנֹצֵ֣ר (wə·nō·ṣêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep your life נַ֭פְשְׁךָ (nap̄·šə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion know? יֵדָ֑ע (yê·ḏā‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know Will He not repay וְהֵשִׁ֖יב (wə·hê·šîḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again a man לְאָדָ֣ם (lə·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being according to his deeds? כְּפָעֳלֽוֹ׃ (kə·p̄ā·‘o·lōw) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6467: Doing, deed, work Links Proverbs 24:12 NIVProverbs 24:12 NLT Proverbs 24:12 ESV Proverbs 24:12 NASB Proverbs 24:12 KJV Proverbs 24:12 BibleApps.com Proverbs 24:12 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 24:12 Chinese Bible Proverbs 24:12 French Bible Proverbs 24:12 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:12 If you say Behold we didn't know (Prov. 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