Proverbs — Chapter 12

Qui diligit disciplinam, diligit scientiam: qui autem odit increpationes, insipiens est

He who loves discipline loves knowledge; but he who hates reproof is foolish. Lapide: The love of discipline (correction, reproof, mortification) is the sign and cause of true wisdom, while hatred of reproof is the mark of foolishness. \"Disciplina\" includes the acceptance of correction from superiors, from experience, from suffering, and from God Himself. Lapide: No one can grow in wisdom who refuses correction. The wisest men have always been the most eager to be corrected; pride, which refuses all reproof, is therefore the greatest obstacle to learning.

Novit justus animam jumenti sui: viscera autem impiorum crudelia

The just man knows the soul of his beast; but the heart of the wicked is cruel. Lapide: A proverb about the virtue of mercy extended even to animals. The just man \"knows\" (curat, takes care of) the life and needs of his cattle — he feeds them properly, does not overwork them, cares for them when sick. This is a natural extension of charity and justice. \"Viscera impiorum crudelia\" = the inward disposition of the wicked is cruelty — those who are cruel to animals are usually cruel to men as well. Lapide cites the animal protection laws of the Mosaic code (Deut. 25:4; Prov. 27:23) as evidence of divine concern for the welfare of creatures.

Loquitur veritatem qui ostendit justitiam: testis autem dolossus loquitur mendacium

The truthful witness tells what is right, but a false witness tells lies. Lapide: Justice in testimony is the basis of the entire judicial system. False witnesses destroy society — they cause the innocent to be condemned, the guilty to go free, and trust in institutions to collapse. Lapide identifies false testimony as one of the seven things God hates (6:19) and as a form of spiritual murder — the false witness \"kills\" the reputation, property, and sometimes the life of the innocent.