Proverbs 20:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.

NIV: Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.

NASB: The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them.

CSB: The hearing ear and the seeing eye— the Lord made them both.

NLT: Ears to hear and eyes to see — both are gifts from the Lord.

KJV: The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

NKJV: The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made them both.

The Creator designed mankind with the ability to both see and hear. We are given more than one way to obtain knowledge—so we need to pursue truth in all forms and from all means. This statement reiterates concepts about diligence in uncovering truth (Proverbs 2:1–5; 11:27), including the value in seeking more than a single perspective (Proverbs 18:1, 15, 17). This highlights the idea of "cautious skepticism," which means taking in all information before making a decision (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; Galatians 1:8). The comment also connects to the prior proverb, which noted that how a person acts speaks to their character—such evidence should be carefully noted (Matthew 7:16–20; 1 Corinthians 6:9–13).

How a person interprets what they perceive is important (Romans 1:18–20). Paul predicted that the time was coming "when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3). In other words, they will follow teachers who tell them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. Jesus identified true believers as those who hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:3–4).

It is also good to carefully consider what a person exposes their senses to, in the first place (Philippians 4:8–9). A person can look at good things, or evil. We can listen to what is uplifting, or to what's morally destructive. The psalmist declared: "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless" (Psalm 101:3). Psalm 119:18 contains a prayer that every believer should offer regarding his eyes, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.