Proverbs 12:26 (BSB)

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

From Proverbs 12. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 12:26

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 12:26: See here, 1. That good men do well for themselves; for they have in themselves an excellent character, and they secure to themselves an excellent portion, and in both they excel other people: The righteous is more abundant than his neighbour (so the margin); he is richer, though not in this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, which are the true riches.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 12:26: The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour,.... Not than his neighbour who is righteous also; for though one may have more excellent gifts than another, or a larger measure of grace; one righteous man may have more faith than another, yet not more righteousness; every truly righteous man is justified by the same righteousness, even the righteousness of Christ; and therefore one cannot be...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 12:26: more excellent--(Compare Margin); or, "more successful," while the wicked fail; or, we may read it: "The righteous guides his friend, but," &c., that is, The ability of the righteous to aid others is contrasted with the ruin to which the way of the wicked leads themselves.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 12:26: The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. (l) That is, more liberal in giving.