Verse
Proverbs 13:12 — Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it…
“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”
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Read it in context
The verses around Proverbs 13:12.
10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Verse explanation
‘Deferred’ here means postponed, not refused — the phrase describes the wear of waiting for something that takes far too long to happen. The image of the tree of life appears again to describe the relief when that desire is finally fulfilled.
From the Proverbs 13 study in Bible in Stories.
Proverbs 13:12 in other versions
The same verse in the 4 Bible versions we have on the site.
- KJV · King James
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Read the chapter in this version → - ARC · Almeida 1911Português
A esperança deferida enfraquece o coração, mas o desejo chegado é arvore de vida.
Read the chapter in this version → - BLIVRE · Bíblia LivrePortuguês
A esperança que demora enfraquece o coração, mas o desejo cumprido é [como] uma árvore de vida.
Read the chapter in this version → - VBL · Versión Biblia LibreEspañol
La esperanza que se tarda puede causar malestar, pero un deseo cumplido puede darte vida nuevamente.
Read the chapter in this version →
In other languages: Português (Provérbios 13:12) · Español (Proverbios 13:12)
More verses about hope
- Jeremiah 29:11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give…
- Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called…
- Psalms 30:5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in…
- Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
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