Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 12

Brutish - Dumb as a brute beast. The difference between man and brute lies chiefly in the capacity of the former for progress and improvement, and that capacity depends upon his willingness to submit to discipline and education. Compare Psalms 49:12.

Virtuous - The word implies the virtue of earnestness, or strength of character, rather than of simple chastity.

A crown - With the Jews the sign, not of kingly power only, but also of joy and gladness. Compare Song of Solomon 3:11.

Shall deliver them - that is, the righteous themselves.

Two interpretations are equally tenable:

1. As in the King James Version: The one whom men despise, or who is “lowly” in his own eyes (compare 1 Samuel 18:23), if he has a slave—that is, if he is one step above absolute poverty and has someone to supply his needs—is better off than the man who boasts of rank or descent and has nothing to eat. Respectable mediocrity is better than boastful poverty.
2. The one who, though despised, serves himself—that is, he supplies his own needs—is better than the arrogant and helpless.

Regards - literally, “knows.” All true sympathy and care must grow out of knowledge. The duty of a person to animals:

1. Rests upon direct commandments in the Law (Exodus 20:10; Exodus 23:4–5);
2. Connects itself with the thought that the mercies of God are over all His works, and that human mercy, in proportion to its excellence, must be like His (Jonah 4:11); and
3. Has perpetuated its influence in the popular morality of the East.

Tender mercies - Better, “the feelings, the emotions,” all that should have led to mercy and pity toward humans.