Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 24:12

"If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work?" — Proverbs 24:12 (ASV)

If you say, Behold, we knew it not—Man is too much inclined to answer after the manner of Cain (Genesis 4:9), Am I my brother’s keeper? when he might give aid to those who need it.