Proverbs 12: Wisdom's Path and Folly's Trap
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Proverbs 12, a jewel within Solomon's collection of wise sayings, continues the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the profound differences in their lives and destinies. Building upon the foundation laid in earlier chapters, this chapter offers practical, common-sense advice, emphasizing the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom and the disastrous consequences of choosing foolishness and sin. This chapter offers guidance applicable to various aspects of life from how we treat animals to the words we speak.
The Value of Discipline and Discernment (Proverbs 12:1-11)
The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of discipline and a willingness to learn. Proverbs 12:1 reminds us that "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." This verse underscores the irrationality of rejecting good advice and highlights the link between humility and growth. True wisdom embraces correction, recognizing that it is a pathway to greater understanding.
Verses 2 and 3 contrast the security of the righteous with the fleeting nature of wickedness. While the schemes of the wicked offer no lasting security, "the root of the righteous shall not be moved" (Proverbs 12:3). The righteous are firmly planted, their foundation built on trust in God, making them unshakable in the face of adversity.
Proverbs 12:4 speaks to the profound impact of a virtuous spouse. "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones." A wife of noble character brings honor and joy to her husband, while a shameful wife can inflict deep emotional and spiritual pain. This verse foreshadows the eloquent praise of a capable wife found in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Furthermore, the chapter touches on the importance of righteous thinking and compassionate action. Proverbs 12:5 reminds us that "The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful." Righteous living flows from righteous thinking. And Proverbs 12:10 highlights the Christian’s responsibility to care for animals, reflecting God's own compassion for His creation.
The Power and Peril of Words (Proverbs 12:12-23)
A significant portion of Proverbs 12 focuses on the power of speech, emphasizing the importance of honesty, truthfulness, and careful consideration. Proverbs 12:13-14 highlights the double-edged sword of our words: "An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble." Our words can either trap us or satisfy us, depending on whether they are used for good or evil. As Jesus Himself said, we will be judged by our words (Matthew 12:37).
The chapter strongly condemns lying and deceit. Proverbs 12:22 declares that "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight." Lying is contrary to God's very nature, who is truth itself (John 14:6, 17:17). Therefore, we are called to fill our hearts with faithfulness, so that truth will flow from our mouths.
In contrast, the chapter praises those who control their tongues and speak with wisdom. Proverbs 12:18 reminds us that "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Careful and thoughtful speech can bring comfort and restoration, while reckless words can inflict deep wounds.
Diligence, Discernment, and the Path of Life (Proverbs 12:24-28)
The concluding verses of Proverbs 12 return to the contrasting outcomes of godliness and wickedness, highlighting the importance of diligence, discernment, and choosing the path of life.
Proverbs 12:24 emphasizes the rewards of hard work: "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be under tribute." Diligence leads to responsibility and influence, while laziness results in dependence and servitude. Kingdom men and women will rule with diligence over the realm God grants them. Lazy men and women only work when someone forces them.
Proverbs 12:25 offers a word of encouragement for those struggling with anxiety: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." A kind and encouraging word can lift the spirits of a burdened soul and provide much-needed comfort.
The chapter concludes with a powerful summary of the choices we face in life. Proverbs 12:28 states, "In the path of righteousness there is life, and in its pathway there is no death." This verse encapsulates the essence of Proverbs, reminding us that the choices we make have eternal consequences. There are two paths in life: the path of life and the path of death. We only get one go-around in history to make our choice. Choosing the path of righteousness leads to life, both now and forever, while straying from that path leads to destruction.
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Proverbs 12, a jewel within Solomon's collection of wise sayings, continues the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the profound differences in their lives and destinies. Building upon the foundation laid in earlier chapters, this chapter offers practical, common-sense advice, emphasizing the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom and the disastrous consequences of choosing foolishness and sin. This chapter offers guidance applicable to various aspects of life from how we treat animals to the words we speak.
The Value of Discipline and Discernment (Proverbs 12:1-11)
The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of discipline and a willingness to learn. Proverbs 12:1 reminds us that "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." This verse underscores the irrationality of rejecting good advice and highlights the link between humility and growth. True wisdom embraces correction, recognizing that it is a pathway to greater understanding.
Verses 2 and 3 contrast the security of the righteous with the fleeting nature of wickedness. While the schemes of the wicked offer no lasting security, "the root of the righteous shall not be moved" (Proverbs 12:3). The righteous are firmly planted, their foundation built on trust in God, making them unshakable in the face of adversity.
Proverbs 12:4 speaks to the profound impact of a virtuous spouse. "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones." A wife of noble character brings honor and joy to her husband, while a shameful wife can inflict deep emotional and spiritual pain. This verse foreshadows the eloquent praise of a capable wife found in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Furthermore, the chapter touches on the importance of righteous thinking and compassionate action. Proverbs 12:5 reminds us that "The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful." Righteous living flows from righteous thinking. And Proverbs 12:10 highlights the Christian’s responsibility to care for animals, reflecting God's own compassion for His creation.
The Power and Peril of Words (Proverbs 12:12-23)
A significant portion of Proverbs 12 focuses on the power of speech, emphasizing the importance of honesty, truthfulness, and careful consideration. Proverbs 12:13-14 highlights the double-edged sword of our words: "An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble." Our words can either trap us or satisfy us, depending on whether they are used for good or evil. As Jesus Himself said, we will be judged by our words (Matthew 12:37).
The chapter strongly condemns lying and deceit. Proverbs 12:22 declares that "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight." Lying is contrary to God's very nature, who is truth itself (John 14:6, 17:17). Therefore, we are called to fill our hearts with faithfulness, so that truth will flow from our mouths.
In contrast, the chapter praises those who control their tongues and speak with wisdom. Proverbs 12:18 reminds us that "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Careful and thoughtful speech can bring comfort and restoration, while reckless words can inflict deep wounds.
Diligence, Discernment, and the Path of Life (Proverbs 12:24-28)
The concluding verses of Proverbs 12 return to the contrasting outcomes of godliness and wickedness, highlighting the importance of diligence, discernment, and choosing the path of life.
Proverbs 12:24 emphasizes the rewards of hard work: "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be under tribute." Diligence leads to responsibility and influence, while laziness results in dependence and servitude. Kingdom men and women will rule with diligence over the realm God grants them. Lazy men and women only work when someone forces them.
Proverbs 12:25 offers a word of encouragement for those struggling with anxiety: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." A kind and encouraging word can lift the spirits of a burdened soul and provide much-needed comfort.
The chapter concludes with a powerful summary of the choices we face in life. Proverbs 12:28 states, "In the path of righteousness there is life, and in its pathway there is no death." This verse encapsulates the essence of Proverbs, reminding us that the choices we make have eternal consequences. There are two paths in life: the path of life and the path of death. We only get one go-around in history to make our choice. Choosing the path of righteousness leads to life, both now and forever, while straying from that path leads to destruction.