Proverbs 12 - Contrast Of The Upright And The Wicked Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Twelve

We will now look at Proverbs chapter twelve:

Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (NASB)

Instead of using the word “stupid” – the King James uses the word “brutish”. Barnes says of this word:

“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.”

If you don't want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn. This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much. Are you willing to be taught?

2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord, But He will condemn a man who devises evil. Proverbs 12:2 (NASB)

All of our “goodness” is dependent upon God. In fact when someone called Jesus “good” – His response was:

"Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” Luke 18:19 (NASB)

God is completely good – there is no evil in Him at all.

3 A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved. Proverbs 12:3 (NASB)

Real stability and success come only to those who do what is right. Their efforts will stand the test of time. Yet in this world it seems that wickedness does bring success. We may know people who cheated to pass the text or to get a larger tax refund. And what about the person who is vulgar and mistreats people – and yet they are very popular? Be aware – these successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God's standards, you are not really a success.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4 (NASB)

Godly character is of utmost importance. It is important for the husband as well as the wife. If the wife is Godly – it makes the husband shine. But a Godless wife is rotten to the core and spreads that “rottenness” to her husband.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Proverbs 12:5 (NASB)

You may not realize this but your thought life is vital. What you think is the true character of who you are. Outwardly we may say the “right” things – but what are we thinking? The thoughts of the righteous are just – but there is none righteous. That is why salvation includes our minds. Our thinking must change in order to have a changed life. That is why the Bible says:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. Proverbs 12:6 (NASB)

It is easy to “stab” someone with words – the wicked lie in wait to do such at thing. But the upright will not follow that path. They will speak words of encouragement.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. Proverbs 12:7 (NASB)

God is always on the side of those who walk in His ways – but be aware – those who walk the path of wickedness – God opposes.

8 A man will be praised according to his insight, But one of perverse mind will be despised. Proverbs 12:8 (NASB)

Character is important. How you behave when no-one else is around – speaks volumes. What is going on inside your mind? We all have sinful thoughts – but we should check ourselves – and not allow those thoughts to nest in our minds.

9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant Than he who honors himself and lacks bread. Proverbs 12:9 (NASB)

Matthew Henry has said of this verse: “He that lives in a humble state, who has no one to wait upon him, but gets bread by his own labor, is happier than he that glories in high birth or gay attire, and wants necessaries.”