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.”
One translation of this verse reads: “Better is the poor man who provides for himself, than the proud who is destitute of bread.” This needs no interpretation.
10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. Proverbs 12:10 (NASB)
We live in an age where animal rights activists a very active. No one should be cruel – even to animal life. Cruelty has no place in godly character.
11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense. Proverbs 12:11 (NASB)
Honest work is always a blessing – no matter what the labor is. To provide for yourself and your family is a great goal. Do not pursue folly – when there food to be had.
12 The wicked man desires the booty of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. Proverbs 12:12 (NASB)
When ungodly people see others prosper by sin – they wish they could act in the same way. But the root of righteous living produces good fruit.
13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. Proverbs 12:13 (NASB)
Evil people twist the facts to support their claims. Those who do this will eventually be trapped by their own lies. But for those who always tell the truth, the facts – plain and unvarnished – give an unshakable defense. If you find that you always have to defend yourself to others, maybe you are not being honest.
There is a modern proverb that says: “A liar needs a good memory – for he says things and often contradicts himself – because he does not remember what lies he has told.”
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:14 (NASB)
That which we do – that which we speak – will return to us. We can not sow weeds and expect to reap a good harvest.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. Proverbs 12:15 (NASB)
A fool should never listen to his own advice – how foolish that would be.
16 A fool's anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor. Proverbs 12:16 (NASB)
When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, stay calm and answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results. Remember: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NASB)
17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. Proverbs 12:17 (NASB)
There is an inseparable union between truth and righteousness. God expects His people to be truthful. There is no right time to do that which is wrong. The end does not justify the means, and only he who breathes and utters truth makes the righteous cause clear.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 (NASB)
The tongue is death or life, poison or medicine. James gives us this warning:
But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. James 3:8-12 (NASB)
It is always wise to think before we speak.
19 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. Proverbs 12:19 (NASB)
Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Truth is connected with God's changeless character – because of this it is also changeless. Jesus is truth. God’s Word is truth. The Bible has withstood the test of time – because God is truth. You can trust His Word to guide you.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20 (NASB)
Again the heart of mankind is mentioned. Evil goes to depths of man. It is only God who can give a true heart transplant. He can take a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh.
21 No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. Proverbs 12:21 (NASB)
This is not to say that problems do not befall the righteous – we all know that that is not true. But it is true that “All things work for good – to those who love God – to those who are called according to His promise.” Absolute “harm” will never befall a child of God. The believer can walk through this world knowing that God is on their side – no matter what happens to them and that in the end – God will triumph.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22 (NASB)
There is no place in God’s kingdom for lies. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Always strive to tell the truth.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly. Proverbs 12:23 (NASB)
Wise people have a quiet confidence. There is no need to argue with a fool. Unstable people feel the need to prove themselves, but wise people don't have to prove anything. They know they are capable, so they can get on with their work. Beware of showing off. If you are modest, people may not notice you at first, but they will respect you later.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24 (NASB)
Diligence is a great virtue. There are times when we all want to give up – but the person who keeps at it will finish the race.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 (NASB)
All of us can use encouragement. I believe all of us can become discouraged from time to time. It is always good to hear a “good word”.
26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 (NASB)
The righteous will show the way – for they know the way.
27 A lazy man does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence. Proverbs 12:27 (NASB)
The diligent make wise use of their possessions and resources – the lazy waste them. Waste has become a way of life for many who live in a land of plenty. Waste is poor stewardship. Make good use of everything God has given you, and prize it.
28 In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28 (NASB)
There is but one path that leads to life. The righteous have found it. It is straight. It is narrow. It leads to life. There is no death to be concerned about. The question is: “Are you on that path?”
