1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.
2 A good [man] obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are] right: [but] the counsels of the wicked [are] deceit.
6 The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and [are] not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 [He that is] despised, and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain [persons is] void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]: but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 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.
15 The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.
17 [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.
20 Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace [is] joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious.
28 In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 12
Proverbs Chapter 12 presents a collection of wise sayings that contrast the behaviors and characteristics of the righteous and the wicked. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, integrity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The chapter serves as a guide for moral living and highlights the value of discernment in daily life.
Thematic Elements
- Wisdom vs. Foolishness: The chapter frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, illustrating the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of folly.
- Righteousness vs. Wickedness: It emphasizes the outcomes of righteous living versus the consequences of wicked behavior.
- Speech and Communication: The power of words is a recurring theme, highlighting how speech can reflect one’s character and impact relationships.
- Work and Diligence: The chapter encourages hard work and diligence, contrasting it with laziness and its negative repercussions.
Key Verses and Their Analysis
- Verse 1: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
This verse sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the value of accepting correction and learning from it. It suggests that a willingness to learn is a sign of wisdom.
- Verse 4: “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse highlights the importance of a virtuous partner in a relationship, illustrating how a good spouse can bring honor while a bad one can lead to deterioration.
- Verse 15: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
This verse underscores the importance of humility and the value of seeking counsel. It warns against the arrogance of thinking one knows best.
- Verse 18: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This contrast illustrates the impact of words, emphasizing that wise speech can heal and uplift, while careless words can cause harm.
- Verse 24: “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This verse emphasizes the rewards of hard work and the consequences of laziness, reinforcing the principle that diligence leads to success.
Contrasts and Comparisons
Throughout the chapter, there are various contrasts that serve to elucidate the differences between the righteous and the wicked:
- Righteousness vs. Wickedness:
- The righteous are depicted as having a secure foundation, while the wicked face destruction.
- The outcomes of their actions are starkly different, with the righteous experiencing blessings and the wicked suffering consequences.
- Wise vs. Foolish:
- The wise seek counsel and listen to advice, whereas fools disregard wisdom and act impulsively.
- Wisdom leads to life and peace, while foolishness leads to strife and regret.
- Words of the Wise vs. Words of the Reckless:
- Wise words promote healing and understanding, while reckless words can cause deep wounds.
- The chapter suggests that the quality of one’s speech is a reflection of one’s character.
Practical Applications
Proverbs Chapter 12 offers several practical lessons that can be applied in daily life:
- Embrace correction and seek knowledge to grow in wisdom.
- Choose partners and friends who exhibit noble character and integrity.
- Listen to advice and counsel from others to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.
- Be mindful of the words you speak, as they have the power to heal or harm.
- Commit to diligence and hard work, recognizing that it leads to success and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 12 serves as a profound reminder of the principles of wisdom, integrity, and the importance of our choices. By contrasting the behaviors of the righteous and the wicked, it encourages readers to pursue a life characterized by wisdom, diligence, and positive communication.
