Read Proverbs 12
12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.
but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
but the house of the righteous stands firm.
and one with a warped mind is despised.
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
but the root of the righteous endures.
and so the innocent escape trouble.
and the work of their hands brings them reward.
but the wise listen to advice.
but the prudent overlook an insult.
but a false witness tells lies.
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
but those who promote peace have joy.
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
but laziness ends in forced labor.
but a kind word cheers it up.
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
along that path is immortality.
Go Deeper
Proverbs 12 continues the wise sayings of Solomon as he contrasts the righteous from the wicked. In this chapter Solomon identifies differences in actions and speech between the two groups and provides several commands for the righteous.
The wicked are foolish, sinful, proud people. They covet their neighbor. Solomon references their inability to take correction or advice. On the other hand, the righteous have a humble, teachable spirit which focuses on building a solid foundation of godliness that bears godly fruit. Our thoughts reveal our leanings toward righteousness or wickedness. The righteous replace the world’s way of thinking with God’s truth–the Bible. Shifting our daily thoughts and focus to God can change our life to a life that honors God. All of a sudden God’s Word isn’t simply a box to check or something that occupies the first thirty minutes of our day, but instead informs our entire worldview. As we go through the day, let’s be cognizant of the thoughts we have and make the choice to choose the path of the righteous.
The next portion of the chapter references differences in speech between the righteous and the wicked. No one other than God knows our thoughts, but our spoken words are known to all. The wicked are foolish and always think they are right. This thinking and lack of self-control leads to deceitful speech and lies. Without question, the wicked say and do ungodly things. The righteous, however, speak with love, joy, and peace. The righteous are truthful and speak good, kind, and encouraging words to others. There is no perfect human other than Jesus Christ himself, so we must acknowledge we make mistakes. The good news is that there is forgiveness in Christ and the pursuit of righteousness is continuous. Each day is a new day. Also, the righteous know to seek wisdom and understand the value of counsel.
The last portion of Proverbs 12 provides characteristics and commands for the righteous: Work hard, be diligent, encourage others, and choose friends who lead you toward Jesus and God’s truths. Sadly, the wicked choose otherwise and are characterized as lazy, undiscerning, foolish, and engaged in unwise friendships. All of us can choose to pursue righteousness, for it is the correct path. Jesus is the path, and reliance on Him results in actions and speech of righteousness and ultimately life eternal. For Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He gives us a better way to live through Him. Let’s follow Him daily in life through faith and the pursuit of righteousness.
Questions
- How can you live God’s truth in your life?
- Identify any specific actions God is calling you to start or adjust today as you pursue righteousness.
- What encouraging words can you give to a friend, family member, or colleague today?
A Quote
Martin Luther (the leader of the Protestant Reformation) once said, “Christ took our sins and the sins of the whole world as well as the Father’s wrath on his shoulders, and he has drowned them both in himself so that we are thereby reconciled to God and become completely righteous.”
3 responses to “Proverbs 12”
Nuggets
There are so many nuggets for all situations of life. Ultimately I see pride and humility. Hearing with obedience or just doing your own thing but suffering the consequences. A person who loves knowledge must also love discipline. Here discipline means training and correction, not only punishment. But all the discipline is from God and His Word.
Righteousness is a path that correction, marriage, work, friendship and speech all show the character of a person that is walking the path that leads to life.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our only way to the path of righteousness. Through His sacrifice to and for us are we able to walk this path.
God thank You for sending Your only begotten Son. Thank You that He was willing to walk the path You set before Him. God I am thankful for His blood that lets me be Your child. Thank You for this day, these minutes, that I stay on the path You have set before me. God as I go through this day help me to see others through Your love goggles. Help me to say, do and show Your love to others in Jesus name amen
WOOHOO!!
I love reading what you have to say. We women a get a lot from your words. Keep up the great thoughts.
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Was just discussing this verse with a student yesterday. Anxiety can be so tremendously heavy. Looking for opportunities to invest a kind word in those situations can help immensely!