Proverbs Chapter 12

PROVERBS CHAPTER 12 Welcome Criticism 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline”-Note that loving discipline or instruction is the opposite of hating reproof. Instruction often will take the form of correction, rebuke or admonition. Learning to handle constructive criticism is the path that leads to knowledge. “He who cares to know cares to be set right, but he who hates to be admonished is a stupid creature” (Mof). “Stupid”-descriptive of a dumb animal. “It is almost as if one distinction between the human and the brute is this rational feature of receiving discipline” (Gaebelein p. 967). “Insensible to higher aspirations, to regret for the past and hope of amendment, as a brute beast” (Hunt p. 140). Hence, we are behaving like animals when we don’t want to improve and better ourselves. The correction that we need is found in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Nice Guys Finish First 12:2 “Platitude? But every religious man needs the reminder” (Kidner p. 95).

Here the good man is contrasted with the person who devises evil, the shady or crafty person. “a schemer is his enemy” (Knox). But the devil tries to convince us that honesty, unselfishness and kindness will result in a last place finish.

No Righteousness, No Roots 12:3 This verse reminds us of the words of Jesus concerning the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built his on the sand (Luke 6:48-49; Matthew 7:24ff). “No man will make himself safe through evil-doing” (Bas). Wickedness may result in momentarily prosperity—but that is all (Psalm 73:17-19). Violent or selfish activity is sure to be punished. “Only righteousness brings stability to life (including a family or marriage). This is true of society as well as individuals. Society cannot long endure if established on evil principles” (Gaebelein p. 967). Compare with Proverbs 10:25 and Psalm 1:1-6.

A Good Wife

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12:4 “excellent”-side ref., “virtuous”: The root idea of the term here is strength and worth. “The modern phrase, ‘she has a lot in her’, expresses something of the meaning” (Kidner p. 95). Involved are the qualities of honor, ability, goodness and courage. When used of men in the Bible, this Hebrew term is often translated, “valiant”. Note the contrast. “a man cannot provide for the security of his family through any means that violate basic principles of right and wrong. Rather than focus his attention on making as much money as possible, a man should give thought to the choice of a good wife and then to the spiritual nurture of his children” (Garrett pp. 128-129). “crown of her husband”-affects her husband’s enjoyment in life, a symbol of honor and renown. “shames him”-maybe through overspending, neglecting the house and children, or engaging in immoral behavior. “rottenness in his bones”-“the disgrace will eat away her husband’s strength and destroy his happiness” (Gaebelein p. 968).

So choose carefully the person that you will marry. There is a crazy idea today that one can marry someone, and if it doesn’t work out, they can walk about from that relationship unaffected.

As The Man, So The Policy 12:5 This truth is overlooked whenever leaders are elected on the strength of their promises rather than their principles. Everyone has thoughts and plans.

Such plans are either honorable or underhanded. The wicked live by deception.

Telling the truth is not an obligation; they say whatever helps them further their own purposes. Again, a person can’t just be wicked in one aspect of their life or thoughts.

Words Lethal Or Liberating 12:6 “lie in wait for blood”-wicked people try to entrap others with false and deceitful accusations and speech. “The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush” (NAB). This verse reminds us that even everyday conversation such a gossip can kill while encouragement can offer hope. Jezebel destroyed a man with her false accusations (1 Kings 21:7-14). The “thoughts” of verse 5 are eventually put into words. Far from being cynical, Solomon argues that deliverance will be found in speech that is honest and sincere.

Time Is The Test

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12:7 Compare with Matthew 7:24-27. Eventually, all the wicked will be completely overthrown. The word “overthrown” is a powerful word (Genesis 19:21). Here is another passage which stresses the inherent instability of evil.

Earned Respect 12:8 Even bad people can recognize people who should be respected.

“Wisdom” in this verse includes the ideas of integrity and the capacity to deal with problems in life. “A wise person will be looked to for leadership among the relatives, in the community, at work, and in the church” (Hunt pp. 141-142).

Humility, Better Than Pretension 12:9 “One should be satisfied with comfort at the expense of pretension. The point seems to be that some people live beyond their means in a vain show (“honors himself”-pretends to be somebody)…whereas, if they lived modestly, they could have some of the conveniences of life, e.g., a servant” (Gaebelein p.

969). Even modest prosperity is far more important than status. The verse also infers that we shouldn’t worry about the praise of men, for many good men are never recognized by society. God isn’t impressed with show or hype. God wants substance rather than style.

Kindness To Animals 12:10 Compassion on animals is an indication of one’s character. The verse suggests that even when the wicked are moved by compassion, they often manifest it in a cruel way. A righteous man cares for those who provide for him, even if they are only animals. The wicked only exploit others, because their mind is preoccupied with self. Compare with the following passages (Exodus 20:10; 23:5; Deut. 22:10; 25:4; 22:6; Jonah 4:11).

Diligence Prospers 12:11 “pursues vain things”-“chases fantasies” (NIV). People should do their work rather than running after some dream of a quick profit. Even today there are too many get-rich-quick schemes that even Christians embrace and run after. Prosperity comes by working hard. “A man who frittered away his time on useless projects and vain enterprises eventually frittered away his life” (Alden p.

101). “a man of useless interests” (Mof).

Fascination Of The Forbidden

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12:12 The wicked are always looking for ways to defraud people. The proverb seems to contrast the delusive attractions of evil methods with the quiet rewards of goodness. The righteous allow their prosperity to grow gradually from deep, strong roots.

Words And Deeds Come Back To Roost 12:13-14 Your words will catch up to you and eventually you will find yourself caught in your own deceptive net (Ecc. 10:12). “A liar’s memory is not always good enough to keep him from contradicting himself and thus getting himself into trouble (Proverbs 18:7)” (Hunt p. 145).

Good speech and honest work will result in good things. “Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him” (Tay).

“Words can bring in as substantial a return as deeds, for they establish relationships and implant ideas” (Kidner p. 97).

The Man Who Is Never Wrong 12:15 “We show ourselves men of reason when we listen to reason….The person who always knows best may be the only one unconscious of his real name” (Kidner p. 97). “A fool is ever right in his own thinking” (Knox). Listening to wise advice, seeking out that advice is a manifestation of maturity and wisdom. How much unnecessary trouble do we bring upon ourselves when we refuse to humble ourselves and listen?

Wisdom Controls Its Temper 12:16 Besides knowing it all, the fool is also very thin-skinned. The wise man is able to handle criticism without responding irrationally or with a knee-jerk reaction. But the fool is like a wounded animal, which instantly manifests its anger. Does the smallest criticism or annoyance send us into a rage? The wise man isn’t a doormat, rather he wisely deals with such an insult.

Words, Good And Bad 12:17-19 Hence it is always right to tell the truth. What is “right” is what is “true”.

But our modern society often argues that the “right” thing to say is the untruthful thing. Or, that lying in a court of law isn’t wrong, if it protects a family member.

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“Nothing but his honest thought a lover of truth declares, a false witness nothing but lies” (Kidner p. 98). Compare with Ephesians 4:25; 6:14.

12:18 “like the thrusts of a sword”-rash words are those which are spoken without thinking. A wise man or woman won’t cause harm by their reckless talk.

Words which heal are faithful, true, gentle, kind, uplifting, encouraging and honest. Many people though believe that if they have been wronged, they are justified in striking back. Compare with Ephesians 4:29.

12:19 What a wonderful verse—especially for anyone who has become cynical.

Truth will prevail! Lies have a limited staying power. If we have a hard time believing this verse, then our perspective is too limited. “The little expression ‘only a moment’ is literally ‘till I wink again’” (Gaebelein p. 972).

The Plans You Shape, Shape You 12:20 To devise evil, you must give into evil, those who deceive must be willing to be deceived. The goal of evil men is deception. In addition, devises evil means that you are prepared to do anything (lie, cheat, etc..) to accomplish your goal. One cannot do evil and remain an honest man. “what we pursue for others, and the way we pursue it, leaves its mark on our cast of mind” (Kidner p.

98). Those who devise peace—have inner joy and contentment. Doing what is right is the best way to feel good about yourself and remain mentally balanced.

True Security 12:21 Compare with Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28, 35-39. No lasting harm falls on those pursuing righteousness, for they can turn misfortune into a blessing (Psalm 119:71; Romans 5:3-5). The wicked are filled with trouble, because not only do they encounter the same physical trials as believers, but they make even a bigger problem when they wrongly react to such trials.

Another Thing God Hates 12:22 A very strong verse against lying. See also Prov. 6:17; Col. 3:9; Revelation 21:8; 22:15.

Discretion 12:23 The word “conceals” does not mean that he never speaks; rather, it means he uses discretion. “He is not wont to utter unadvisedly what he knows 5

but waits for fitting opportunity, either from humility or wise caution…In contrast, ‘a foolish man cannot help exposing the stupid ideas that arise in his mind’” (Hunt p. 148).

Laziness Has Its Price 12:24 “To put it bluntly, the diligent rise to the top and the lazy sink to the bottom. At the bottom they may be forced to work as if they owed it (or, as if they owned the company)” (Gaebelein p. 973). “Given enough time the lazy man will become the slave to the diligent one. Hard work means being a selfstarter (not a clock-watcher), a shrewd investor of time and strength, a hearer and responder when opportunity knocks, and a stick-to-it kind of person” (Alden p. 103).

A Good Word 12:25 Anxious fear takes its toll on a person’s strength and peace of mind.

Such anxiety weighs a person down emotionally, mentally and physically.

“Today doctors are just beginning to estimate the terrible effects stress has on the physical body, yet look at the same truth expressed in this ancient book!”

(Alden p. 103). No wonder that Jesus commands us to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). Hanging on to worry isn’t only a lack of faith—it is also harmful to your health, and will keep you from being productive.

12:25 “but a good word makes it glad”-Never underestimate the value of encouraging words. The type of words which a person needs to gain the proper perspective and renew hope and confidence. “A good word is wider than the good news which would remove the cause of the anxiety but is not always possible; a good word gives courage to face it” (Kidner p. 99).

Good And Bad Neighbors 12:26 There are dangerous friendships in the world (1 Cor. 15:33). Be careful about rushing into friendships and don’t surrender your moral judgment to anyone. Righteous people try to help their neighbors, especially in the spiritual sense of guiding them to God. In life we are either leading people to God or away from Him.

Fleeting Opportunities 12:27 “A slothful man does not roast his prey”-i.e. the lazy man never brings any project to completion. “In each case, whether as non-finisher or non-starter, the indolent man throws away his chances” (Kidner p. 99). To the diligent, 6

everything that they acquire is treated as precious (1 Timothy 4:4). “Some people will never get ahead because of not taking care of what they have” (Hunt p. 149).

The Way Of Life 12:28 Compare with Psalm 37:9,11,18,29. “there is no death”-which infers that physical death for the righteous isn’t final. “he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies” (John 11:25). The verse certainly infers an afterlife, that man survives the death of the body, that death isn’t annihilation, and the verse might also infer the resurrection of the body. Jesus used the same images in the straight and narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).

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