Proverbs Chapter 12

Pro 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Generally speaking, this is so true, but when I think of the mercy of God that sent His Son to us to obtain for us a changed life, I see how the brutish can be transformed, born again by the spirit of God and made whole. Those that refuse this good way remains brutish and hate knowledge. We must never, however lose faith in the power of God to change lives.

Pro 12:2 A good man obtaineth favor of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

If even after God Himself came to man to show him the way of salvation, mankind refuses this good way, he surely will be condemned forever having refused the only way out of the sin he or she was born with.

Pro 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

The tares will be removed at harvest and the wheat remain.

Pro 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

We use to hear about so many unfaithful husbands but I have seen recently so many wives be the ones who are straying. One recently left her husband and three children for another man leaving him to raise the three boys alone. I know of another case in the same general area where a Christian couple who went to church regularly. The wife decided to leave and rented her own apartment draining their joint funds for herself. Apparently she had been planning this for a while and just left suddenly.

Our hearts are being hardened by selfishness and the increasing lack of the fear of God. What remains are those that live for God because they love Him and love His word provided for us. Since the fear of God is no longer taught, those that were just living for Him out of the fear of hell are the ones that do not last. Its better to serve the Lord because we just simply love Him and love His word to us.

Yet God is still the same. He is merciful and kind but He also is a God of justice and judgment.

Pro 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Pro 12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Pro 12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

In the long run, in eternity, in the end and even it today's world, evil will fail. Evil will be done away with and those that do evil will be stopped. They can fuss, try to silence the gospel, ignore God but in the end judgment shall come to each and every individual who ignores the law of God and right living.

Pro 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

The word perverse means literally turned aside or distorted from the right.

People tend to despise those that oppress, rob and steal.

Pro 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.

No matter how great we think we are, if we lack a way to make a living, it profits nothing.

Pro 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Those that treat people kindly usually will do the same to animals. Cruelty to animals has never been the desire of God.

Pro 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

Don't expect to eat if one does not work for it.

Pro 12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
Pro 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.


Pro 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

We would be surprised to discover how the words of our mouth can produce evil or righteousness.

Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Usually a foolish person will not see himself as others see him but will tend to justify himself and blame society or others for his misfortune.

Pro 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Pro 12:17 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

If we endeavor to speak truth at all times, we will not ever be caught in lies.

Pro 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Pro 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Pro 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is joy.

If we are ever deceived even once by someone in our acquaintance, we would most likely never trust him or her again. Even in business, if we feel cheated by a business, we tend to take our service elsewhere in the future.

Pro 12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

This is true when we consider the final result and the end. If evil seems to happen to a person who is living for the Lord, the Lord is there to guide him or her through the situation whereas the evil ones do not have that comfort and assurance. In the final end, the those that trust the Lord shall forever have no trouble in eternity. However in eternity after the judgment the troubles for the wicked are only beginning.

Pro 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

God hates even what we call little white lies. It is much easier to just tell the truth. If we walk in truth, we don't have to wonder what we told whom and whether is is the same or different than the last time we talked with them.

Pro 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

There are many things better left unsaid. There are times when I wish I hadn't said what was on my mind and there are other times when I'm thankful for things I didn't say when I thought of them.

Pro 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Pro 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Our words can comfort and give strength to the troubled if we use our words wisely.

Pro 12:26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
Pro 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Pro 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He is our righteousness and is the only way of true righteousness. There is no final death to those that trust in Him.

PROVERBS  13