Proverbs 12
Proverbs 12 emphasizes the contrast between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, diligence and laziness. It provides practical advice for living a righteous life, demonstrating that the outcomes of good and evil are radically different, with the righteous experiencing God's favor while the wicked suffer consequences.
Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV)
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Those who embrace instruction show they value knowledge, seeking to improve themselves through learning. In contrast, those who despise correction are seen as lacking sense, rejecting growth and understanding.
Proverbs 12:2 (NKJV)
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
A righteous person gains favor from God, as their life reflects His values. Those with evil intentions, however, are condemned because their motives lead to destructive actions and consequences.
Proverbs 12:3 (NKJV)
3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved.
Wickedness may offer temporary success, but it cannot provide stability or lasting foundations. The righteous, however, are deeply rooted in integrity, making them secure and unshakable.
Proverbs 12:4 (NKJV)
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
A virtuous wife brings honor and strength to her husband, enhancing his life. A wife who brings shame, however, undermines him, causing deep distress and damaging the relationship.
Proverbs 12:5 (NKJV)
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
The righteous think and act with integrity, guided by what is just and fair. In contrast, the advice of the wicked is tainted with deception, leading others astray with harmful intentions.
Proverbs 12:6 (NKJV)
6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
The wicked plot harm and violence, aiming to destroy others. The upright, however, speak words of wisdom and deliverance, often helping others avoid danger or escape harmful situations.
Proverbs 12:7 (NKJV)
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.
Although the wicked may seem strong for a time, their eventual downfall is certain. In contrast, the righteous build their lives on a solid foundation, ensuring their stability and longevity.
Proverbs 12:8 (NKJV)
8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
A wise person earns respect and admiration because their actions reflect good judgment. Those with corrupt hearts, however, are despised because their behavior is damaging and untrustworthy.
Proverbs 12:9 (NKJV)
9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
It is better to live humbly and have your needs met than to put on airs of importance while struggling to survive. True value lies in contentment, not in outward appearances.
Proverbs 12:10 (NKJV)
10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
A righteous person demonstrates care and compassion, even toward their animals, reflecting a heart of kindness. The wicked, however, are cruel even in their so-called acts of mercy, showing a lack of genuine compassion.
Proverbs 12:11 (NKJV)
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.
Diligent work provides for one’s needs, bringing satisfaction and stability. Those who waste time on trivial pursuits lack wisdom and often find themselves without the essentials for life.
Proverbs 12:12 (NKJV)
12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
Wicked people desire the ill-gotten gains of others, showing their envy and greed. The righteous, however, are rooted in integrity and produce good results through their honest efforts.
Proverbs 12:13 (NKJV)
13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble.
The wicked’s own words lead to their downfall, trapping them in deceit or lies. The righteous, however, navigate difficulties with wisdom and truth, finding deliverance from trouble.
Proverbs 12:14 (NKJV)
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
Speaking wisely and working diligently bring satisfaction, as one’s words and actions yield positive results. Each person will be rewarded according to their efforts, whether for good or evil.
Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.
Fools believe they are always right, relying on their limited understanding. The wise, however, seek and accept advice from others, recognizing the value of gaining broader perspectives.
Proverbs 12:16 (NKJV)
16 A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.
Fools are quick to display their anger, making their displeasure evident to all. The wise, however, exercise self-control, avoiding unnecessary shame or conflict by keeping their emotions in check.
Proverbs 12:17 (NKJV)
17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.
Those who speak truth promote justice and righteousness, bringing clarity and fairness. False witnesses, on the other hand, spread deceit, corrupting justice and causing harm.
Proverbs 12:18 (NKJV)
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
Harsh words can cause deep emotional wounds, cutting like a sword. In contrast, the words of the wise bring healing and restoration, promoting peace and well-being.
Proverbs 12:19 (NKJV)
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Truth endures and stands the test of time, providing a foundation that lasts. Lies, however, are temporary and will eventually be exposed, bringing their own destruction.
Proverbs 12:20 (NKJV)
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.
Evil people plot deceit and treachery, reflecting the corruption of their hearts. Those who counsel peace, however, find joy in promoting harmony and reconciliation, benefiting themselves and others.
Proverbs 12:21 (NKJV)
21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
While the righteous may face difficulties, they are protected from overwhelming disaster. The wicked, on the other hand, invite trouble through their actions, bringing destruction upon themselves.
Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV)
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.
God detests dishonesty and falsehood, as it goes against His nature. He takes pleasure in those who speak and act with truth, as they reflect His character and uphold justice.
Proverbs 12:23 (NKJV)
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
The wise are careful with their knowledge, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Fools, however, cannot restrain themselves and speak without thought, revealing their lack of wisdom.
Proverbs 12:24 (NKJV)
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
Hard work leads to leadership and influence, as diligent people gain respect and authority. Laziness, however, results in subservience, with idle individuals ending up under the control of others.
Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.
Worry and anxiety weigh heavily on a person, leading to sadness and discouragement. A kind or encouraging word, however, can lift the spirit and bring comfort to the heart.
Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV)
26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.
The righteous are careful about their friendships, recognizing that bad company can lead them into temptation or error. Associating with the wicked can pull even the godly away from the right path.
Proverbs 12:27 (NKJV)
27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.
A lazy person fails to fully benefit from their efforts, wasting what they have gained. Diligence, however, ensures that one’s work is not wasted, leading to sustained provision and success.
Proverbs 12:28 (NKJV)
28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death.
The path of righteousness leads to life, both in this world and the next. Those who walk in righteousness avoid the spiritual death that accompanies wickedness and find eternal peace.