Proverbs 12 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Proverbs 12

12:1   Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2   A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
    but a man of evil devices he condemns.
3   No one is established by wickedness,
    but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
4   An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
    but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
5   The thoughts of the righteous are just;
    the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6   The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
    but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7   The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous will stand.
8   A man is commended according to his good sense,
    but one of twisted mind is despised.
9   Better to be lowly and have a servant
    than to play the great man and lack bread.
10   Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
    but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
11   Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
    but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
12   Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,
    but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13   An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,¹
    but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14   From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
    and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.
15   The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but a wise man listens to advice.
16   The vexation of a fool is known at once,
    but the prudent ignores an insult.
17   Whoever speaks² the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness utters deceit.
18   There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19   Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20   Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
21   No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22   Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
    but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23   A prudent man conceals knowledge,
    but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24   The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
25   Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.
26   One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,³
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27   Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
    but the diligent man will get precious wealth.⁴
28   In the path of righteousness is life,
    and in its pathway there is no death.

Footnotes

[1] 12:13 Or In the transgression of the lips, there is an evil snare
[2] 12:17 Hebrew breathes out
[3] 12:26 Or The righteous chooses his friends carefully
[4] 12:27 Or but diligence is precious wealth

Commentary

v1: The need to be teachable, see 9.8-9.

v2: The Lord makes a distinction between good and bad; we receive either favour or condemnation.

v3: The value of righteousness, 11.4, 28.

v4: The godly wife is a blessing to her husband.

v5: Righteous plans contrasted with wicked advice.

v6: Sinful talk leads to disaster, see v13.

v7: See v3; there is stability in righteousness.

v8: A wise man is praised by others, for they recognise and respect his wisdom. The perverse are despised.

v9: Pretence, or hypocrisy, is of no benefit; it cannot fill an empty stomach.

v10: The practical kindness of the righteous man.

v11: A reward for effort, a harvest for the faithful sower.

v12: Compare 11.23, what men desire often finds them.

v13: Our own words can trap us, or save us.

v14: There is a recompense for us all, whether good or bad; our lips bring fruit into our lives.

v15: Wisdom is to receive wisdom from others.

v16: The wisdom of silence, see v23; it is not always best to speak one's mind.

v17-20: The lips of the righteous; speaking truth, promoting health, established forever, promoting peace. By such words others are blessed, and God is honoured.

v21: See 11.8; the reward in this life.

v22: God's delight is in those who speak the truth.

v23: The wise man is cautious with his words.

v24: The wise man is diligent, he sees a project through to completion. The lazy man will lose his income, and may be forced into slavery.

v25: The burdens of this life can lead to an anxious heart. Modern man experiences stress, and is weighed down. The kind word from the godly will bring refreshment.

v26: See 13.20, we must choose our friends carefully, for those around us influence us.

v27: As in v24, the lazy man misses out on blessings because he fails to complete his work.

v28: Righteousness is the route to life and immortality; in Christ this verse finds fulfilment, as we receive the righteousness of God in Him.