Friends, within the first section of Proverbs 12, Solomon continues to use short impactful comparison statements to convey the difference between living under the guidance of Godly wisdom versus a lifestyle guided by foolishness and sin. He highlights how the love of discipline is deeply rooted in Christ Jesus and cannot be understood by those who are self-motivated as their wicked minds are narrow and directly connected to their hardened hearts.
In verse 10, Solomon speaks about the godly caring for their animals, while the wicked are always cruel. God’s Family should always have a heart for His entire creation, just as King David reminds us “The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all of His creation.” (Psalm 145:9) With the Lord as our example, we too must shower compassion on all of His creation.
Within the second portion of Proverbs 12 Solomon defines the “fool”, states the importance of our words, and points to how we must not be lazy. The fools always have to be right, are overly confident, and lie to advance their agenda. While the humble, those who are obedient to God, listen to others, remain calm with insult, and always tell the truth. The wise must pray like King David and ask God to “Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.” (Psalm 141:3-4) Solomon tells us many times throughout his writings that we are to work in excellence in all that we do, and Paul reminded the Church of Colosse, which still applies to us as the Church today that we are to “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23)
Proverbs 12
1 To learn, you must love discipline;
it is stupid to hate correction.
2 The Lord approves of those who are good,
but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
3 Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots.
4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
5 The plans of the godly are just;
the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
but the words of the godly save lives.
7 The wicked die and disappear,
but the family of the godly stands firm.
8 A sensible person wins admiration,
but a warped mind is despised.
9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
than to be self-important but have no food.
10 The godly care for their animals,
but the wicked are always cruel.
11 A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.
14 Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.
16 A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
17 An honest witness tells the truth;
a false witness tells lies.
18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing.
19 Truthful words stand the test of time,
but lies are soon exposed.
20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
21 No harm comes to the godly,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in those who tell the truth.
23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
but fools broadcast their foolishness.
24 Work hard and become a leader;
be lazy and become a slave.
25 Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up.
26 The godly give good advice to their friends;
the wicked lead them astray.
27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
but the diligent make use of everything they find.
28 The way of the godly leads to life;
that path does not lead to death. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that guides and directs our steps. Holy Spirit, please continue to impart Your wisdom to each of us. Be with us today and quicken our spiritual hearts to know when we are not in alignment with You. Allow our spiritual ears to listen to Your guidance, put a watch over our mouths, so that we may speak only what You have for us to speak. We want our words to be one with Your Word that breathes life and love into this world and hearts. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.