Proverbs chapter 12
The collection of Solomon’s 375 proverbs continues.
THE COLLECTION OF SOLOMON’S PROVERBS CONTINUES
VERSE 1. Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
This verse is fantastic! Would you consider memorizing it? More great verses to memorize from the Book of Proverbs and from the entire Bible.
NIV translation: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
loves correction. If you love knowledge, you must be willing to be corrected when you are wrong.
he who hates correction is stupid. Wise people learn from correction.
The wise person is humble of heart and wishes to grow further in godliness.
However, we often don’t see our own shortcomings. So if another person points out our shortcoming, it can be an opportunity for us to grow.
VERSE 2. A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
favor. The Hebrew word is ratson. It means acceptance. In this case, acceptance by the LORD God.
VERSE 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
the root. A root is what holds the tree of life secure to the ground. If we have strong roots, then we can produce great fruit.
In the Old Testament era, prospering was not seen as a result of our own vigor, but rather upon the blessing of the LORD God. Read more »
VERSE 4. A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
worthy woman … disgraceful wife. A spouse can lift us up, or tear us down.
VERSE 5. The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
VERSE 6. The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
lying in wait for blood. Wicked people offer advice to people that destroys them.
speech of the upright rescues them. Godly people offer advice that helps people.
VERSE 7. The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
VERSE 8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
VERSE 9. Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
VERSE 10. A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
NIV translation: The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
respects the life of his animal. A righteous person’s concerns extend beyond self and reach out to family and friends. And animals!
VERSE 11. He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
VERSE 12. The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
VERSE 13. An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
trapped by sinfulness of lips. Wicked people are always spinning lies. Eventually, their lies will catch up to them.
VERSE 14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.
VERSE 15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
This verse is fantastic! Would you consider memorizing it? More great verses to memorize from the Book of Proverbs and from the entire Bible.
NIV translation: The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advise.
The way of a fool seems right to him. Our own plans often seem fine. However, it is best to get input from wise people. Read more »
VERSE 16. A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
VERSE 17. He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
VERSE 18. There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
speaks rashly. Some people do not think before the speak. Instead, they blurt out whatever thought comes to mind. Their words are careless, and they can hurt people.
the tongue of the wise heals. Wise people think before they speak. Their words build people up instead of tearing them down.
VERSE 19. Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
VERSE 20. Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
Deceit is in the heart. Wicked people are characterized by deceit.
joy comes to the promoters of peace. Wise people are characterized by joy and peace.
VERSE 21. No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
VERSE 22. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.
are his delight. Many Christians labor under a heavy burden that God is against them. However, the Bible tells us God delights in his people! Read more »
VERSE 23. A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
keeps his knowledge. A prudent person can be trusted to keep confidential information. A hothead, on the other hand, blurts out everything.
VERSE 24. The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
VERSE 25. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
Anxiety … weighs it down. Anxiety can be counterbalanced.
Deliberately thinking good thoughts and saying good words can impact our heart and mind.
Rather than give in to negativity, which for some people seems nearly inevitable, why not try what the Bible recommends?
As lovers and disciples of the LORD God, we are called to develop wholesome thinking patterns. We are to renew our mind. Read more »
VERSE 26. A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
VERSE 27. The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
doesn’t roast his game. A slothful person is too lazy to cook his own food.
VERSE 28. In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
PROVERBS
CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize, Sluggard, Tree of Life, Misogynism
Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.