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Proverbs 12

1
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2
A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
3
A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4
A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
5
The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6
The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7
The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
9
Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread.
10
A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11
He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12
The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13
An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
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.
15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
16
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17
He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
19
Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
20
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
21
No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.
23
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
24
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
25
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
26
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27
The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
28
In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter contrasts the way of wisdom with the way of folly, unfolding as a series of antitheses between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the fool. It advances the book’s central concern: teaching discernment by showing how moral character shapes speech, work, relationships, and inner life. The chapter situates the disciplined, God-fearing life as the path of stability and blessing.

Flow.

  • Begins with an emphasis on teachability and the moral significance of accepting correction, setting the foundation for wisdom (v. 1).
  • Builds through parallel contrasts in integrity of thought, speech, labor, and relationships, showing how righteousness produces life and stability while wickedness leads to ruin (vv. 2–27).
  • Culminates in the vision of life found in righteousness, underscoring the final distinction between two ways (v. 28).

Connections.
Following chapter 11, which also juxtaposes the righteous and wicked in matters of justice, speech, and community life, chapter 12 deepens the moral psychology of wisdom by exploring inner dispositions—such as patience, honesty, and diligence—and their outward effects. Where chapter 11 focuses more on social outcomes, chapter 12 turns to personal character and speech as windows into the heart. This prepares for chapter 13, which continues the pattern of contrast but with greater emphasis on parental instruction and the formation of desire, grounding the pursuit of wisdom in the fear of the Lord.

What it teaches.
The chapter teaches that moral integrity flows from a heart aligned with God’s order, manifesting in truthful speech, diligent labor, compassion, and self-control. Wisdom is not merely intellectual but ethical, rooted in reverence for God and expressed in daily conduct. The consistent contrast between the righteous and the wicked reflects the theological structure of two ways seen throughout Scripture, where God upholds the just while condemning falsehood (WCF 19.5; HC LD 52). The eternal weight of speech is highlighted, affirming that words reflect the heart and carry divine significance (WCF 20.1). The closing verse echoes the biblical promise that the way of obedience leads to life, pointing forward to the ultimate way of peace in Christ (HC LD 1).

Apply.
When anger rises, a measured response reflects disciplined wisdom; when truth is at stake, integrity speaks even at personal cost.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.