Proverbs 12:1-16
“Whoso loveth
instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Proverbs
12:1)
A person who loves studying and learning values knowing
things highly, but a person who isn’t interested in learning to live his daily
life better is like a wild animal that lives solely by instinct.
“A good man obtaineth
favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness:
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. ” (Proverbs 12:2-3)
Once again we are reminded that a good man is blessed by
God, but a wicked man will be judged and condemned. Like a
gardener pulling weeds, God will prevent the evil from reaching maturity, but
will not interfere with the growth of those who do right.
“A virtuous woman is a
crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his
bones.” (Proverbs 12:4)
Virtue is defined as “goodness, morality, or right thinking
and action.” A woman who exhibits these
characteristics is a valuable trophy to her husband. A wife who constantly embarrasses him,
whether by reckless spending or outlandish behavior or constantly putting him
down is like a bone cancer, slowly eating away at his happiness and
self-esteem.
“The thoughts of the
righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait
for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but
the house of the righteous shall stand. ” (Proverbs 12:5-7)
The opinions of a man who has a righteous attitude can be
trusted, but a wicked person’s advice is not to be trusted. Even when he is not trying to trick you
himself, his judgment is biased by his attitude. Wickedness leads people to believe they will
profit by destroying others, but ultimately it destroys the doer, while
righteousness preserves him.
“A man shall be commended according to his
wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. ” (Proverbs 12:8)
People will respect a man for his wisdom, but they despise a
man who is deliberately contrary or obnoxious.
“He that is despised,
and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh
bread. ” (Proverbs 12:9)
A man who nobody respects or defers but is successful in his
business is more valuable than anybody who considers himself important but can’t
even feed himself.
“A righteous man
regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are
cruel. ” (Proverbs 12:10)
A good person cares about others, including his animals. Even when they are trying to be nice, wicked
people are inconsiderate and hurtful.
“He that tilleth his
land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void
of understanding. ” (Proverbs 12:11)
A person who takes care of his business will have enough to
eat, but a person who hangs out with people who don’t do anything but mess
around is being dumb.
“The wicked desireth
the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of
his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man
shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a
man's hands shall be rendered unto him. ” (Proverbs 12:12-14)
The wicked person wants an easy way to catch things quickly,
but the righteous patiently waits for them to grow. His own mouth gets the wicked into trouble,
but the man who does right escapes it. A
person will get exactly what he deserves.
“The way of a fool is
right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a
prudent man covereth shame. ” (Proverbs 12:15-16)
Wise men seriously consider conflicting advice, before
making their decision. People who don’t
even consider other people’s opinions are foolish. A fool doesn’t hesitate to lose his temper
and lets everyone know he is angry. Smart
people don’t embarrass themselves by letting their temper get out of hand.
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