Old Testament · Wisdom

Proverbs 12

Words and Work

The tongue of the wise brings healing. Lying lips are an abomination. The proverbs begin to paint a portrait of the good life.

King James Version BSB KJV

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1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Understand This

Proverbs 12, explained

What Proverbs 12 is saying

This chapter addresses the value of accepting correction, the contrast between truthful and deceptive speech, the dignity of labor, and the dangers of anxiety. The righteous care even for their animals, while the wicked's compassion is cruel.

The background behind it

The proverb about caring for animals (v. 10) reflects the Israelite ethic embedded in laws like the Sabbath rest for livestock (Exodus 23:12) and the prohibition against muzzling an ox while it treads grain (Deuteronomy 25:4).

Themes running underneath

The capacity to receive correction distinguishes the wise from the foolish more than any other trait. Truthful speech is 'established forever' while lying is momentary—a striking claim about the metaphysical weight of honesty. The righteous person's character extends even to treatment of animals.

Why it still matters

How you respond to correction is the clearest indicator of your wisdom. The chapter also challenges compartmentalized ethics: genuine righteousness extends to every relationship, including stewardship of creation.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.