Proverbs 12

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14¶ A 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.

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

16¶ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 12 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that love for instruction leads to knowledge and favour from the LORD, while hatred of reproof is brutish. It highlights how diligence, truthfulness, and upright character result in stability and prosperity, whereas wickedness, deceit, and sloth lead to downfall and condemnation. The chapter also touches upon the value of a virtuous spouse and the impact of one's words.

Medium Summary

Proverbs 12 delineates the fundamental differences between the righteous and the wicked, asserting that those who embrace instruction and wisdom find favour and stability, while the brutish and perverse are condemned. The chapter illustrates how the thoughts and words of the righteous are upright and lead to deliverance, whereas the wicked plot deceit and are ensnared by their own transgressions. It extols the virtues of diligence, showing that those who work their land are satisfied, and their efforts lead to prosperity and rule. Conversely, the slothful face tribute and lack substance. Furthermore, the chapter underscores the power of speech, contrasting the healing words of the wise with the destructive, lying tongues of the wicked, which are an abomination to the LORD. Ultimately, the way of righteousness promises life and enduring establishment, while the wicked are overthrown and their path leads to mischief.

Long Summary

Proverbs 12 systematically contrasts the attributes and destinies of the righteous and the wicked, beginning by stating that love for instruction signifies a love for knowledge, while hatred of reproof reveals a brutish nature. A good man, characterized by righteous thoughts and upright speech, obtains favour from the LORD and is established, his root remaining unmoved. In contrast, the wicked, whose devices are deceitful and whose words are often intended for harm, are condemned, overthrown, and ultimately vanish. The chapter highlights the profound impact of a spouse, describing a virtuous woman as a crown to her husband, while one who causes shame is likened to rottenness in his bones. It further emphasizes the importance of compassion, noting that a righteous man cares for his animals, whereas the wicked's "tender mercies" are inherently cruel. Diligence is presented as a path to satisfaction and authority; he who tills his land will have bread, and the hand of the diligent shall bear rule, while the slothful will be subject to tribute. The chapter dedicates significant attention to the power of speech: truthful lips are established forever and bring health, delivering from trouble, while lying lips are an abomination to the LORD and only endure for a moment. Fools, who are right in their own eyes and openly proclaim their foolishness, are contrasted with the wise, who heed counsel and conceal knowledge. Ultimately, the way of righteousness is affirmed as the path to life and enduring stability, ensuring that no evil befalls the just, while the wicked are filled with mischief and their path seduces them to destruction.

Core Concepts

  • Instruction and WisdomThe chapter begins by linking love for instruction with knowledge and wisdom, contrasting it with the brutishness of those who hate reproof. It emphasizes that hearkening to counsel is a sign of wisdom, while fools are right in their own eyes.
  • Righteousness vs. WickednessA central theme, this contrast pervades the chapter, detailing the differing thoughts, words, actions, and ultimate outcomes for those who live righteously versus those who pursue wickedness. The righteous are favored and established, while the wicked are condemned and overthrown.
  • The Power of SpeechProverbs 12 extensively addresses the impact of words, distinguishing between the truthful and healing speech of the wise, which brings deliverance and is established forever, and the deceitful, lying, and destructive words of the wicked, which are an abomination to the LORD.
  • Diligence and SlothThe chapter illustrates the benefits of hard work and industry, showing that diligence leads to satisfaction, rule, and precious substance. Conversely, slothfulness results in lack, tribute, and an inability to secure resources.
  • Consequences of ConductA recurring motif is the direct link between one's character and actions and their resulting fate. The righteous find favour, stability, and life, while the wicked face condemnation, overthrow, and mischief, often ensnared by their own transgressions.
  • The Virtuous SpouseThe chapter briefly but powerfully highlights the significance of a spouse's character, portraying a virtuous woman as a crown to her husband, while one who brings shame is described as a source of deep internal decay.
  • Compassion for AnimalsUniquely, the chapter notes that a righteous man shows regard for the life of his beast, contrasting this with the cruel "tender mercies" of the wicked, indicating a broader scope of ethical conduct for the righteous.