Reflections on Proverbs 12

 Proverbs 12 (Contemporary English Version)

1. To accept correction is wise, to reject it is stupid.
   
2. The LORD likes everyone who lives right, but he punishes everyone who makes evil plans.
   
3. Sin cannot offer security! But if you live right, you will be as secure as a tree with deep roots.
   
4. A helpful wife is a jewel for her husband, but a shameless wife will make his bones rot.
   
5. Good people have kind thoughts, but you should never trust the advice of someone evil.
   
6. Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
   
7. Once the wicked are defeated, they are gone forever, but no one who obeys God will ever be thrown down.
   
8. Good sense is worthy of praise, but stupidity is a curse.
   
9. It's better to be ordinary and have only one servant than to think you are somebody and starve to death.
   
10. Good people are kind to their animals, but a mean person is cruel.
    
11. Hard working farmers have more than enough food; daydreamers are nothing more than stupid fools.
    
12. An evil person tries to hide behind evil; good people are like trees with deep roots.
    
13. We trap ourselves by telling lies, but we stay out of trouble by living right.
    
14. We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
    
15. Fools think they know what is best, but a sensible person listens to advice.
    
16. Losing your temper is foolish; ignoring an insult is smart.
    
17. An honest person tells the truth in court, but a dishonest person tells nothing but lies.
    
18. Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal.
    
19. Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.
    
20. An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.
    
21. Good people never have trouble, but troublemakers have more than enough.
    
22. The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
    
23. Be sensible and don't tell everything you know-- only fools spread foolishness everywhere.
    
24. Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave.
    
25. Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word always brings cheer.
    
26. You are better off to do right, than to lose your way by doing wrong.
    
27. Anyone too lazy to cook will starve, but a hard worker is a valuable treasure.
    
28. Follow the road to life, and you won't be bothered by death.

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Solomon continues with his one-verse sayings, contrasting the wise and the foolish in each saying. The themes are similar to those in the previous chapter. In general, he says that the foolish are deceitful, spiteful, troublesome, lazy, refuse correction or counsel, and engage in evil activity. In the end they are caught up in their own traps. The wise, on the other hand, are generally the opposite in all these ways.

Here is a condensed listing from this chapter comparing the wise and the foolish. In reading the chapter, though, you will not find the terms "wise" and "foolish" used in every instance. The words righteous, upright, blameless, man of understanding, trustworthy, along with others, are used to describe the wise. Any term used to contrast the wise will refer to the foolish.

THE WISE . . . Love instruction Delight the Lord and obtain favor from God Have just thoughts Are rescued by their speech Has praiseworthy insight Have no pretense Work their land diligently & care for their animals Escape trouble Listens to counsel Ignores an insult Speaks truth which brings healing Promotes peace Do not display their knowledge Deal carefully with their neighbors

THE FOOLISH . . . Are schemers Are made insecure by their wickedness Give deceitful guidance setting deadly ambushes Are overthrown & perish Have twisted minds Act as though they are important Are cruel even in their merciful acts Chase fantasies Desire what evil men have Are trapped by their rebellious speech Consider their way right, needing no counsel or correction Make their displeasure known at once Gives false witness Speak rashly Are full of misery Publicize their stupidity Are lazy Are led astray by their ways