#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs12
# Proverbs 12
> [!info] Table of Contents
> [[#đź“ś Scripture Text (NET)]]
[[#đź“– Verse-by-Verse Commentary]]
[[#🧠Chapter Summary]]
[[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]]
[[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]]
[[#đź”— Related Passages]]
[[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]]
> [[Proverbs Overview]]
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## đź“ś Scripture Text
To learn, you must love discipline;
    it is stupid to hate correction.
2 The Lord approves of those who are good,
    but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
3Â Wickedness never brings stability,
    but the godly have deep roots.
4Â A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
    but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
5Â The plans of the godly are just;
    the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
6Â The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
    but the words of the godly save lives.
7Â The wicked die and disappear,
    but the family of the godly stands firm.
8Â A sensible person wins admiration,
    but a warped mind is despised.
9Â Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
    than to be self-important but have no food.
10Â The godly care for their animals,
    but the wicked are always cruel.
11Â A hard worker has plenty of food,
    but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
    but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
13Â The wicked are trapped by their own words,
    but the godly escape such trouble.
14Â Wise words bring many benefits,
    and hard work brings rewards.
15Â Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.
16Â A fool is quick-tempered,
    but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
17Â An honest witness tells the truth;
    a false witness tells lies.
18Â Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.
19Â Truthful words stand the test of time,
    but lies are soon exposed.
20Â Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
    joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
21Â No harm comes to the godly,
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The Lord detests lying lips,
    but he delights in those who tell the truth.
23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
    but fools broadcast their foolishness.
24Â Work hard and become a leader;
    be lazy and become a slave.
25Â Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.
26Â The godly give good advice to their friends;
    the wicked lead them astray.
27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
    but the diligent make use of everything they find.
28Â The way of the godly leads to life;
    that path does not lead to death.
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## đź“– Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Each verse is important.
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## 🤔 Interesting Facts
- Chapter 12 continues the rapid-fire, antithetical format typical of chapters 10–29.
- The chapter praises those who love discipline and knowledge, showing that teachability is key to growth.
- Animal care is mentioned in verse 10, making Proverbs one of the earliest ethical texts to speak to stewardship of creation.
- The “fruit of the mouth” motif highlights the enduring importance of wise speech.
- Several proverbs here contrast long-term consequences with short-term gain, reinforcing biblical wisdom’s focus on the future.
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## 🧠Chapter Summary
**Main Teaching**: Proverbs 12 continues to contrast the righteous and the wicked, focusing on the value of discipline, the power of words, diligence, and the blessings of upright living. It shows that wisdom leads to stability, while foolishness brings shame.
**How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter strengthens the overarching message that character and conduct determine the quality and direction of life. It continues building the portrait of wise living through practical contrasts.
**Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 12 presents a moral framework grounded in divine truth, challenging relativistic views that dismiss the connection between virtue and flourishing. It affirms that godly living results in long-term benefit and aligns with how God designed the world to work.
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## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application
- đź“Ś Loving discipline is a mark of wisdom.
- đź“Ś The words of the righteous bring healing; the deceitful bring harm.
- đź“Ś Diligent work leads to satisfaction, while laziness results in slavery.
#### Today, I can apply this chapter by:
- âś… Ask for feedback today and receive it without defensiveness.
- ✅ Be quick to encourage someone who’s working hard or doing what’s right.
- âś… Avoid cruelty in your words, especially online or in frustration.
- âś… Prioritize hard work over laziness in your schedule today.
- âś… Practice wise speech by thinking before you speak or post on social media.
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## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember
đź“–Â **Proverbs 12:18**
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
- **Why it matters**: This verse emphasizes the power of words—reckless speech wounds, but wise words heal and restore. It’s a call to speak with intention and compassion.
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## đź”— Related Passages
- 🔗 Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…”
- 🔗 Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
- 🔗 Matthew 12:36–37 – “Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word…”
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## 🙏 Devotional Reflection
Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on:
- How this chapter encourages your faith,
- Convicts your heart,
- Reveals God's character.
Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..."
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## đź“‚ Tags