the proverbs of solomon, continued proverbs...

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A. John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor

THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON, CONTINUED

PROVERBS 12:1-28



The Proverbs of Solomon, continued

Text:

Proverbs 12:1-28,

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD,

but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

3 A man cannot be established through wickedness,

but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,

but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

5 The plans of the righteous are just,

but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous stands firm.

8 A man is praised according to his wisdom,

but men with warped minds are despised.

9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant

than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

10

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,

but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.



11

He who works his land will have abundant food,

but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12

The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,

but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13

An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk,

but a righteous man escapes trouble.

14

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things

as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

15

The way of a fool seems right to him,

but a wise man listens to advice.

16

A fool shows his annoyance at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17

A truthful witness gives honest testimony,

but a false witness tells lies.

18

Reckless words pierce like a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20

There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but joy for those who promote peace.

21

No harm befalls the righteous,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22

The LORD detests lying lips,

but he delights in men who are truthful.



23

A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,

but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

24

Diligent hands will rule,

but laziness ends in slave labor.

25

An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up.

26

A righteous man is cautious in friendship,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27

The lazy man does not roast his game,

but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

28

In the way of righteousness there is life;

along that path is immortality. (NIV)

Introduction:

I. Proverbs 12 provides instructions in proper living. (Smith)

Commentary:

Proverbs 12:1, Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he

who hates correction is stupid. (NIV)

I. Whoever loves discipline (instruction, correction) loves knowledge…

A. Knowledge, according to Bland, includes information and

wisdom, understanding and the ability to live successfully.

B. “Correction is the way to knowledge,” Clarke wrote.

II. but he who hates correction (instruction, reproof) is stupid (brutish).



A. The word stupid refers, Smith stated, to someone who is like a

beast in that he is insensible to higher aspirations.

1. Psalm 73:22, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a

brute beast before you. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 30:2, Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I

do not have human understanding. (NIV)

B. He who hates correction receives no more benefit from

instruction than an ox does from a goad, Clarke concluded.

Proverbs 12:2, A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the

LORD condemns a crafty man. (NIV)

I. A good (pure, straightforward) man obtains favor from the Lord, …

A. Having God’s favor assures Divine blessing on the good

person. (Smith)

1. Proverbs 8:35, For those who find me find life and

receive favor from the LORD. (NIV)

B. God will reward righteousness! (Coffman)

1. The belief that the righteous will be blessed and the

wicked punished is a basic biblical doctrine.

2. The doctrine of retribution, the cause and effect principle,

is not always the result of natural consequences, but is

sometimes the result of divine intervention, Bland well

wrote.

C. A good man is one having a pure heart free from evil thoughts.



1. Psalm 73:1, Surely God is good to Israel, to those who

are pure in heart. (NIV)

II. But the Lord condemns a crafty man (a man of wicked devices).

A. Those who are crafty, whose thoughts are perverse but clever,

will be condemned, punished by the Lord. (Smith)

1. Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered person does foolish

things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

(NIV)

B. God will condemn wickedness! (Coffman)

C. The crafty man, as used in this verse, Bland wrote, refers to one

who keeps his thoughts hidden, secret, because he is making plans

to hurt others.

Proverbs 12:3, A man cannot be established through wickedness,

but the righteous cannot be uprooted. (NIV)

I. A man cannot be established through wickedness,…

A. The reference here is to a tree which most certainly would only

be made weaker and caused to rot by wickedness. (See Smith)

1. Proverbs 10:25, When the storm has swept by, the

wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

(NIV)

B. A man cannot make himself secure by wickedness. (Douay

Version via Coffman)



1. Coffman further stated, “Wickedness does not work, not

even in business.”

C. “The produce of goodness is permanent because it has God’s

blessing in it; the fruit of wickedness, or the property procured by

wickedness, is transitory, because it has God’s curse in it,” Clarke

wrote.

II. but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

A. The “tree” (person) rooted in righteousness grows strong and is

healthy. (See Smith.)

1. Job 14:7-9, At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut

down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.

Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in

the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth

shoots like a plant. (NIV)

2. Ephesians 3:17, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and

established in love, (NIV)

3. Proverbs 12:12, The wicked desire the plunder of evil

men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. (NIV)

B. The righteous are secure in the love and blessings of God.

C. The righteous are constructing a life, a character that is strong

and permanent. (See Bland)

D. Clarke wrote, “The righteous has his root in God; and therefore

he shall not be moved.”



Note: The Pulpit Commentary states that verses 4-12 contain proverbs

concerning the management of a house and business.

Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,

but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. (NIV)

I.. A wife of noble (strong, virtuous) character is her husband’s crown

(pride and joy), …

A. An honorable, virtuous and intelligent wife is a great help to

her husband in every way. (See Smith.)

1. Ruth 3:11, And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I

will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town

know that you are a woman of noble character. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 31:10, A wife of noble character who can

find? She is worth far more than rubies. (NIV)

B. The woman described is one strong in mind, body or both, The

Pulpit Commentary states.

1. The Pulpit Commentary further states, “Such a woman is

not simply loving and modest and loyal, but is a crown to her

husband; is an honor to him, adorns and beautifies his life,

making as it were a joyous festival.”

II. but a disgraceful wife is like decay (cancer) in his bones.

A. An immoral, lazy, selfish wife is a total discredit (disgrace) to

her husband and is a great hindrance to all the good he tries to do.

(See Smith.)



1. The “disgraceful wife” is the exact opposite of the “wife

of noble character.”

2. Proverbs 14:30, A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones. (NIV)

3. Habakkuk 3:16, I heard and my heart pounded, my

lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones,

and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day

of calamity to come on the nation invading us. (NIV)

Note: This, of course, is true inversely of husbands of noble or

disgraceful character in regard to their wives.

B. Bland wrote, “The actions of one spouse profoundly influence

the other.

C. Clarke reminds us that immoral spouses bring diseases home to

their companions.

1. A disgraceful wife makes her husband terminally ill!

Proverbs 12:5, The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of

the wicked is deceitful. (NIV)

I. The plans (thoughts) of the righteous are just (right),…

A. Smith wrote, “His designs are well intentioned and morally

sound because the mind of the righteous man is disciplined by

wisdom.”

B. “Honest people will treat you fairly,” Coffman wrote quoting

the Good News Bible.



C. “Good people are fair and honest in the things they plan to do,”

Coffman wrote quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible.

II. but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

A. The counsel of the wicked is not to be trusted and certainly not

to be followed.

B. “The wicked only want to deceive you,” Coffman wrote

quoting the Good News Bible.

C. “Don’t trust the things an evil person tells you,” Coffman

wrote quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible.

Proverbs 12:6, The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the

speech of the upright rescues them. (NIV)

I. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,…

A. Smith wrote, “The wicked conspire together and plot murder, a

bloody ambush.”

1. Proverbs 1:10-16, My son, if sinful men entice you, do

not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s

lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless

soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole,

like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of

valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots

with us; we will all share the loot”— my son, do not go

along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their

feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. (NIV)

2. 1 Kings 21:13, Then two scoundrels came and sat

opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before



the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the

king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to

death. (NIV)

3. 1 Kings 21:1-16, Some time later there was an incident

involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite.

The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab

king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have

your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is

close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better

vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is

worth.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I

should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” So

Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the

Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of

my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to

eat. His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are

you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?” He answered her,

“Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your

vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another

vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my

vineyard.’” Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as

king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you

the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” So she wrote

letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent

them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city

with him. In those letters she wrote: “Proclaim a day of

fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the

people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have

them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the

king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the



elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as

Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.

They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent

place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and

sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth

before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God

and the king.” So they took him outside the city and

stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel:

“Naboth has been stoned to death.” As soon as Jezebel

heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to

Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of

Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no

longer alive, but dead.” When Ahab heard that Naboth

was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of

Naboth’s vineyard. (NIV)

B. Evil people along with their words are set to do others harm.

II. but the speech of the upright rescues them.

A. The speech of the upright rescues them from the evil

conspirators just mentioned. (Smith)

1. “The good plead the cause of the oppressed and use their

eloquence on their behalf,” Smith wrote…

B. Righteous people and their speech are set on doing good for

others.

Proverbs 12:7, The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the

house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV)

I. Wicked men are overthrown and are no more,…



A. The wicked are overthrown, often quick, and are no longer a

threat to good people.

1. Proverbs 10:25, He who gathers crops in summer is a

prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a

disgraceful son. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 11:7, Hopes placed in mortals die with them;

all the promise of their power comes to nothing. (NIV)

3. The wicked may be overthrown by the just judgments of

God, financial reversals, sicknesses, family problems or other

such like adversities. (See Smith)

4. Job 20:5, that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy

of the godless lasts but a moment. (NIV)

B. Wickedness provides no security.

II. but the house of the righteous stands firm.

A. The family of the righteous can withstand all of the tribulations

of life, “the assaults of misfortune and the schemes of enemies.”

(Smith)

1. Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore everyone who hears

these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a

wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came

down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat

against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its

foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these

words of mine and does not put them into practice is like

a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came



down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat

against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV)

B. Righteousness provides security.

Proverbs 12:8, A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men

with warped minds are despised. (NIV)

I. A man is praised according to his wisdom,…

A. Intelligence and common sense are commendable attributes,

especially when a person’s life is governed by them. (See Smith.)

1. 1 Samuel 18:5, Whatever mission Saul sent him on,

David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in

the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers

as well. (NIV)

2. The person whose mouth makes good sense deserves

praise. (See Bland.)

3. Proverbs 27:21, The crucible for silver and the furnace

for gold, but people are tested by their praise. (NIV)

II. but men with warped minds are despised.

A. The person(s) with distorted views of things which lead to evil

and harmful decisions and actions cause them to be despised by

others. (See Smith.)

B. Men in question here have “distorted views of things, judge

unfairly, have no sympathy for others” and will be despised. (The

Pulpit Commentary)



Note: Notice that this proverb follows the better-than format. Other

examples, Bland observed, are found in Proverbs 15:16-17, Better a

little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf

with hatred. (NIV)

Proverbs 12:9, Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than

pretend to be somebody and have no food. (NIV)

I. Better to be (lightly esteemed) a nobody and yet have a servant, …

A. Smith wrote, “This is a picture of a man who performs the

humble tasks of a servant in order to have the money to purchase

for his family the necessities of life.”

B. “It is better to be an ordinary man working for a living, a man of

low rank with a servant, …” (Coffman quoting James Moffatt’s

Translation of the Bible.)

C. Bland cites two ways of translating this verse: viz, …

1. If the NIV, as above, is correct, the verse describes a

modest standard of living by having just one servant.

2. The RSV follows the LXX and translates the verse as,

“Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself

(i.e., he is his own servant) which emphasizes the value of

those who are able to provide for basic needs from their own

labor and industriousness.

3. Either translation praises the humble person of integrity.

D. Clarke quotes the Vulgate as reading, “Better is the poor man

who provides for himself, than the proud who is destitute of

bread.”



II. than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

A. The person depicted here pretends to be something he is not, a

person who does without basic necessities in order to impress

others. (See Smith).

B. “…than one who makes a show and has to do his own work.”

(Coffman quoting James Moffatt’s Translations of the Bible)

C. The person here is a pretender, a hypocrite whose family is left

to go hungry. (See Bland.)

D. Bland well wrote, “Being satisfied with a modest standard of

living is better than trying to deceive others into believing that you

are better off than you really are.”

E. “Respectful mediocrity is better than boastful poverty,” The

Pulpit Commentary advises.

Proverbs 12:10, A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,

but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. (NIV)

I. A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, …

A. Kindness to animals was mandated by the law of Moses.

1. Exodus 20:10, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the

LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work,

neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or

female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner

residing in your towns. (NIV)

2. Exodus 23:4-5, “If you come across your enemy’s ox or

donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the



donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its

load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

(NIV)

3. Deuteronomy 22:6, 7, 10, If you come across a bird’s

nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground,

and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do

not take the mother with the young. You may take the

young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go

well with you and you may have a long life. Do not plow

with an ox and a donkey yoked together. (NIV)

4. Deuteronomy 25:4, Do not muzzle an ox while it is

treading out the grain. (NIV)

B. The person who treats his animals well will certainly treat his

family and others with great kindness. (See Smith.)

1. A righteous person is merciful to man and beast alike and

free of cruelty. (See Clarke.)

C. Verses 10 and 11 have a reference to agriculture, here to farm

animals. (See Bland.)

D. “God’s mercies are over all his works; he saves both man and

beast; he hates nothing he has made,” The Pulpit Commentary

reads.

1. Psalm 36:6, Your righteousness is like the highest

mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD,

preserve both people and animals. (NIV)

2. Psalm 113:9, He settles the childless woman in her

home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

(NIV)



3. Jonah 4:11, And should I not have concern for the

great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a

hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell

their right hand from their left—and also many

animals?” (NIV)

II. but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

A. The best the wicked can do is bad!

B. “The heart of the wicked is cruel, without mercy.” (Coffman

quoting the Cross-Reference Bible)

C. The righteous are kind while the wicked exploit others. (See

Bland.)

Proverbs 12:11, He who works his land will have abundant food, but

he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. (NIV)

I. He who works his land will have abundant food,…

A. Hard work is here commended.

B. This proverb is a reference to the agrarian lifestyle typical of

the time.

1. Proverbs 28:19, Those who work their land will have

abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have

their fill of poverty. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 10:5, He who gathers crops in summer is a

prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a

disgraceful son. (NIV)



3. Proverbs 20:4, Sluggards do not plow in season; so at

harvest time they look but find nothing. (NIV)

4. Proverbs 27:18, 23-27, The one who guards a fig tree

will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be

honored. 23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,

give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not

endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all

generations. When the hay is removed and new growth

appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the

lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with

the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to

feed your family and to nourish your female servants.

(NIV)

C. The wise person exercises discipline, diligence and

consistency, Bland stated.

1. God blesses the labor of such a person, Clarke added.

II. but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment (is void of

understanding);

A. Chasing fantasies (worthless dreams, worthless pursuits) is

futile and the person who engages in this type of behavior doesn’t

have good judgment.

B. Chasing fantasies profits absolutely nothing, but contributes to

poverty by diverting energy that could have been used in

productive activities to activities that produce nothing of value.

1. “It also shows moral weakness and depravity,” The Pulpit

Commentary states.



C. The person who spends his time “chasing rainbows” is not very

smart. (See Coffman quoting the Anchor Bible.)

1. Clarke mentioned he had seen a number of such people

come to poverty.

Proverbs 12:12, The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the

root of the righteous flourishes. (NIV)

I. The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, …

A. The wicked person wants what evil people have gained by

crimes and other unethical means thinking this will give him the

security he is too lazy to get by honest labor. (See Smith.)

1. The wicked desire the support of evil men. (The Pulpit

Commentary)

B. The Anchor Bible via Coffman notes that the Hebrew here is

obscure.

1. This has occasioned various emendations.

II. but the root of the righteous flourishes.

A. On the other hand, the righteous prosper by reason of their

conducting business with high principles. (See Smith.)

B. Their righteous lives are well rooted in goodness which

provides sustenance and well-being!

Note: Proverbs 12:13-25 relates in one way or another to speech, Bland

observed.



Proverbs 12:13, An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a

righteous man escapes trouble. (NIV)

I. An evil man is trapped (snared) by his sinful talk,…

A. An evil man who tries to harm others by what he says actually

is himself ensnared by what he says. (See Smith.)

1. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be

acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

(NIV)

2. Proverbs 18:7, The mouths of fools are their undoing,

and their lips are a snare to their very lives. (NIV)

B. “A man who deals in lies and false oaths will sooner or later be

found out to his own ruin,” Clarke wrote.

1. Psalm 7:15-16, Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out

falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause

recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own

heads. (NIV)

2. Psalm 9:16, The LORD is known by his acts of justice;

the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.

(NIV)

II. but a righteous man escapes trouble.

A. Righteous people speak kindly and honestly and, in this way,

avoid trouble with others.



B. “The man who is calm and considerate for others will himself

be treated with pity and consideration,” The Pulpit Commentary

states.

Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good

things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. (NIV)

I. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things…

A. A man’s words are like seed producing in kind; words and

actions involving love, favor and respect produce deeds of love,

favor and respect in return. (See Smith.)

1. Proverbs 13:2, From the fruit of their lips people enjoy

good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for

violence. (NIV)

2.Proverbs 14:14, The faithless will be fully repaid for

their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. (NIV)

3.Proverbs 18:20, From the fruit of their mouth a

person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips

they are satisfied. (NIV)

B. “A person is rewarded because of the good things that he says.

(Coffman quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible.)

1. Coffman advised “saying nice, friendly, complimentary

and gracious things to the people with whom we are in daily

contact.”

2. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be

acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(NIV)



II. as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

A. The well-spoken words a person speak benefit him just as the

labor of the hands of a righteous man rewards him.

1. Isaiah 3:10-11, Tell the righteous it will be well with

them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to

the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back

for what their hands have done. (NIV)

2. Matthew 25:35, For I was hungry and you gave me

something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me

something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me

in, (NIV)

3. Romans 2:6, God “will repay each person according to

what they have done.” (NIV)

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man

listens to advice. (NIV)

I. The way of a fool seems right to him (in his own eyes),…

A. Evidently the fool doesn’t know any better, “consults no one,

respects no other opinion,” (Smith), “refuses advice from others”

(Bland)

1. Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the

LORD and shun evil. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 26:5,12, 16 Answer a fool according to his

folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Do you see a

person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a



fool than for them. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes

than seven people who answer discreetly. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 16:2, All a person’s ways seem pure to them,

but motives are weighed by the LORD. (NIV)

II. but a wise man listens to advice.

A. A wise man is not adamant, is not a “know it all,” but listens to

prudent counsel, advice, not relying on his own unaided judgment.

(See The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. Proverbs 13:10, Where there is strife, there is pride,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that appears to be right,

but in the end it leads to death. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 16:25, There is a way that appears to be right,

but in the end it leads to death. (NIV)

4. Proverbs 21:2, A person may think their own ways are

right, but the LORD weighs the heart. (NIV)

Proverbs 12:16, A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent

man overlooks an insult. (NIV)

I. A fool shows his annoyance at once,…

A. The fool’s speech shows annoyance, anger, hostility.

1. The fool is easily and quickly upset, lacks self-control.

(See Smith.)



B. Often fools make fools of themselves without even realizing

that this is what they are doing!

C. “A weak-minded man has no self government; he is easily

angered, and generally speaks whatever comes first to his mind,”

Clarke wrote.

1. The fool speaks without thinking; speaks first and thinks

later!

II. but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

A. A prudent person does not make a fool of himself by shooting

off his mouth, but overlooks, ignores insults. (See Smith.)

1. Proverbs 20:22, Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this

wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

(NIV)

2. Proverbs 24:29, Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they

have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”

(NIV)

3. Matthew 5:39, But I tell you, do not resist an evil

person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to

them the other cheek also. (NIV)

4. Luke 6:29, If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to

them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not

withhold your shirt from them. (NIV)

B. Smith wrote the prudent man “knows it is best to let passion

cool before attempting to set things right.



1. James 1:19, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of

this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak

and slow to become angry, (NIV)

Note: “Most of the proverbs in the rest of this chapter deal with the

tongue. There are a hundred verses in this whole book that deal, one

way or another, with the use of the tongue.” (Coffman quoting the

Interpreter’s Bible)

Proverbs 12:17, A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a

false witness tells lies. (NIV)

I. A truthful witness gives honest testimony,…

A. This refers to the giving of testimony in court. (Smith)

1. Proverbs 6:16, 19, There are six things the LORD

hates, seven that are detestable to him: a false witness

who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in

the community. (NIV)

B. In giving honest testimony, the truthful witness contributes to

the cause of justice. (Smith)

II. but a false witness tells lies.

A. A false witness, a liar, is not interested in justice.

1. Proverbs 14:5, 15, An honest witness does not deceive,

but a false witness pours out lies. The simple believe

anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.

(NIV)

B. We are speaking here of perjured speech. (Smith)



Proverbs 12:18, Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue

of the wise brings healing. (NIV)

I. Reckless words pierce like a sword,…

A. Reckless, thoughtless, rash, harmful, inflammatory speech

inflicts pain like a sword! (Smith)

B. Smith noted that the tongue can do as much harm as a sword.

II. but the tongue of the wise brings healing (health).

A. Smith observed that the tongue (words) of the wise brings

healing by soothing anguish and undoing injury.

1. Proverbs 4:20-22, My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your

sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to

those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

(NIV)

2. Proverbs 10:11, The mouth of the righteous is a

fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals

violence. (NIV)

Proverbs 12:19, Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue

lasts only a moment. (NIV)

I. Truthful lips endure forever,…

A. Truth, Smith wrote, endures the test of time, “stands forever,”

Clarke added.



1. “Truth crushed to earth shall rise again…” (Coffman

quoting William Cullen Bryant)

2. “Truth is consistent, invincible, enduring,” The Pulpit

Commentary states.

II. but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

A. Deceitful speech is temporary, is soon found out and punished.

(Smith and The Pulpit Commentary)

1. “But wounded error writhes in pain,” (Coffman quoting

William Cullen Bryant)

2. The lying tongue lasts about as long as the blink of an eye.

B. Falsehood is soon seen for what it is and is promptly rejected.

(See Clarke.)

1. Proverbs 19:9, A false witness will not go unpunished,

and whoever pours out lies will perish. (NIV)

2. Psalm 52:2-5, You who practice deceit, your tongue

plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love

evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the

truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!

Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He

will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will

uproot you from the land of the living. (NIV)

Proverbs 12:20, There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but joy for those who promote peace. (NIV)

I. There is deceit in the heart of those who plot evil (imagine evil),…



A. Smith concluded the reference here is to those who give evil

advice which brings misfortune.

B. “Evil people always want to cause trouble…” (Coffman quoting

the Easy to Read Version of the Bible)

1. Proverbs 3:29, Do not plot harm against your neighbor,

who lives trustfully near you. (NIV)

II. but joy for those who promote peace (health, prosperity).

A. Counselors who promote peace bring joy to those who heed

their advice.

B. “…people who work for peace will be happy.” (Coffman

quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible)

Proverbs 12:21, No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have

their fill of trouble. (NIV)

I. No harm (mischief, evil) befalls the righteous…

A. Smith defines the “harm” here as the evil consequences that

follow evil doing.

1. The righteous simply do not engage in those evil things

which bring such disasters on the wicked.

a. Proverbs 22:8, Whoever sows injustice reaps

calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be

broken. (NIV)



2. Their nature simply does not permit the righteous to do

these evil things which bring such disasters on the wicked.

(See Smith.)

B. Clarke reminds us this is true because all things work together

for good to them that love God.

III. but the wicked have their full of trouble (evil, misfortune).

A. The wicked do wrong and bring upon themselves their fill of

trouble.

1. Consider the inmates in all our prisons, for example.

2. Sin and reap the consequences!

3. Psalm 32:10, Many are the woes of the wicked, but the

LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in

him. (NIV)

Proverbs 12:22, The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men

who are truthful. (NIV)

I. The Lord detests lying lips,…

A. Proverbs 6:17, haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that

shed innocent blood, (NIV)

B. Proverbs 11:20, The LORD detests those whose hearts are

perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

(NIV)

II. but he delights in men who are truthful (straightforward).



A. Reference here is to people who act in good faith. (The

Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but

the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV)

I. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,…

A. Smith identifies this as restrained speech.

B. A prudent man is cautious and reserved and is not inclined to

utter unadvisedly what he knows, Smith wrote.

1. Proverbs 11:13, A gossip betrays a confidence, but a

trustworthy person keeps a secret. (NIV)

2. Moffatt via Coffman wrote, “No Cautious man blurts out

all that he knows,…”

II. but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

A. Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)

B. The fool speaks his folly without thinking.

C. Proverbs 13:16, All who are prudent act with knowledge,

but fools expose their folly. (NIV)

D. Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)



E. “A foolish man cannot help exposing the stupid ideas that arise

in his mind, which he considers wisdom.” (The Pulpit

Commentary)

Note: Verses 24-28 speak of how to succeed in life. (See The Pulpit

Commentary)

Proverbs 12:24, Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave

labor. (NIV)

I. Diligent (strong and active) hands will rule.

A. Wise hard workers arise to the top, become rulers,

administrators, employers of others, owners of businesses. (See

Smith.)

B. By their own industry they become independent and respected,

Clarke observed.

II. but laziness (slothfulness) ends in slave labor (under tribute).

A. The lazy person continues in a lowly, dependent role all his

life, with a “slave labor” position and mentality.

1. Proverbs 11:29, Whoever brings ruin on their family

will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the

wise. (NIV)

2. Leviticus 25:39-40, “‘If any of your fellow Israelites

become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make

them work as slaves. They are to be treated as hired

workers or temporary residents among you; they are to

work for you until the Year of Jubilee. (NIV)



B. The LXX via The Pulpit Commentary reads, “The crafty shall

be for plunder, i.e., they who think to succeed by fraud and trickery

shall become the prey of those who are stronger than themselves.

Proverbs 12:25, An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind

word cheers him up. (NIV)

I. An anxious (heavy) heart weighs a man down,…

A. This scribe, who worries that the world will suddenly stop

spinning, attests to the truthfulness of this proverb!

B. “People who allow themselves to mentally dwell on their

problems will be defeated by depression,” Smith wrote.

1. The cares of life bring dejection and despair,” Smith

stated.

2. Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not worry about

tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day

has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)

3. 1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he

cares for you. (NIV)

4. Proverbs 15:13, A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

but heartache crushes the spirit. (NIV)

5. Proverbs 17:22, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but

a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (NIV)

II. but a kind word cheers him up.



A. The kind word can be described as encouraging speech, Smith

wrote.

B. Encouraging speech is uplifting and “has the power to transform

the mental and emotional state of another” person, Bland wrote.

C. When speaking to the sick, bereaved, troubled, emotionally

distressed, let us be very careful to speak words that help and heal,

not words that cut like a sword and add to the problems of the

suffering one to whom we are speaking.

Proverbs 12:26, A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the

way of the wicked leads them astray. (NIV)

I. A righteous man is cautious in friendship (is a guide to his neighbor),

…

A. Smith spoke of this as Guiding Speech.

B. This verse clearly states that the righteous, wise person is very

careful in selecting “friends” from whom he accepts advice and

counsel, but he is receptive to wholesome constructive advice.

C. “The righteous devises good to his neighbor,” Clarke wrote

quoting the Syriac version.

D. This verse has also been translated, “The righteous is more

excellent than his neighbor.” (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. “A good man is superior to others morally and socially, is

more respected and stands high though his worldly position

be inferior,” The Pulpit Commentary reads.



2. The Pulpit Commentary states, “But the clause is better

translated, ‘The just man is a guide to his neighbor,’ directs

him in the right way.”

3. Another rendering of this verse reads, “The righteous wise

man will be a friend to himself.”

II. but the way of the wicked leads them astray (causes them to err).

A. The wicked are opinionated and refuse advice from anyone.

1. They mislead themselves, Smith stated.

B. But the righteous are consistently focused, while the wicked

have no focus, but wander around aimlessly. (Bland)

C. “Far from guiding others aright, the wicked, reaping the moral

consequences of their sin, drift hopelessly astray themselves,” The

Pulpit Commentary states.

1. Proverbs 13:21, Trouble pursues the sinner, but the

righteous are rewarded with good things. (NIV)

Proverbs 12:27, The lazy man does not roast his game, but the

diligent man prizes his possessions. (NIV)

I. The lazy (slothful) man does not roast his game (which he took in

hunting),…

A. The lazy man is too trifling to even roast, cook his food, game.

1. The lazy man does not finish what he has started. (See

Bland)



2. That is certainly not the way to “get ahead, amount to

anything.”

3. The lazy man, wastes does not appreciate what God has

given him.

Note: Coffman observed that the Hebrew text here is obscure.

B. Laziness, indolence are despised through the book of Proverbs.

(See Bland)

1. Proverbs 26:13-16, A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in

the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door

turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. A

sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to

bring it back to his mouth. A sluggard is wiser in his own

eyes than seven people who answer discreetly. (NIV)

II. but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

A. The hard working man appreciates what he has earned and

cares for it.

1. This speaks of a frugal person, Smith wrote.

Proverbs 12:28, In the way of righteousness there is life; along that

path is immortality. (NIV)

I. In the way (path) of righteousness there is life;…

A. Righteousness leads to life while sin leads to death. (Smith)

II. along that path is immortality (no death).



A. Righteousness leads to life here and hereafter!

1. Proverbs 14:32, When calamity comes, the wicked are

brought down, but even in death the righteous seek

refuge in God. (NIV)

2. 2 Timothy 1:10, but it has now been revealed through

the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has

destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to

light through the gospel. (NIV)

3. The ways of the wicked lead to death. The ways of the

righteous lead to life.

B. Bland wrote, “The sages in Proverbs, though, do not appear to

have any understanding of life after death (this is true with the Old

Testament in general; there is no developed doctrine of the

resurrection).”

1. Bland continued, “It is best to translate the second line

this way: ‘On the journey of her pathway is no death,’

meaning no ‘spiritual death’.”

2. “In Proverbs, the one who lives an immoral life is ‘dead’,”

Conclusion:

I. Each individual must decide what kind of person he wants to be, what

kind of life he wants to live.

A. We can love counsel, be a good person, righteous, select a

noble husband/wife, just, prudent, truthful, etc, and live a happy,

respected life in this world and enjoy eternal life in the world to

come, or…



B. We can hate correction, act stupidly, be crafty, unstable, select

a disgraceful husband/wife, give deceitful advice, act wickedly and

live miserably in this world and suffer eternally in hell fire.

C. In which path will you choose to walk?

II. Be sure you know in which path you are walking.

A. Don’t be confused into thinking you are in one path when in

fact you are actually walking in the other path.

B. Compare your acts and attitudes with the standards of Proverbs

12.



Questions

Proverbs 12:1-28

(Questions based on NIV text)

1. In view of what is said in Proverbs 12, how successful have your been

in living up to these instructions? Give details. ___________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. How are discipline and knowledge related? ____________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. What kind of person hates correction? ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

4. The __________ that the ___________ will be __________ and the

__________ __________ is a __________ ___________ __________.



5. Who is a good man? ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. Explain the doctrine of retribution. ___________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

7. Describe a crafty man as the term is used in verse 2. _____________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

8. A man cannot be __________ established through __________, but

the __________ cannot be __________.

9. Give reasons the statement in question 8 above is true. ___________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

10. Verses 4-12 relate to what topics? ___________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

11. Describe a wife of noble character. What influence does she have on

her husband? _______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

12. Describe a disgraceful wife. What influence does she have on her

husband? __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

13. The ____________ are ___________. His ____________ are

__________ - __________ and __________ __________ because the

__________ of the __________ man is __________ by _____________.

14. The _____________ of the ____________ is __________. The

__________ of the __________ is not to be __________ and certainly

not to be __________.

15. __________ __________ along with their __________ are set to do

others __________. __________ __________ and their __________ are

set on __________ __________ for __________.

16. __________men are __________ often __________, and are no

longer a threat to __________ __________.



17. The __________ of the _________ _can withstand all the

__________ of __________, the __________ of __________ and the

__________ of __________.

18. A __________ is __________ according to his __________,

__________ and __________ __________ when his __________ is

governed by these characteristics.

19. What is a warped mind? How are people with warped minds

regarded by others? _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

20. Who is better, a nobody or a pretender? Explain your answer. _____

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

21. How important is it to be kind to animals? How can the sacrifice of

millions of animals be reconciled with being kind to animals? What

about slaughtering animals for food? Is that kind? _________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



22. The _________ _________ of the __________ are __________.

The __________ the ________ can do is __________!

23. What good things come to the wise prudent worker? ____________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

24. What does the Bible say about those who chase fantasies, engage in

worthless pursuits? __________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

25. Does this prohibit setting goals and having future aspirations?

Explain your answer. _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

26. The __________ __________ wants what __________ __________

have __________ by __________ and other ___________ means

thinking this will give him the __________he is too __________ to get

by __________ __________.

27. The __________ of the world are __________ __________ in

____________ which provides _____________ and ______________ -

__________!



28. What kids of speech are discussed in Proverbs 12? ______________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

29. How does sinful speech ensnare an evil man? _________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

30. How does a righteous man escape trouble? ____________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

31. Listen carefully for one twenty-four hour to everything you say and

think. How many of these things are good, positive, wholesome and

how many are bad, negative, corrupt? ___________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

32. Wholesome __________ can profit a person as surely as the

__________ of his __________ can produce _______________ for him.



33. The __________ of a __________ seems__________ to him. He

__________ no one, __________, other __________, __________

__________from __________, but a __________ man __________ to

__________.

34. What does the Bible say about laziness, slothfulness? Is the lazy

person respected? ___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

35. A __________ shows his __________ at once, is easily and quickly

__________ lacks __________ - __________, easily __________, and

generally speaks whatever comes __________ to his___________. The

__________ __________ without __________; __________

__________ and __________ __________!

36. In contrast with the food, a __________ man __________ an

__________, does not make a fool of himself by __________ off his

__________ but __________, __________ __________.

37. A __________ __________ gives __________ __________, but a

__________ __________ tells _______________.

38. __________, __________, __________, __________, __________

speech inflicts _________ like a sword; but the __________ of the

__________ bring __________ (__________).

39. During the last week, which of your words have inflicted pain and

which have brought health to others? What circumstances occasioned

each of these results? ________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

40. Contrast the longevity of truth and lies. What accounts for the

difference? ________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

41. __________ __________ cause __________, but __________ who

__________ __________ (__________, __________) will be happy.

42. Explain what, “No harm (mischief, evil) befalls the righteous” mean.

Why do righteous people suffer? ______________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

43. Show by biblical and secular examples that the wicked do indeed

have their fill of trouble. Are there exceptions to this rule? If so, what

accounts for these exceptions? _________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



44. According to Proverbs 12, what things does the Lord detest? ______

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

45. According to Proverbs 12, in what things does the Lord delight? ___

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

46. Why would a prudent man keep his knowledge to himself? Where

would we be without school teachers and college professors? _________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

47. A __________ man cannot __________ __________ the

__________ __________ that arise in his __________, which he

considers __________.

48. How can we succeed in life? Base your answer on what is said in

verses 24 – 28. _____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



49.__________ __________ (__________ and __________)

__________ will __________. By their own __________ they become

__________ and __________.

50. What advantages and disadvantages does laziness offer? _________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

51. Anxiety is a heavy burden grievous to be borne. How can a person

stop worrying? Be specific! Give step by step details. _____________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

52. When __________ to the __________, __________, __________,

__________, __________, let us be very careful to __________

__________ that __________ and __________, not words that cut like a

__________ and add to the __________of the __________ one to whom

we are __________.

53. In what ways is a righteous man a friend to himself? ____________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

54. How important to your health, happiness and success is the careful

formation of wholesome friendships? ___________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

55. How do you select, form your friendships? ___________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

56. The __________ man is too __________ to cook his own

__________. That is certainly not the way to __________ __________

or __________ to __________.

57. The __________ man __________ his __________. The

__________ __________ __________ _________ what he has

_________ and __________ for it.

58. _________ leads to __________ while __________ leads to

__________.

59. Did the author of Proverbs believe in life after death? Give reasons

for your answer. ____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



60. What kind of life to you want to live? When are you going to begin

living this chosen kind of life? If you have already begun, how are you

progressing? ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

the proverbs of solomon, continued proverbs...

Documents