Proverbs 12King James Version
He that loveth instruction loveth knowledge. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. Truthful lips shall be established forever, a lying tongue is but for a moment. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.
Diligence versus laziness, truth versus lies, and wise speech versus destructive words fill the chapter. 'A righteous man regardeth the life of his animal' (verse 10) is a notable aside. The wicked desire evil gain; the righteous produce fruit. A lying tongue lasts only a moment; truth endures. 'There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health' (verse 18).
Words and work are the two primary expressions of character. Deceptive speech and lazy hands both belong to the same moral failure.
12:18: 'There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.' Speech is not neutral; it either cuts or heals.
Agricultural and artisan society where the quality of a man's work and the accuracy of his speech were daily, observable realities. The 'crown' of the prudent wife (verse 4) reflects the honor culture of ancient Israel.
Solomon's wisdom collected; no named characters. The prudent wife (verse 4) as a positive type, notably rare in Proverbs outside chapter 31.
Proverbs 12 gives unusual positive attention to the prudent wife (verse 4), animal care (verse 10), and the simple joy of honest work (verse 11). These are not incidental; wisdom in Proverbs touches every domain including domestic life, labor relationships, and even how people treat their livestock.
For when someone's words have left a mark and you are trying to figure out whether speech that wounds ever serves a purpose. The chapter gives an answer.
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.