This chapter of Proverbs
is filled with one-sentence snippets of wisdom. There is much said about how,
why, when, and what we speak. A good reminder for all of us. However, I want to
look at verse 5. This verse seems obvious, so why write it down?
Of course, good people
are good, and wicked are deceitful. Or to say it like the Contemporary English
Version says, "Good people have kind thoughts, but you should never
trust the advice of someone evil. " This seems like a truth which wouldn't
have to be repeated, but often people follow the advice of people they really
shouldn't. They ask the guy who has cheated on his wife (or maybe I should say
ex-wives) about how to handle women. We listen to news people for information
even though they have been shown to have misled or downright lied. We loan
money to our adult child who has stolen from us multiple times.
The advice isn't as
obvious as it should be. We can give all kinds of reasons for why we trust
people we shouldn't, but the truth is we are to blame. We aren't listening to
the voice of wisdom who says, of course, they are going to be what they are.
Pro 12:1-28
(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.
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