Translation: King James Version
Key Word: “thoughts” | Hebrew: “machashabah” | Meaning: “thoughts, plans”
Solomon addresses the value of correction, honest speech, and diligent labor. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Proverbs 12.
Solomon declares whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is brutish, a good man obtaining favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices He will condemn, a man not being established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous not being moved, a virtuous woman being a crown to her husband, but she who makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Solomon describes how the “thoughts,” “machashabah” in Hebrew, of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceit, the words of the wicked being to lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them, the wicked being overthrown, and not being, but the house of the righteous shall stand, righteous lips being the delight of kings, and they loving him who speaks right, a wrathful man stirring up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases strife.
Solomon closes this chapter observing that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who hearkens to counsel is wise, a fool’s wrath being presently known, but a prudent man covering shame, he who speaks truth showing forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit, there being that speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise being health, the lip of truth being established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment, the slothful man not roasting what he took in hunting, but the substance of a diligent man being precious, closing with the observation that in the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Solomon’s observation that whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, while hating reproof reveals brutishness, connects genuine wisdom directly to a teachable spirit that welcomes correction rather than resenting it. His memorable comparison, the tongue of the wise bringing health while reckless words wound like sword thrusts, illustrates speech’s genuine power to either build up or genuinely damage others.
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