Proverbs 12—The Life of The Righteous

The Love of the Righteous (v.1-4)

The Righteous man is defined as one who Loves Discipline, Knowledge, and as such Is immoveable (v.3).

This man’s righteousness extends to his closest relationship, his wife.

Henry—He that is blessed with a good wife is as happy as if he were upon the throne, for she is no less than a crown to him..

Pr. 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

The righteous is contrasted with one who hates discipline (reproof) and is established by wickedness (v.3).This man is stupid (v.1).

This man’s closest relationship is effected too. His wife is to him like an incurable disease that leaves him ashamed.

The Loath of the Righteous (vv.5-7)

The righteous are contrasted three times with the wicked.

God has declared the thoughts of the righteous as just, his words provide deliverance, and stability.

The righteous loath the lifestyle of the wicked because it is an afront to the ways of God.

Deceit is at the core of their speech and behavior leading to their demise.

The Longing of the Righteous (vv.8-15)

v.8—A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.

The point of these few verses shows that the righteous longs to work such that their humility displays the goodness of God.

v.9—Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.

v.10—Even his animals are cared for is a call back to the creation mandate to have dominion, and an acknowledgment to God’s provision.

v. The longing of the righteous is the glory of God in the ordinary matters of life. While the wicked lack sense and experience fruitlessness.

These verses are summarized in Pr. 28:19 “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”

The Language of the Righteous (vv.16-23).

The righteous know they are not always right, doesn’t always know best.

(vv.18-20)—However, when they do speak, their desire is healing, help, and honesty.

This is not a duty to the righteous, for they know that the Lord delights in them.

v.23—Speaks of this in the matter of discretion.

The righteous person doesn’t always need to speak, but remembers Pr. 17:28 “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

The Life of the Righteous (vv.24-28).

Pr. 12:26 “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

The world is plagued with anxiety (v.25), lazy (v.27), and sin that leads to death (v.28).

But, the life of the righteous is rooted in Christ, and like him seeks to speak words of life, longs for the glory of God through a humble life, and loath and loves that which God does.