Contrast of the Upright and Wicked Proverbs 12
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Some of this it seems like you are going to say, “I have heard this before.” And you will be correct. With that said, before you tune out or open the ESPN or HGTV app on your phone, hear me out. How many of you have to say things to your kids multiple times for them to “get it.” Through Solomon, that is what God is doing here. So be patient, hear and listen to what God has to say this morning. NOTE: THIS IS UNINTENTIONALLY SCHEDULED FOR HALLOWEEN.
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
Instead of using the word “stupid” – the King James uses the word “brutish”. Barnes says of this word: “Dumb as a brute beast. The difference between man and brute lies chiefly in the capacity of the former for progress and improvement, and that capacity depends upon his willingness to submit to discipline and education.” If you don't want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn.” This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much. Are you willing to be taught?
The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
All of our “goodness” is dependent upon God. In fact when someone called Jesus “good” – His response was:
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.
God is completely good – there is no evil in Him at all.
Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.
Real stability and success come only to those who do what is right. Their efforts will stand the test of time. Yet in this world it seems that wickedness does bring success. We may know people who cheated to pass the text or to get a larger tax refund. And what about the person who is vulgar and mistreats people – and yet they are very popular? Be aware – these successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God's standards, you are not really a success.
A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
Godly character is of utmost importance. It is important for the husband as well as the wife. If the wife is Godly – it makes the husband shine. But a Godless wife is rotten to the core and spreads that “rottenness” to her husband. It only takes one bad apple theory....
The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
You may not realize this but your thought life is vital. What you think is the true character of who you are. Outwardly we may say the “right” things – but what are we thinking? The thoughts of the righteous are just – but there is none righteous. That is why salvation includes our minds. Our thinking must change in order to have a changed life. That is why the Bible says:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.
It is easy to “stab” someone with words – the wicked lie in wait to do such a thing. But the upright will not follow that path. They will speak words of encouragement.
The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.
God is always on the side of those who walk in His ways – but be aware – those who walk the path of wickedness – God opposes.
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.
Character is important. How you behave when no-one else is around – speaks volumes. What is going on inside your mind? We all have sinful thoughts – but we should check ourselves – and not allow those thoughts to nest in our minds.
Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.
Matthew Henry has said of this verse: “He that lives in a humble state, who has no one to wait upon him, but gets bread by his own labor, is happier than he that glories in high birth or gay attire, and wants necessaries.” One translation of this verse reads: “Better is the poor man who provides for himself, than the proud who is destitute of bread.” This needs no interpretation.
The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.
We live in an age where animal rights activists are very active. No one should be cruel – even to animal life. Cruelty has no place in godly character.
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
Honest work is always a blessing, no matter what the labor is. To provide for yourself and your family is a great goal. Do not pursue folly when there is food to be had.
Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
When ungodly people see others prosper by sin – they wish they could act in the same way. But the root of righteous living produces good fruit.
The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.
Evil people twist the facts to support their claims. Those who do this will eventually be trapped by their own lies. But for those who always tell the truth, the facts – plain and unvarnished – give an unshakable defense. If you find that you always have to defend yourself to others, maybe you are not being honest. There is a modern proverb that says: “A liar needs a good memory – for he says things and often contradicts himself – because he does not remember what lies he has told.”
Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
That which we do – that which we speak – will return to us. We can not sow weeds and expect to reap a good harvest.
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
A fool should never listen to his own advice – how foolish that would be.
A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, stay calm and answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.
There is an inseparable union between truth and righteousness. God expects His people to be truthful. There is no right time to do that which is wrong. The end doesn't justify the means, and only he who breathes and utters truth makes the righteous cause clear.
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
The tongue is death or life, poison or medicine. James gives us this warning:
but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
It is always wise to think before we speak.
Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.
Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Truth is connected with God's changeless character – because of this it is also changeless. Jesus is truth. God’s Word is truth. The Bible has withstood the test of time – because God is truth. You can trust His Word to guide you.
Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
Again the heart of mankind is mentioned. Evil goes to the depths of man. It is only God who can give a true heart transplant. He can take a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh.
No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
This is not to say that problems do not befall the righteous – we all know that that is not true. But it is true that “All things work for good – to those who love God – to those who are called according to His promise.” Absolute “harm” will never befall a child of God. The believer can walk through this world knowing that God is on their side – no matter what happens to them and that in the end – God will triumph.
Proverbs 12:22 (NLT)
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
There is no place in God’s kingdom for lies. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Always strive to tell the truth.
The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.
Wise people have a quiet confidence. There is no need to argue with a fool. Unstable people feel the need to prove themselves, but wise people don't have to prove anything. They know they are capable, so they can get on with their work. Beware of showing off. If you are modest, people may not notice you at first, but they will respect you later.
Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
Diligence is a great virtue. There are times when we all want to give up – but the person who keeps at it will finish the race.
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
All of us can use encouragement. I believe all of us can become discouraged from time to time. It is always good to hear a “good word”. Discuss 5 Love Languages
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
The righteous will show the way – for they know the way.
Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
The diligent make wise use of their possessions and resources – the lazy waste them. Waste has become a way of life for many who live in a land of plenty. Waste is poor stewardship. Make good use of everything God has given you, and prize it.
The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.
There is but one path that leads to life. The righteous have found it. It is straight. It is narrow. It leads to life. There is no death to be concerned about. The question is: “Are you on that path?”
Altar call based on lots of wisdom and folly, but mainly vs 28
