The Bible — World English Bible
Proverbs 12
In brief
Proverbs 12 sets the righteous against the wicked and the wise against the fool, through short sayings you can ponder one by one. The chapter opens with the humility of accepting correction, then keeps returning to three very practical areas: speech (lies, truth, words that wound or heal), work (diligence against laziness) and counsel (listening rather than always assuming you are right). It ends with a promise: life is found on the path of righteousness.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
3A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
5The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
9Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
10A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
16A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
18There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
19Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
20Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
21No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight.
23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
24The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
26A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
28In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
Key verses
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
The chapter begins with a test of humility: to love learning is to accept being corrected. Whoever rejects every remark closes himself off from wisdom.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
The wise person does not trust his own judgment alone: he listens to advice. Believing you are always on the right path is exactly the mark of a fool.
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
The point is not never to feel anger, but not to let it explode on the spot. Prudence means absorbing an insult without making a show of yourself.
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
Words can wound like a sword or bring healing. The verse invites you to weigh the effect of what you say before you speak.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
Worry weighs on the heart like a burden, and a good word can lift it. The verse reminds us of the power of encouragement.
Bible verses to meditate on
Test your knowledge
Pray about this
What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Proverbs 12
What is the message of Proverbs 12?
Proverbs 12 shows two ways of living: that of the righteous, who accepts correction, tells the truth and works with care, and that of the wicked or the fool, who thinks he is always right, deceives and busies himself for nothing. The chapter focuses on three practical areas: words, work and listening to counsel.
What does Proverbs 12:25 mean?
The verse says that anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. It describes both a fact, anxiety truly wears us out, and a call: encouraging someone is a concrete act that can lift them up. It can also be read as an invitation to receive God's word when you are worried.
What does Proverbs 12:15 say about the fool?
Verse 15 says the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, while the one who listens to advice is wise. The fool is not the one who makes mistakes, everyone does, but the one who never lets himself be questioned. Wisdom begins with a willingness to hear a view different from your own.
Articles quoting Proverbs 12
World English Bible translation — public domain.