Proverbs
Chapter 12
He who loves discipline loves knowledge; he who rejects correction is foolish.
The good man gains the favor of the Lord, who condemns those with evil schemes.
No one is made safe by evil, but nothing weakens the foundation of the upright.
A good wife is her husband’s crown, but a shameless woman is like cancer in his bones.
The honest tend to be genuine, while the scheming of the wicked is deceitful.
The words of the wicked are deadly traps, but the virtuous expose and avoid them.
The wicked are cast down and will not rise again, but the house of the virtuous will stand forever.
Everyone is praised based on their prudence, while the corrupt of heart will be met with contempt.
It’s better to be an ordinary man with a servant than to see oneself as important and end up lacking bread.
The upright man cares for his animals, but the wicked are cruel.
He who works the land will enjoy bread, while the fool chases after illusions.
The desires of the wicked bring about evil, but the roots of the virtuous yield fruit.
The wicked man is caught up in his own lies, but the virtuous man will be spared from trouble.
Those who seek wisdom through meditation will achieve all that is good; each person is rewarded based on the work of his hands.
The fool thinks his way is right, while the wise man listens to advice.
The fool displays his annoyance right away, but the discreet man ignores an insult.
A reliable witness reveals the truth, while a liar fosters confusion.
The one who speaks thoughtlessly wounds like a sword; but the words of the wise bring healing.
Honest words last forever, but lies only last a moment.
Deceit resides in the heart of the schemer, while happiness belongs to those who seek peace.
The virtuous will not face misfortune, but the wicked will suffer their share of problems.
The Lord despises the lips of liars and cherishes those who tell the truth.
The discreet man hides his wisdom while fools publicize their nonsense.
The diligent hand will dominate, and the lazy will be subordinate.
Intense grief dulls the heart, while a kind word lifts it.
The just man guides his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
The lazy hand will have no game to cook: being industrious is the key to wealth.
Life is discovered on the path of virtue: the way of the wicked leads to death.
Commentaries
Second Collection – Proverbs of Solomon.
The core and oldest part of the book begins with the title “Proverbs of Solomon.” In reality, scholars place this section shortly after the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC). Babylon had already entered Jewish territory, and violence increased daily. During this crisis, a group of wise men compiled a series of sayings and proverbs, some moral and others legislative, aiming to encourage the community and teach that the righteous—those who believe in the Lord and truly love him—will not suffer violence or death. Throughout this section, wisdom calls for conversion and justice, as well as the experience of poverty.
Second Collection.
Wisdom is seen here as a process that involves correction. Therefore, a disciple of the wise man shows his love and interest in wisdom by willingly accepting his teacher’s corrections. The focus is on constantly refining attitudes and behaviors in everyday life: “it is better to be modest and have a servant than to boast of being rich and have no bread” (9).
Second Collection.
One of the things the wise man observes is the harmony that can exist when everyone diligently goes about their business; if so, all human efforts and activities are likely to succeed. The opposite is chaos and unproductivity that occurs when people neglect their duties; this is what the teacher of wisdom calls “foolishness” or “senselessness.”
Second Collection.
Acting sensibly stems from a cultivated conscience. The wise person does not act rashly; therefore, wisdom can be directed along the path of righteousness, and only those who know how to walk this path can be sure they are walking in the truth.
Second Collection.
Wisdom, understanding how to live well, and being aware of acting rightly are aligned with God’s will here. “The Lord hates lying lips” (22); we do not follow God’s will when our actions or words harm others or when our relationships are less than constructive. The actions of the wise lead to life; they show signs of life. Those of the foolish are signs of death and lead to it.