Proverbs 12

Written on 05/09/2024

Verse 1, 15

  • If you value wisdom or knowledge you will love to be corrected.

    • You are foolish if you dislike correction (Proverbs 13:1, 15:10,12). You are wise if you love correction (Proverbs 15:5).

      • You can know that you're foolish and dislike correction if you always see your own thoughts as right, and if you try to justify or defend yourself when someone tries to tell you that you've done or said something wrong.

    • Seek advice and correction from wise people, and really listen to them. It may be painful at times to receive, but this is pain that you should appreciate because it's good for you.

      • Remember that correction is actually a kindness from God (Psalm 141:5) because it leads to better character (Hebrews 12:11).

 

Verse 4

  • Treat your spouse well, and they will become better in all areas.

    • But remember that you will hurt their health if you treat them poorly.

 

Verse 5

  • Remember that if you are living righteously, your thoughts will be pure too.

    • Focus on keeping your thoughts good, and you will live well (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

 

Verse 8

  • People will like you more if you're wise, and they will dislike you more if you're foolish.

    • Grow in wise conduct if you want to be more valued by people.

      • Take some responsibility for how people treat you, and ask yourself how you can make your conduct more worthy of respect from others. 

 

Verse 11 (Proverbs 28:19)

  • Learn to work well and work hard, and you will always have what you need.

    • But remember that if you waste time on meaningless pursuits, you're acting foolishly, and you'll know it by your lack.

      • If you're wasting time and not working hard, and you lack things in your life, it is your fault alone. Take responsibility!

 

 

Verses 13-14

  • Remember that your future will be a reflection of your choices. 

    • If you are godly with your words and actions, good things will be added to your life and hard times will not ruin you. If you are foolish, things will go badly.

 

Verse 18

  • Your words can really help or hurt someone, so be careful with your words!

 

Verse 20

  • You will have more joy in life if you help others to have peace! Help others if you want more joy!

 

Verse 23

  • Not all knowledge is meant to be shared, nor is it always helpful to others.

    • When you have thoughts and want to share something you know with someone, ask yourself if the information will actually help them. Don't say what won't be helpful for others. Be selective with the thoughts that you share.

 

Verse 24

  • If people have to make you move, this shows that you're being lazy. 

    • Be a leader of your own life, and then you will be diligent. Others will promote you too.

 

Verse 25

  • One wise word from the Bible can help an anxious person focus. If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety, find where in the Word you can focus your mind.

    • But people who are anxious in their thoughts, if they don't have the Word to focus on, will cause themselves depression also.

 

Verse 27

  • It is lazy not to finish what you start. If you're going to start something, do it well, and do it to completion.

    • This is diligence at work, and it will lead to success. Diligence is precious because it is a tool in your character that leads to successful actions and plans.