"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion in Proverbs 12
Daily Nugget:
Proverbs 12 continues a style that started in Proverbs 11. In each verse’s wisdom, an excellent moral trait or action is mentioned, as well as the positive result of that behavior. The same verse reveals the consequences and effects when godly wisdom or morality is not exercised.
This chapter would be ideal for putting in a two-column chart. The “good” results of wisdom and positive character behavior found in each verse would be in one column. The other column could contain the consequence when righteous wisdom is not followed in the same verse. It would be a great comparison of biblical morality versus godless behavior.
Examine some of the results of wise, godly thinking and a righteous lifestyle found in this chapter:
- Love of knowledge (Proverbs 12:1, 15).
- Favored by the Lord (Proverbs 12:2, 22).
- Steadfastness (Proverbs 12:3, 7).
- Will be a blessing to their spouse (Proverbs 12:4).
- Righteous thinking (Proverbs 12:5).
- Help to others (Proverbs 12:6).
- Recognition as being wise (Proverbs 12:8).
- Prosperous (Proverbs 12:9, 12).
- Kind to all, even to animals (Proverbs 12:10, 18).
- Hard-working and not lazy (Proverbs 12:11, 27).
- Discerning (Proverbs 12:13).
- Honesty (Proverbs 12:14,17, 19).
- Sensible (Proverbs 12:16, 23).
- Joy (Proverbs 12:20, 25).
- Protected (Proverbs 12:21).
- Responsible and can be trusted (Proverbs 12:24).
- Recognized as a good person (Proverbs 12:26).
To most, reading the above benefits would sell the positiveness of reading the Bible, obeying God’s commandments, and receiving godly wisdom. Sadly, however, much on the list would be seen negatively and not achievable because insight and knowledge are foreign to so many.
No matter what others think, God’s way is best. Follow His commandments, and your life will differ from most. However, it will have benefits and blessings that the unwise will never experience.
Today’s Thought:
“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:13
Words to Understand:
Brutish: not showing sensibility; behaves like an animal
Despised: disliked; hated
Prudent: sensible
Today’s Reading:
Proverbs 12
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.