Proverbs 12:1-13:25

Diligence in Word and Deed

In this 12th chapter of Proverbs, we continue looking at the contrast between the righteous person and the one who lacks wisdom and insight. Our words can cause problems or can be a blessing when our tongue is under control. As we study, we are reminded why we need to seek out wise counsel; we yearn to be the kind of person who accepts rebuke while disciplining ourselves to watch our mouths. Personal examples from Pastor Lloyd are woven into this practical teaching series.

  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.
  1. A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
  2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
  3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
  4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
  5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
  6. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
  7. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
  8. The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
  9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
  10. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
  11. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
  12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
  13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
  14. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
  15. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
  16. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
  17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
  18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
  19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
  20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
  21. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
  22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
  23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
  24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
  25. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.