Chapter 12

Knowledge and Reproof

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish (Pro.12:1).

Instructions are moral as provided in the Scriptures. God has written His law on the hearts of His people. Even an atheist or an unbeliever who does not know the Scriptures cannot claim ignorance of God's law. "When Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law" (Rom.2:14). One who loves such instructions obey the same willingly. There are many believers who do not love such instructions but obey the same under compulsion as if they are under the Law. If an unbeliever loves such instructions in the Bible and obeys the same, he or she gets saved. He or she who loves divine instructions does love knowledge of God. A child who loves instructions of his parents does love knowledge of his parents. In other words, the child gets knowledge of his parents because of the instructions given by the parents and then delights in such knowledge.

He or she who hates reproof is brutish or stupid. Nowadays, nobody wants reproof for correction. We covet praises but not reproof. Reproof may come from any source but we should accept it gracefully. If we hate reproof, we become brutish in the sight of God.

A good and righteous man versus a wicked man

A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn (Pro.12:2).

Who is a good man? "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things: (Matt.12:35). A good man who obtains favour of the Lord is one who is saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:11). He or she has to .

bring forth good things out of his or her storehouse. An evil man who is not in Christ Jesus does bring forth evil things.

Are you a good man or a good woman who brings out the good treasure of the heart good things for edification of others or for holy living? Then you will obtain favor of the Lord. God gives us the good treasure of the heart when we get saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. If good things do not proceed from your heart, then you have to examine your life to see whether Christ lives in your heart or not. "Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, don't you, that Jesus the Messiah lives in you? Could it be that you are failing the test?" (2 Cor.13:5 - International Standard Version) Many people live in great deception by emotionally believing that they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord by a mere prayer. But their lives remain the same without transformation. They do not the good treasure of the heart and their hearts continue to be evil as before.

The Lord condemns a man of wicked devices. If as a believer you devise wicked devices to entangle innocent people in your unethical business, you are a man of wicked devices. If as a pastor or a minister of God, you commit iniquity by devising wicked ways just to cheat the sheep of the Lord under your care, you are a man of wicked devices. God does not remember the past good things of your ministry but will condemn you as a wicked man. ""But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity (injustice) and does according to all the abominations that a wicked man does, will he live? All his righteous deeds which he has done will not be remembered for his treachery which he has committed and his sin which he has committed; for them he will die" (Eze.18:24-NASB). Many chosen people of God may lose their eternity by virtue of their indulging in wicked devices.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved (Pro.12:3).

A person in the Kingdom of God should be established by righteousness. No iota of wickedness should be seen in his or her life. His or her life and ministry should be righteous. If he or she is rooted in righteousness, the root shall not be moved when a tempest hits his or her life boat. Today, God is angry at the unrighteous acts of His people and His wrath is about to devour them but the intercession of the Holy Spirit is withholding the Hand of God from executing His wrath on them. "....the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Rom 8:26).

A virtuous woman

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones (Pro.12:4).

A virtuous woman is one who has moral excellence. Moral excellence includes righteous conduct. She must be submissive to her husband; that is diligent in the affairs of her house. She is a crown to her husband. Even if the husband is not a believer, the virtuous woman should win him by her moral and godly life. She covers the head of her husband as a crown. This crown is not of the world but of God.

But a woman who brings shame to her husband is as rottenness in his bones. If a woman claiming to be a believer abuses or neglects her husband, she causes destruction of her husband's life, both physical and spiritual. She is entirely responsible for her husband's failures.

Thoughts, counsels and words

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit (Pro.12:5).

The thoughts of the righteous cannot be wrong because such thoughts are inspired by the Holy Spirit. A righteous child of God always think of God and His Kingdom. He or she sees Christ everywhere. He or she sees everything in and through Christ.

But the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Even if a servant of God indulges in deceit during the course of his or her ministry with exaggeration or camouflage, he or she becomes wicked in the sight of God and all his or her counsels are not accepted in His sight.

The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them (Pro.12:6).

In the book of Proverbs, the wicked are those who are morally wicked in this world and those children of God who turn away righteousness and become wicked. The words of the wicked are to entail the innocent or the gullible in traps for selfish gains by squeezing their blood. They speak words of deceit only to catch their victims.

The upright are those who are morally upright and who stand for the truth. When they speak from their heart, their words deliver the people to whom they minister. Today we are not able to deliver people from evil spirits

The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand (Pro.11:7).

The wicked are overthrown though temporarily they are found to be on a winning spree. Ultimately they are overthrown. No wicked person can enter the heaven.

But the house of the righteous founded on the Rock of ages shall stand for ever. You can take refuge under the shadow of a righteous person for your safety.

Wisdom versus perverse heart

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. (Pro.12:8)

It is the wisdom and not the knowledge possessed by a person that evaluates his or her worth. We hold aptitude tests not to measure the wisdom of a person but his or her knowledge. Wisdom is not mere mental ability or the level of IQ. Wisdom revolves on love, humility and righteousness. If we select people of wisdom, then we can have able administrators in companies, government offices and institutions and they can excel in rectitude and morality leading to greater productivity.

If we have someone of a perverse heart at the helm of affairs, he or will be despised ultimately though he or she may be intelligent and cunning. We experience lethargic and unproductive administration because of the people of a perverse heart.

Despised man with a servant

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread (Pro.12:9).

A person may be despised for his mean or obscure condition or his low estate by people with a prideful heart and takes the help of a servant to assist him but he is better than a person who boasts of his own estate or of his fortune and who lacks bread.

You may be a big zero either in the area of your competence or intelligence so as to take the assistance of a servant or someone else, in the eyes of others who look at you through the prism of power, money or intelligence. But you are better than those who pride themselves in their abundance of material possessions or enviable talents.

Taking care of pet animals

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (Pro.12: 10).

In this world, we are supposed to regard the life of our pet animals or animals that we rear at home. We should not ill-treat them. We should not be cruel to stray animals. A righteous man regards the life of his beast. Righteousness has to extend beyond our service to humanity so as to touch even animals.

But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. This means that God does not regard the tender mercies of the wicked even if the wicked want to show mercy to animals. God judges all of us by two yardsticks i.e. righteousness and wickedness.

Tilling land

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding (Pro.12:11).

One has to work hard in life, be it ministry or secular job/business. If God has given you a ministry, you have to work with your own hands. Today, many evangelists and pastors do not work with their own hands but take the help of "subordinate" staff employed by them to read their mails and to make itinerary arrangements. Celebrity preachers cannot interact with the thousands of people who support them. They only preach or write messages. One who tills his land will be satisfied with bread because he eats the bread with satisfaction; he or she does not live on the charity of others.

If a minister does not work with his or her own hands in God's vineyard but employs others, he or she cannot be satisfied with bread. God does not bless their bread. They eat the bread but not to their satisfaction. They eat the bread but their health fails.

Instead of working hard, if a person follows vain persons who are excessively proud of or concerned about their own achievements, he or she is void of understanding or foolish. Today many of us do not work hard in our respective places of work or ministry but learn to imitate proud persons who merely boast of their achievements in an exaggerating manner. If we do so, we become foolish in God's eyes. Today, many of us are tempted to imitate those popular evangelists or pastors who make a boast of what they do for God. If we follow their methods, we will be void of understanding or found being foolish in the sight of God.

Net of evil men

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit (Pro.12:12).

The wicked uses the net of evil men to trap and oppress the innocent people. The net is deceit, fraud or manipulation. Evil men are known for all these bad deeds. If a righteous person indulges in such bad deeds, then he or she becomes wicked in God's sight.

But the root of the righteous yields fruit. A righteous person definitely yields fruit desired by others. The life of the righteous produces fruit to be enjoyed by others. Today, we are deceived by the messages of the wicked but are blessed by the very life of the righteous. Life of a messenger is more important than his or her message. We cannot expect fruits when we use deceitful means in our ministry to God. We should not have any net to trap gullible people who come to our meetings. Such a net to entangle them in our ministries even by way of donations is evil in the sight of God. God calls such a net the net of evil men. We become evil just because of the net.

Transgression and fruit of lips

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble (Pro.12:13).

The wicked is snared or caught unawares by what he or she speaks through lips. The lips of the wicked transgress the law of God even if he or she propagates the same. God judges us through what we speak. Our own words judge us because we preach to others which we do not practise. We become wicked through our own lips. The very lips of the wicked are an abomination to God. The devil can quote the scriptures but his lips transgress the law of God because he is not obeying God.

The just or the righteous shall come out of trouble definitely. It appears that the trouble is always with the righteous. After struggle, the righteous person comes out of the furnace unaffected like Daniel.

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 (Pro.12:14).

The word of mouth of a speaker indeed blesses him or her if the message proceeds from his or her very life. The speaker is satisfied with goodness if his or her mouth reveals the fruit of life. The fruit of life comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. The word of mouth determines our life. I comforted a friend of mine who was not a Christian with my word when he lost his precious wife in a tragic death due to cancer. Though I prayed for her healing, God did not answer my prayer. I was left with no option but to comfort him with my word which proceeded from the depth of my heart as I loved him and his wife.

The recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. Whatever your hands do, you will be rewarded by God. Do not write evil of any man. Do not make false allegations against the righteous. When you intercede for others, you will be rewarded by God. When you help a stranger, you will be rewarded by God. Whatever you sow, you will reap (Gal.6:7).

Way and wrath of a fool

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise (Pro.12:15).

In this world, we are surrounded by foolish people who think that their ways are right in their own eyes. Let us not be deceived by their ways which appear to be right. Let the whole town in which you live go the wrong way but you have to walk a different way.

He or she who listens to counsel is wise. Counsel here means good suggestion. At times, counsel emanates from a non-Christian also. God speaks to His people by any means. At times, we go ahead with our own decisions without listening to others. Let us humble ourselves before others who love us. If we listen to their counsel, we become wise.

A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame (Pro.12:16).

A fool's wrath is known by his rash words or indecent acts but a prudent man covers his or her shame as a result of mistake. The prudent may commit a blunder but covers the shame by repentance and correction. David covered his shameful act of adultery and murder by repentance and corrective action.

In our wrath, let us not utter foolish words or curse our enemies. Be careful in your words. But even if you have uttered foolish words in a fit of rage, you should apologize and correct yourself so that you may cover your shame.

Speaking truth and speaking recklessly

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit (Pro.12:17).

He or she who speaks truth shows forth righteousness. Righteousness is discerned or known by the truth one speaks. We should be faithful or truthful witnesses. Even if you commit a blunder, you should admit it openly without covering it or giving a twist to the truth.

But a false witness shows deceit. A witness who has not witnessed a thing but comes forward to bear testimony to it. A word of mouth emanating from a false witness may result in acquittal or conviction of a person. But in the sight of God, it is a deceit for which God will judge the witness concerned. Deceit gets judged by God and the deceiver

will be punished by God in this world.

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health (Pro.12:18).

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (NIV).

Let us now know about speaking recklessly. We should speak with a humble heart and with politeness. Those who are in authority should not talk to their subordinate people in a rude manner. Speaking rudely pierces the hearts like swords. Be careful in your words. Do not shout at others even if you are provoked. Be cool under all circumstances. But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Let us give a healing touch to those who are wounded by words. In your mouth lies the power to heal those who are sick.

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment (Pro.12:19).

We should have the lip of truth. On becoming the children of God, we have put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph.4:24). The lip of truth is part of the new man in us. Prophet Isaiah cried "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" (Is. 6:5). The seraphim laid the charcoal of fire from the altar of God upon his his mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged (Is.6:5). The unclean lips should be transformed into the lip of truth. This happens on conversion when a sinner confesses his or her sins before God and seek His forgiveness. The lip of truth should not depart from us as it has been established for ever for us. It is a gift of God. Be careful. Do not let it become a lying tongue under any circumstances. Daily you have to examine your life whether you have spoken a lie through the lip of truth. A lying tongue is only temporary. It will get exposed in the long run. A false witness may utter a lie and the accused may go scot free. But God will judge the false witness. His or her false testimony will be temporary.

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight (Pro.12:22).

Let us beseech the Lord to save us from lying lips. Our invisible enemy within us is the lying lips. We deceive others through our lips. We exaggerate our testimonies to impress others.

Let us deal with others truly. Let us not put put on a prophet's garment of hair in order to deceive (Zech. 13:4). Let us not deceive others but deal with them truly.

Deceit in the heart

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy (Pro.12:20).

Deceit takes root in our heart if we imagine evil. Let us always imagine good things. The devil takes hold our heart to plant deceit when we imagine unclean or evil things in our heart. "...... whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil.4:8). Our thought life is very important. Read Bible to memorize God's promises. Watch those things on television which are good, not evil.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer.17:9)

If you imagine evil in your heart against someone who appears to be at fault in your eyes, you allow the evil to enter your heart to deceive you.

When deceit enters our hearts unawares, we give place to the devil and we then deceive others.

Many children of God are deceived on watching or hearing messages from preachers who represent the Antichrist.

When evil thoughts take us to destruction, the counsellers who preach peace give us joy. We need counsellers of peace to bring about reconciliation when there is misunderstanding among us.

Just and wicked

There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief (Pro.12:21).

No evil shall happen to the just. When the just turn into the wicked by turning away from righteousness, evil things befall them. The wicked shall be filled with mischief. If some evil thing happens to you, you should examine your life closely whether you have deviated from the path of righteousness at any stage. You might have made some unfounded allegation against someone out of hatred. You might have rejoiced in the fall of someone who you did not like.

Let us not become wicked even for a short time or under certain circumstances. Whatever we sow, we have to reap it unless we realise our mistake and repent of the same.

The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. (Pro.12:26)

A righteous stands aloof and is distinct from others around him. He or she has excellent spirit. But the way of a wicked person seduces his or her neighbors or those around him or her. One who seduces others by deceitful or evil means is wicked. Even if a righteous person indulges in deceit or evil means, he becomes wicked. His or her past righteousness will never erase his or present record of wickedness.

In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Pro.12:28).

There is life abundant in the way of righteousness. If you are righteous, you have life eternal and there is no spiritual death, though physical death is inevitable. A Christian does not have his or her own righteousness but the righteousness of Christ imputed to him/her.

Prudent man and hand of the diligent

A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness (Pro.12:23).

A prudent man is always humble and does not boast of his or her knowledge but conceals it. However, he or she disclosed it at the right time and to the right people. He or she does not go proclaiming it with a trumpet. But the heart of fools proclaim foolishness. Even if the fools proclaim their knowledge, in the sight of God, it is not knowledge but foolishness.

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. (Pro.12:24)

The diligent will rule or govern. The dictionary meaning of the diligent is one who is having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. If one who is not diligent in his place of work will not be able to rule or govern. This is applicable to both secular job and God's work. The slothful shall be under servitude or forced labor. A lazy man will not assert himself in the work place but will be forced to work as a servant under the watchful eyes of a boss.

The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious (Pro.12:27).

A lazy man hunts but does not roast it. He does not bring a work to its logical end but leaves it in between. But a diligent man who works hard brings out a precious substance of his work at the end.

Heaviness in the heart

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad (Pro.12:25).

A man's heart should be without any heaviness or burden. If the heart is burdensome, it will stoop. Counseling is very essential for people whose heart is heavy. We cannot expect productivity of the desired level from a person with a heavy heart. We can make his or her heart glad through a word of encouragement or a good word of exhortation.

Next...Chapter 13