Proverbs 12

Before we dig into this chapter, let's differentiate between wisdom and prudence. Wisdom is the broader quality of understanding and fearing God while prudence is the practical expression of wisdom - how it's applied in speech, decision-making, and self-control. 

Now let's look at the lessons we can apply.

First, value correction and pursue wisdom. Wisdom doesn't come while we're sitting on the sidelines waiting. We must take action and do the work to gain it.

~ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 

~ A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 

~ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Second, live with integrity. Be honest in actions and words - truthfulness aligns us with God's heart, and that's something we should each desire. 

~ A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

~ The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

~ A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

~ He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 

~ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. 

~ Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

~ In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. 

Third, choose words carefully. They can heal or hurt. They can kill or make alive. 

~ The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.  A wicked person speaks with malicious intent, while the upright man's words bring rescue and justice. 

~ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

~ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 

~ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

~ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

There's a lot in these verses. We see a good definition of a fool:

1. emotionally impulsive - this person immediately reacts in anger or offense which shows a lack of self-control. Anger can be a hard area to control, so this takes work and discipline. If a person gets angry quickly, this is one sign of a fool. His anger is presently known and it brings shame. But a wise, discerning person will think before speaking, will not shame others, and will not make a bad situation worse. 

2. verbally destructive - the fool speaks recklessly, wounding other with words. His speech pierces like a sword. Ouch. To be on the receiving end of this hurts deeply. And words can't be taken back with just a "sorry." Once said they can't be unsaid so this teaches us to be careful with what we say. Words spoken in anger or in quick defense of oneself often bring hurt/shame because they're reactive. The receiver may try to forget whatever was said but the words may pop up again in his head in the future. 

3. loud and undiscerning

Unlike a prudent man who's wise and self- controlled with words, who uses restraint, who knows when to speak and how much to say, who keeps wisdom until it's needed, a foolish man's heart proclaims foolishness, meaning that the fool's inner thoughts overflow in his speech. He eagerly talks too much and too quickly. And his speech advertises his ignorance. He speaks his inner chaos out loud, and that's not wise. 

You and I do not know everything a person is going through. Someone may be feeling depressed or very disheartened or carrying a heavy burden on his heart, and instead of squishing him into the ground with harsh words, speak life. A good word makes a heart glad, and we can't underestimate the power of positive, uplifting words. 

I've never liked the saying, 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.' It's foolish to believe that. Instead, 'sticks and stones may break my bones, and words can and will hurt me.' 

"The tongue has no bones, but it's strong enough to break a heart."

 

"Words are free. It's how you use them that may cost you."