Proverbs 12

Verse 15: Fools are confident they are right and therefore don’t seek advice; the wise, on the other hand, always listen to the advice of others.

Verse 16: A prudent man overlooks an insult; that is, he demonstrates gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:23).

Verse 19: Truth endures. Lies are soon exposed; they last only a moment. The “moment” may last many years, but by God’s reckoning it is still only a moment (see 2Peter 3:8).

Verse 21: No harm befalls the righteous. Many proverbs give the impression that the righteous never have trouble, but that is a misunderstanding. What Scripture teaches is that righteous people may have trouble in this life but it will do them no ultimate harm; their standing with God can never be destroyed (see Romans 8:35,37–39).

Verse 23: The prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself. He doesn’t display his knowledge to show people how smart he is; rather, he shares his knowledge discreetly.

Verse 26: A righteous (wise) man chooses his friends cautiously. But the way of the wicked is to choose bad friends; thus the wicked are led astray even more.

Verse 27: The lazy man does not roast his game; he hunts it, but he is too lazy to cook it. He starts a project, but he is too lazy to finish it (see Proverbs 19:24).

Verse 28: Here it is stated that righteousness leads to life and immortality. We need to understand this statement in the light of the New Testament.⁴⁷ This “righteousness” is not something we attain by our own effort; rather, it is a righteousness from God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21–22). It is this righteousness, a gift of God’s grace, that leads to “immortality,” to eternal life. For further discussion on this important subject, see Word List: Eternal Life, Faith, Righteousness, Salvation.