Proverbs 12

PROVERBS 12


"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.
A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved."
(vs 1-3)

We read the other day about the results of righteousness in Proverbs 10, and Psalm 15, and 2nd Peter. That those who walk in righteousness and obedience to God shall walk securely, and will never stumble or be shaken.

Here we read that "the root of the righteous will not be moved.", or as the NIV translates - "the righteous cannot be uprooted."

In the Gospels, we have the parables of Jesus speaking about what it is that will enable us to stand when the trials and tribulations of this life beset us.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell - and great was its fall."- Matt 7:24-27


"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones."
(vs 4)

In the very beginning of life on this earth, even when Adam walked with his Maker in the Garden, "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." - Gen 2:18

1 Corinthians 11:7 says that "the woman is the glory of man."

The Scripture has more than a few things to teach about what God’s intention has been for marriage since He brought forth Eve from the rib of Adam, with Proverbs 31 providing the ultimate passages about she who is "an excellent wife". We should be looking at that at the end of this month... or the next.


"He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense."
(vs 11)

Reading this verse, the first Scripture that came to mind was something the Lord Jesus said to a man who desired to follow Him."No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

When we tend to the what the Lord has given us, He will be our daily Bread. Those who chase after frivolous things lack sense, or literally in the Hebrew "lack heart". Many turned away from following Jesus, when He exhorted them to work for that bread which endures to Eternal Life, rather than work for that which is passing away. (John 6:27). One of Paul’s fellow workers, who had traveled with him, and at one time helped spread the Gospel, also turned aside. Paul writes that this man deserted him because he "loved this present world" (2 Tim 4:10).

Yes, there are many enticing things that vie for our attention in this this present world. Most of which are not evil, or sinful, unless we place them above God. But exhortation of the Word is pursue that which brings Eternal Life.For, as John wrote - "The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."- 1 John 2:17


Righteousness. Obedience to God. These commands run throughout the Old Testament, and as we can clearly see - the New Testament as well. God’s charge to man has never changed. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we can indeed obey all that He commands us, we can indeed walk in the way of righteousness. Praise His Holy Name.

God bless you & keep you,

Michael


In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.
(vs 28)