Proverbs 12:19

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
– Proverbs 12:19

The lip of truth and the lying tongue are obviously put for a contrast between true and false words. True words endure, have lasting value. False words are momentary. They are usually spoken for some immediate purpose and not for lasting worth. Even if we think of cultural myths that perpetuate from one generation to the next, they will ultimately fall and truth will always stand (Proverbs 19:5, 9; Revelation 21:8).

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Proverbs 12:18

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
– Proverbs 12:18

Wisdom teaches words are powerful (Proverbs 18:21). The contrast of this proverb is between the power for bad and the power for good. The word for speaketh means babble and indicates rash, hasty speech like that prompted by anger. The piercings of a sword speak of a wound from stabbing. Rash and angry words are wounding, and sometimes deeply so (Proverbs 25:18). The contrasted words are wise words. Wise words are honest and just (Proverbs 24:26). Wise words are calm and measured (Proverbs 10:19; 15:1). Wise words are also appropriate for the season (Proverbs 15:23). The word for health means a curative, i.e. a medicine. Thus, wise words are also wholesome, nourishing, life-giving (Proverbs 10:21; 16:24).

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Proverbs 12:17

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
– Proverbs 12:17

The word for righteousness means justice and along with the term false witness, this proverb has a legal connotation. Speaking truth reliably manifests or upholds justice (Proverbs 14:5, 25). So the thought here includes consistency or reliability in those who speak truth. A false witness is more than one who lies. Their lies or deceit through omission perverts justice (Proverbs 19:28; 24:28).

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Proverbs 12:16

A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
– Proverbs 12:16

The word for presently means in a day, or we might say immediately. The second phrase shows the proverb is considering reactions to shame, or being crossed in some way. The fool has no self-control and reacts immediately with anger. He must make his displeasure known (Proverbs 29:11). The word for prudent means shrewd and it can be used negatively or positively. The word carries the idea of making plans. The man described in the second phrase is one who thinks things through and determines the best course of action. He doesn’t react in the heat of anger like the fool. He weighs carefully before he speaks or acts (Proverbs 14:8, 15). The word for covereth means to conceal or hide. A good way for us to look at it would be in terms of overlooking. A prudent man overlooks an insult without spouting off about it.

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Proverbs 12:15

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

The fool in Proverbs isn’t necessarily unintelligent but rather he refuses instruction and correction. In fact, he despises it (Proverbs 1:7; 15:5). Solomon uses another description that parallels this proverb when he speaks of not being “wise in thine own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7). The fool stubbornly clings to his own thoughts and ways. If he is willing to receive any counsel, it will only be that he already agrees with. The word for hearkeneth means to hear intelligently. This is exactly what Solomon admonished his son to do and thus be wise. The only path presented to acquiring wisdom is to receive correction and instruction (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9; 19:20).

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Proverbs 12:14

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.
– Proverbs 12:14

To be satisfied is to be filled to satisfaction. The metaphor of fruit is suggestive. It is what is produced and usually not immediately. Whether we think of a farm setting or wild fruit, it takes time to get the product. We should view our words as a kind of work and sowing. Then we must understand that word-work and sowing will produce a harvest, whether bad or good (Proverbs 13:2; 18:20-21). It is just as the work of our hands that brings a recompence, or a requital of our effort. Refusal to heed wisdom in this matter means the sluggard will have nothing in the winter (Proverbs 20:4).

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Proverbs 12:13

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

Proverbs speaks much to words, their use and their danger. Here words of transgression, or rebellion, ensnare the speaker. Solomon warned his son of speaking hastily and the snare that could result from it (Proverbs 6:1-2). The word for trouble means tightness, or straitness. We might say to get in a bind. The wicked speak rebellious words that get them in a bind (Proverbs 18:7), but the just speak wise words that deliver, or keep, them out a bind (Proverbs 13:2; 18:20).

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Proverbs 12:12

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
– Proverbs 12:12

The interpretations of this proverb are various. There is actually a double contrast in this proverb. The net of evil men is contrasted with the root of the righteous and the desire of the wicked is contrasted with the yield of the righteous. The net of evil men is the plans and means of evil men to capture, or make a quick gain. The root is something that must be planted in the ground, fed, and kept. It grows and over time yields a produce. One seeks a big gain all at once through some ill stratagem and the other sees ahead and patiently waits for the honest gain of borne fruit. The word for desireth means to delight in or take pleasure in. The wicked’s desire is to grasp and get by whatever means, and the quicker the better. The word for yieldeth means to give. The wisdom of the righteous teaches them to desire to bless others and not only seek their own gain.

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Proverbs 12:11

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

The first phrase commends honest, hard work and recognizes it will be rewarded. This is one who avoids the ridiculous excuses of the sluggard (Proverbs 22:13; 26:13) and empty talk (Proverbs 14:23). He works and enjoys the fruits (Ecclesiastes 2:24). The contrast in this proverb is different than the usual contrast of diligence and laziness. The contrast is of one who follows after vanity. The word for vain persons here is literally empty. It can refer to worthlessness, whether of people or general pursuits. The picture then is not of a sluggard hinged to his bed who is too lazy to raise a hand to his mouth (Proverbs 26:14-15). The picture rather is of one who puts time and energy running after worthless schemes or pleasures. He invests himself in unprofitable pursuits. This would include get rich quick schemes, excessive pleasure seeking, or generally being one who works harder at getting out of work than what the work would be if done directly. Such a one is void of understanding, or lacks wisdom.

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