What does Proverbs 12:2 mean?
According to this verse, a good man, one who obeys God's instructions (John 14:15; Proverbs 1:7), receives the Lord's blessing. A good man performs his work "heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Because of his service to the Lord, he will receive the spiritual inheritance as his reward (Colossians 3:24).Solomon writes in Proverbs 8:35, "For whoever finds [wisdom] finds life and obtains favor from the LORD." Psalm 84:11 echoes the truth that the Lord blesses the righteous. It proclaims: "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." Jesus taught this truth. In Luke 6:35 he said, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great."
Solomon also points out here that the Lord condemns the person who practices evil. "Devices" is another word for schemes or plotting. Colossians 3:25 assures us that "the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done." Even if the person thinks they are escaping consequences in this life (Proverbs 10:2–4), eternity will prove them wrong (Proverbs 10:7).
