What does Proverbs 23:12 mean?

The entire book of Proverbs centers around the value of godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–8). A large section of the book was composed of good advice attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). After several chapters of these teachings, Solomon introduced thirty wise sayings which he endorsed, but did not necessarily write (Proverbs 22:17–21). While relaying these thirty teachings, he occasionally stops to highlight the importance of those words. This verse is one of those reminders (Proverbs 23:19, 26).

Discipline and close attention are necessary if a person wants to gain godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–7). The book of Proverbs uses certain terms to depict levels of instruction. "Learning" is acquiring information. "Knowledge" is learning retained for long-term use. "Wisdom" is the capacity to act correctly based on knowledge. "Understanding" is a developed level of wisdom which should be shared with others.

This means that true wisdom requires intentional choices; a person can "know" what is right, but the heart must apply that knowledge to real-life situations. James exhorts his readers to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). He explains that whoever reads into God's Word but fails to apply it is like someone who looks into a mirror and immediately forgets what his face looks like (James 1:23–24). He reasons that blessing comes to the person who acts upon what God's Word reveals (James 1:25). Jesus said, "Take care then how you hear" (Luke 8:18)—meaning we ought not merely perceive His Word, but also obey it.