Proverbs 12:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

NIV: Good people obtain favor from the Lord, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.

NASB: A good person will obtain favor from the Lord, But He will condemn a person who devises evil.

CSB: One who is good obtains favor from the Lord, but he condemns a person who schemes.

NLT: The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

KJV: A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

NKJV: A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

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).

Proverbs 12 contains a series of contrasts between lifestyles, comparing those who honor God to those who reject His wisdom. The results of those decisions are also compared. This repeats several common themes from the book of Proverbs, such as the self-destructive nature of sin and God's distaste for those who lie.

Proverbs 12 continues Solomon's wise sayings. A large portion of the book of Proverbs includes these short, common sense pieces of advice. After a series of introductions and lessons in chapters 1—9, chapter 10 began a long list of individual statements. In this chapter he continues to contrast the righteous and the wicked, showing that the life of the righteous is far better than the life of the wicked. This pattern will continue, covering the same basic theme, through chapter 15.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.