What does Proverbs 12:5 mean?
ESV: The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
NIV: The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
NASB: The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
CSB: The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked is deceitful.
NLT: The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
KJV: The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
NKJV: The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
Verse Commentary:
Godly people naturally lean towards thoughts and attitudes which agree with a "just" God. They desire what is fair and honest for themselves and others. They do not scheme to take advantage of another person. Philippians 4:8 directs believers to think on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Their thoughts should focus on excellent, praiseworthy things. Thoughts mold character, and character guides one's conduct.
Genesis 6 portrays the evil ways of the civilization that preceded the Noahic flood. Verse 5 tells us: "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
Like the thoughts of the wicked in Noah's day, the thoughts of the wicked in Solomon's lifetime were deceitful. Today, too, wicked people openly harbor warped, dishonest thoughts. They offer counsel that leads others astray. They suggest that evil is good and good is evil (Isaiah 5:20).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 12:1–11 describes the righteous person and the wicked person. Solomon contrasts their character, their conduct, their relationship to the Lord, and the consequences of their behavior.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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