PROVERBS 12

WISE PEOPLE USE WORDS WITH CAUTION

Solomon contrasts the difference between the permanent nature of wisdom and the fleeting nature of wickedness. Wisdom is planted like deep roots that cannot be moved, establishing those who are wise. The wicked will be overthrown and not established, but the house of the righteous will stay standing. 

Those who are righteous will be rewarded with good, and their hard work will come back to them. The wise will be commended according to their good discernment. Those who are righteous show mercy and kindness, even to the animals in their field. 

The wise are careful in what they say and what they listen to, both seeking advice and ignoring insults. Harsh words can be as harmful as a sword, but wise words bring healing. Lying lips are an abomination to God, but He delights in us when we act faithfully. This chapter shows how powerful our words are, even saying that they can gladden the heart of the anxious.