Proverbs Chapter 12 - still at it

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 12:1

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

The wise don't mind being corrected.  The fool does.  The wise don't mind because they can learn from their mistakes.

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12:2
A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

The righteous find favor with God because God is good, and rewards those who do good, while the evil man is condemned due to his own actions.

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12:3
No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

Righteousness is one of the building blocks of a strong foundation to build your life on.   It keeps you blameless and that brings peace allowing you to live the good life in the sight of God and man.  The evil don't have that strong footing for their lives.  Being evil comes with consequences.

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12:4
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

A good wife is a blessing who brings love and comfort to a good man.  A bad wife is a curse who brings shame, and stress.

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12:5
The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

The thoughts of the righteous are just, meaning fair, caring, with mercy and for the best.  The thoughts of the wicked are how to deceive to get the better of others and get ahead by dishonest means.

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12:6
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

The righteous words are truth, loving and kindness.  The evil words are lies, death and hatred.

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12:7
The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

The wicked will eventually get what's coming to them.  The righteous have that good foundation to build their lives on.

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12:8
A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.

When a mand does good, it will be seen he will be commended by others.  But he who thinks about evil deeds is hated.

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12:9
Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.

Be who you are.  Be true to yourself.  It is better to do that, no matter who you are or what is your circumstance, than to be the fool who goes hungry because you're too proud to

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12:10
Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

Taking care of your animals or hunting with mercy.  Not just to watch it suffer. 

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12:11
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

This is about taking care of your responsibilities.  You have to do what you have to do before

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12:12
Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

People who do evil to get ahead will covet or be jealous of or desire the gains of other evil doers.  The righteous, the wise, the god fearing man bear fruit of their own accord.  It pays to do the right thing. 

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12:13
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

The mouth of the evil man gets himself into trouble.  Promises he can't keep.  His mouth writing the checks his butt can't cash.  It is better to say nothing.  You avoid the penalties. 

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12:14
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

We should be satisfied with what is good instead of wanting more,  you work for it you will get it.

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12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Yes, the fool knows better than everybody else.  Even those who know more about a subject than him.  The wise man is always willing to learn m ore.  If someone knows more than a subject than he does, he delights in learning about it. 

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12:16
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Yep, the fool is always pissed off at something stupid.   He is always frustrated with the way things go.  He gets insulted or mad when people ridicule him.  The wise man just doesn't let it bother him.

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12:17
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.

Thou shall not bear falls witness.

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12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

The wicked man likes to hurt others with his words.  He will betray you with words.  The wise man tries to help.

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12:19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

It is best to be truthful, because you won't have to answer for it later.

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12:20
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

The evil man will try to deceive you but then always has to watch his back.  The good don't worry about such things and can therefore be happy.

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12:21
No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

The righteous man remains blameless.  The wicked are filled with blame, and therefore their lives are in chaos.  There will be consequences for their actions.

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12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

God likes the truth.  Those who speak the truth will find favor with God, and will have a good reputation with man.   Those who speak lies will experience the opposite.

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12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

A prudent man doesn't go running around trying to proclaim his knowledge.  The fool does go around trying to proclaim his nonsense.

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12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Leaders work hard, the lazy will be told what to do and made to do it.

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12:25
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

We worry about out troubles, but a good word from somebody else makes us happy for a moment.

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12:26
One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

The righteous are good examples to others, the wicked want to lead them down the wrong path.

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12:27
Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

Sit on your butt and you will get nothing.  Work and you will be rewarded.

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12:28
In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

Righteousness will bring you to heaven.  Wickedness will bring you death.

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