Proverbs 12 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study
Proverbs 12 Short Summary:
Proverbs 12 continues the short proverbs of Solomon that began in chapter 10. Solomon’s proverbs are recorded in Proverbs chapter 10 through chapter 29. These proverbs are typically short and concise statements of wisdom for the medication of the reader.
Proverbs 12 Summary
DEFINITIONS:
Vexation (12:16) – The state of being frustrated or annoyed or troubled.
Prudence (12:23) - Acting carefully; moving through life cautiously and thoughtfully.
HIGHLIGHTED PROVERBS:
PROVERB #1:
Proverbs 12:1 – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
A wise man loves discipline, correction, and reproof. He appreciates these things because they help him mature.
Without the refining process of discipline, a man will never improve himself.
Without correction from a mentor or friend, a man will never be able to fix the things he gets wrong.
The wise man appreciates the opportunity discipline affords him, the opportunity to correct past mistakes and to become a better man in the future.
PROVERB #2
Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
A foolish person always thinks they are right, and they don’t have any interest in hearing alternative perspectives.
They never question if they’re missing something, they never consider they might have a bias, and they never bother to check themselves for blind spots.
In contrast, the wise man seeks out advice.
A wise man is smart enough to know he doesn’t know everything. He knows his limitations and his weaknesses and looks for other wise men to help him with those deficiencies.
For application, ask yourself, “Do I always think I’m right? Do I always assume my ideas are the best? When is the last time I asked a wise person for help in making a decision?
PROVERB #3
Proverbs 12:23 – “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.”
A wise and careful man is not quick to speak. There are times when he is content to conceal what he knows.
He is cautious about how much he shares, and to whom he shares his knowledge. He knows that some people can’t be trusted with sensitive information.
He doesn’t speak when his knowledge is limited, choosing instead to let wiser men educate him.
On the other hand, fools can’t stop themselves from talking.
They speak on every subject, to every person, at every opportunity.
They have no discretion. They disclose any information to which they are privy, rarely considering its credibility or the effect it will have on others.
Though they lack knowledge, they can’t prevent themselves from speaking. They want their voice to be part of the conversation, even when they don’t have anything valuable to say.
Which category do you find yourself falling into? Are you content to sit back and learn from wiser people? Or do you find that you always want to voice your opinions no matter what the subject matter?
