THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Passage: Proverbs 12:15-28

Key verse: 28

NIV

15 The way of fools seems right to them,(A)
    but the wise listen to advice.(B)

16 Fools(C) show their annoyance at once,(D)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.(E)

17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.(F)

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,(G)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(H)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(I)

21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(J)
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,(K)
    but he delights(L) in people who are trustworthy.(M)

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,(N)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.(O)

24 Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in forced labor.(P)

25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(Q)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.(R)

27 The lazy do not roast[a] any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

28 In the way of righteousness there is life;(S)
    along that path is immortality.

Read full chapter
Footnotes
  1. Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

15 (A)The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but a wise man listens to advice.
16 (B)The vexation of a fool is known at once,
    but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 (C)Whoever speaks[a] the truth gives honest evidence,
    but (D)a false witness utters deceit.
18 (E)There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings (F)healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but (G)a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of (H)those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
21 (I)No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 (J)Lying lips are (K)an abomination to the Lord,
    (L)but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 (M)A prudent man conceals knowledge,
    (N)but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 (O)The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be (P)put to forced labor.
25 (Q)Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,[b]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 (R)Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
    but the diligent man will get precious wealth.[c]
28 (S)In the path of righteousness is life,
    and in its pathway there is no death.

Read full chapter
Footnotes
  1. Proverbs 12:17 Hebrew breathes out
  2. Proverbs 12:26 Or The righteous chooses his friends carefully
  3. Proverbs 12:27 Or but diligence is precious wealth
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. The tongue of the wise (17-19, 22-23, 25) People's wisdom is revealed in their words. The wise are honest and speak the truth even when it is costly and dangerous to do so (17). Their words lead to healing and impart truth that leads to eternal life (18, 19). They fear God and do not lie; they are trustworthy (22). Instead of speaking as an authority, their prudence in choosing their words humbly protects them from folly (23). Their words have power to free people from anxiety and to cheer their hearts (25). We must examine our words and repent our foolish talk and ask God for a spirit of wisdom to choose our words. 2. The way of the righteous (15-16, 2 -21, 24, 26-28) The wise are humble enough to listen to advice and overlook insults (15-16). The wise promote and enjoy peace; they don't create dissension or go looking for trouble (2 -21). The wise are diligent and fill leadership positions (24). They choose their friends carefully and avoid bad company (26). They don't rush, but carefully consume their gains (27). Through their careful decisions, the wise lead a righteous life that leads to eternal life. To follow the way of the righteous is truly wise.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow the way of the righteous, live wisely, and especially guard my lips to speak prudently.

One Word: The way of the righteous leads to life