Proverbs 12:7-12

Proverbs 12:7-12 contain proverbs contrasting the characteristics of and destinies of the righteous and the wicked.

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

Verse 8--One is commended for good sense,
but a perverse mind is despised.

Verse 9--Better to be despised and have a servant,
than to be self-important and lack food.

Verse 10--The righteous know the needs of their animals,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

Verse 11--Those who till their land will have plenty of food,
but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.

Verse 12--The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

What are some practical lessons we may learn from these wise sayings?
1. God sustains the righteous even in difficult times, but the wicked cannot stand.
2. No matter how one lives, some people will despise that person. This may be deserved if one has a perverse mind or is arrogant, but not if one is humble and has others working with and for that person.
3. Righteousness involves treating animals with respect and dignity, as God's creatures. Newspapers and TV news sometimes relate stories about mistreatment of animals. Those who do such things do not truly appreciate God's gifts.
4. Hard work leads to good produce. But how foolish it is to spend one's time and energies following worthless pursuits.

John Willis