Proverbs 12 Devotional Study

Avoid fools if you don’t want to become one

We have all heard the phrase “guilt by association.” Did you know there is also such a thing as “hurt by association”?

The Bible has a lot to say about foolishness and wisdom. The term “fool” is not used as an insult nor does it refer to a person’s IQ. Foolishness describes a state of mind and a matter of character. If respect for God is the beginning of wisdom, the opposite is also true: A foolish person is someone who does not respect God (Proverbs 9:10).

While we all act foolishly at times, there is a significant difference between making mistakes and living opposed to Jesus.

Proverbs 12 describes fools as quick-tempered, prideful, and manipulative (Proverbs 12:2 and Proverbs 12:5). Fools refuse to accept advice or correction, and they intentionally seek to hurt others (Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 12:5-16). But, those who respect God and follow Jesus make a conscious effort to seek peace, tell the truth, work hard, and encourage those around them (Proverbs 12:17-28).

Who we surround ourselves with has a direct impact on our desire and ability to pursue the kind of life Jesus wants us to live. It is not possible to follow Him and ignore His warnings about people we should avoid.

The friends we run closely with influence the direction we go in. If we want to be wise, we have to surround ourselves with people who encourage us to make good decisions and help us avoid the deceit of foolishness (Proverbs 12:26).

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Reflect:
Proverbs 12:1	Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Proverbs 12:2	A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Proverbs 12:3	A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Proverbs 12:4	A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:5	The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Proverbs 12:6	The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Proverbs 12:7	The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
Proverbs 12:8	A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Proverbs 12:9	He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
Proverbs 12:10	A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:11	He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
Proverbs 12:12	The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
Proverbs 12:13	The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
Proverbs 12:14	A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
Proverbs 12:15	The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Proverbs 12:16	A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Proverbs 12:17	He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Proverbs 12:18	There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Proverbs 12:19	The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 12:20	Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Proverbs 12:21	There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Proverbs 12:22	Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 12:23	A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Proverbs 12:24	The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Proverbs 12:25	Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Proverbs 12:26	The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
Proverbs 12:27	The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Proverbs 12:28	In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

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