Proverbs 12 – if you haven’t read my thoughts on the book of Proverbs yet, you’ll want to do so here. This isn’t a comprehensive look at each verse, but it is how God spoke to me through particular chapter of His Word at this particular chapter in my life. I encourage you to read the full chapter in your own Bible first so you can see how God wants to speak to you through this chapter, and so you don’t miss out on the verses I didn’t cover. I hope it can speak to you as well, and I hope you are encouraged to seek Him in His Word. And if you missed Proverbs 11, you should also check that out here.  Otherwise, on to Proverbs 12!

Side note: Slight change to the format for today’s chapter. I’m grouping the verses a little differently than normal, from a pattern I noticed as I was reading through and underlining each section.

12:3b – But the godly have deep roots.

12:5a – The plans of the godly are just.

12:6b – But the words of the godly save lives.

12:12b – But the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

12:13 – The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.

12:16b – But a wise person stays calm when insulted.

12:18b – But the words of the wise bring healing.

12:28 – The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.

God brings so much purpose and calling to our lives through these few verses! He also gives us great promises that will start to take shape in our life as he cultivates wisdom in our lives through His Word. These verses give me so much hope, but they also brought a lot of conviction and self-evaluation as I was reading through them.

Deep roots? I hope I have deep roots. God, help my faith become unshakeable the more I read Your Word and know You more. My plans are just? I don’t know that all of my plans have always been just…. God, help me to evaluate my plans in light of Your Word, to make plans with Your kingdom in mind, and not my own. My words save lives? I don’t feel like my words have saved lives. God, help me to know how to speak the truth, in love, at the right time, to keep a friend or loved one from going down the wrong life path. Help me speak life and encouragement to those around me, and not words that are degrading.

Again, well rooted? Bringing forth my own fruit?! I can definitely see that promise being fulfilled in my life. The deeper I go in God’s Word, the more rooted I feel and become, and the more I see the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) coming out in my daily life and words. But I certainly need and want a good measure more in my life. God, keep my roots growing deeper in your Word. Make my roots so deep and wide that I am completely unshakeable. Thank you for the power of Your Holy Spirit in my life to keep bringing forth more fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control in my life. Help me stay sensitive to Your Word bringing about new attitudes and fruit in my life and situations to extend that fruit to those around me.

The wicked are trapped by their words, but the godly escape such trouble. This one just kind of makes me chuckle. Do they escape the trouble because they talk less? Or are they more wise in their words? Probably both I suppose. I could definitely escape a lot of trouble with less words. God, help me use less words, and when I do use words, let them increase in wisdom.

Staying calm when insulted? That’s a big struggle for me. God, help me to not have an emotional reaction to everything said to me. Help me to stay calm, evaluate what was said, and immediately discard what is not true to my identity according to Your Word, and to also see any truth in an insult that I can use to better myself. My words bring healing? I hope so. God, help my words bring healing to others from when they have been insulted and injured. Teach me what to say and what not to say.

And I positively love the way the chapter ends – The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death. It’s the absolute perfect wrap up to everything else in the chapter. God’s way is good. It leads to good in this life, for you and those around you. And it leads you to eternal life.

Friend, I have prayed these same prayers over you today. May your wisdom increase and keep increasing. May your roots in your faith grow deeper. May your words be a healing balm to the hurting. May you experience the goodness that God has for your life through His path for you.

Until next time,

– Just a girl pursuing her reflection in the mirror of God’s Word.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.