Proverbs 12:2

¶ A good [man] obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

A good {H2896} man obtaineth {H6329} favour {H7522} of the LORD {H3068}: but a man {H376} of wicked devices {H4209} will he condemn {H7561}.

A good man obtains ADONAI's favor, but the schemer his condemnation.

The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Commentary

Proverbs 12:2 succinctly presents a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: the contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked under God's sovereign hand. It highlights that one's moral character and the intentions of their heart directly influence their standing with the Divine.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, which often employs antithetical parallelism to highlight the profound difference between virtuous and unrighteous living. It fits within a broader theme throughout Proverbs that emphasizes the direct correlation between one's moral character and their ultimate outcome, particularly in relation to God's blessing or judgment. The book consistently teaches that genuine wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His ways.

Key Themes

  • Divine Favor for the Righteous: A "good man" (Hebrew: ṭōḇ, referring to one who is morally upright, benevolent, and righteous in character and conduct) finds favor with the LORD. This favor is not merely good luck but a divine blessing, protection, and provision that stems from God's approval of their character and actions. It implies a harmonious relationship with the Creator, leading to peace and well-being in the truest sense. As Psalm 5:12 states, "For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."
  • Divine Condemnation for the Wicked: In stark contrast, "a man of wicked devices" (Hebrew: mĕzimôt, meaning malicious schemes, evil intentions, or cunning plots) will face God's condemnation. Their internal corruption, manifested in their plotting and deceit, brings about divine judgment. This highlights that God judges not only outward actions but also the heart's intentions and the underlying motivations for evil.
  • Justice and Consequences: The verse powerfully underscores the principle of divine justice, where actions and intentions have direct, God-ordained consequences. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, discerning between good and evil and responding accordingly. The broader theme of the righteous flourishing and the wicked perishing is seen throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 1:6.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "good" (ṭōḇ) in "a good man" implies not just moral uprightness but also pleasantness, benefit, and appropriateness, reflecting a life lived in harmony with God's design.
  • "Favour" (rāṣôn) signifies divine pleasure, acceptance, and goodwill, suggesting a deep, relational approval from God.
  • "Wicked devices" comes from mĕzimôt, which points to cunning, malicious plans or machinations, emphasizing the calculated and intentional nature of evil.
  • "Condemn" (yaršîʿ) means to declare guilty, to punish, or to bring to ruin, indicating a definitive divine judgment or pronouncement of guilt.

Practical Application

Proverbs 12:2 encourages believers to cultivate genuine goodness, not merely outward conformity, but an internal character that aligns with God's will. It reminds us that our intentions matter profoundly to God; it's not just our actions, but the thoughts and schemes of our hearts that God observes and judges, as seen in Jeremiah 17:10. For those striving to live righteously, it offers comfort and assurance that their efforts are seen and rewarded with divine favor. For those tempted by deceit or malice, it serves as a solemn warning about the inevitable consequences of wicked devices, urging a turning away from such paths. It calls for a life of integrity and sincerity before God and man, knowing that the wicked shall not be unpunished.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 8:35 (10 votes)

    For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

  • Acts 11:24 (8 votes)

    For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

  • Psalms 112:5 (6 votes)

    A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

  • Romans 5:7 (5 votes)

    For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

  • Proverbs 1:31 (4 votes)

    Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

  • Isaiah 32:5 (4 votes)

    The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said [to be] bountiful.

  • Isaiah 32:7 (4 votes)

    The instruments also of the churl [are] evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.