Proverbs 12:6 - Loving Discipline and Knowledge

Audio Bible

Context

Loving Discipline and Knowledge
…5The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit. 6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. 7The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.…

Cross References

James 3:6
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.Psalm 64:3-4
who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.Proverbs 11:9
With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.Psalm 55:21
His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.Psalm 140:3
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. SelahProverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.Romans 3:13
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”

Proverbs 1:11-19
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: …

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: …

Isaiah 59:7
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

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Proverbs 12

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood
This phrase highlights the destructive nature of wickedness, emphasizing how evil intentions often manifest through speech. In biblical context, words are powerful and can lead to violence and harm, as seen in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8), where Cain's jealousy and anger culminated in murder. The phrase "lie in wait" suggests premeditation and deceit, akin to a predator stalking its prey. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that the wicked are often characterized by their desire to harm others, as seen in Psalm 10:7-8, where the wicked are described as ambushing the innocent. Historically, this reflects the cultural understanding of the time, where words could incite violence and were seen as a precursor to physical actions.

but the speech of the upright rescues them
In contrast, the speech of the upright is portrayed as life-giving and protective. The upright, or righteous, are those who align themselves with God's will and truth. Their words are not only truthful but also have the power to deliver and save. This is reminiscent of Proverbs 10:11, which states, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life." The idea of speech as a means of rescue can be seen in the story of Esther, where her wise and courageous words to the king saved her people (Esther 7:3-4). This phrase also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose words bring salvation and life (John 6:68). The speech of the upright reflects the wisdom and guidance found in God's Word, which is a source of refuge and deliverance for those who heed it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Wicked
This term refers to individuals who are morally wrong or evil, often characterized by their harmful intentions and deceitful speech.

2. The Upright
These are people who live righteously, adhering to moral and ethical principles, and whose speech reflects their integrity.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued.

5. The Community of Believers
The audience for whom the Proverbs were intended, both in ancient times and today, as a guide for righteous living.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Words have the power to harm or heal. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it aligns with God's truth and love.

The Character of the Speaker
Our words reflect our inner character. Strive to cultivate a heart that produces speech marked by righteousness and integrity.

Guarding Against Deception
Be vigilant against the deceitful words of the wicked. Seek wisdom and discernment through prayer and Scripture to recognize and resist harmful influences.

The Redemptive Nature of Righteous Speech
Use your words to uplift, encourage, and rescue others from despair or harm. Let your speech be a tool for God's redemptive work in the world.

Accountability and Growth
Regularly evaluate your speech and seek accountability from fellow believers. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in growing towards Christ-like communication.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12What is the Bible's stance on the Mafia?What is the Bible's stance on terrorism?Proverbs 12:10 proclaims care for animals as a sign of righteousness--was this standard truly practiced in an era known for sacrifices and limited animal welfare regulations?What does the Bible say about good works and salvation?

(6) The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood--i.e., are calculated for this end.

The mouth of the upright shall deliver them--i.e., those for whom the wicked lie in wait.

Verse 6. - The words of the wicked are to lie in wait - a lying in wait - for blood (see Proverbs 1:11). The wicked, by their lies, slanders, false accusations, etc., endanger men's lives, as Jezebel compassed Naboth's death by false witness (1 Kings 21:13). The mouth of the upright shall deliver them; i.e. the innocent whose blood the wicked seek. The good plead the cause of the oppressed, using their eloquence in their favour, as in the Apocryphal Story of Susannah, Daniel saved the accused woman from the slanders of the elders. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The words
דִּבְרֵ֣י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the wicked
רְשָׁעִ֣ים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

lie in wait
אֱרָב־ (’ĕ·rāḇ-)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 693: To lie in wait

for blood,
דָּ֑ם (dām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

but the speech
וּפִ֥י (ū·p̄î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the upright
יְ֝שָׁרִ֗ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

rescues them.
יַצִּילֵֽם׃ (yaṣ·ṣî·lêm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

Links

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Proverbs 12:6 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked are about (Prov. Pro Pr)