Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. New Living Translation The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. English Standard Version The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Berean Standard Bible The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit. King James Bible The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. New King James Version The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. New American Standard Bible The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. NASB 1995 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. NASB 1977 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Legacy Standard Bible The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the guidance of the wicked is deceitful. Amplified Bible The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are just (honest, reliable), But the counsels and schemes of the wicked are deceitful. Christian Standard Bible The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked is deceitful. Holman Christian Standard Bible The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit. American Standard Version The thoughts of the righteous are just; But the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Contemporary English Version Good people have kind thoughts, but you should never trust the advice of someone evil. English Revised Version The thoughts of the righteous are just: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. GOD'S WORD® Translation The thoughts of righteous people are fair. The advice of wicked people is treacherous. Good News Translation Honest people will treat you fairly; the wicked only want to deceive you. International Standard Version The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. NET Bible The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. New Heart English Bible The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. Webster's Bible Translation The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit. World English Bible The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe thoughts of the righteous [are] justice, "" The counsels of the wicked—deceit. Young's Literal Translation The thoughts of the righteous are justice, The counsels of the wicked -- deceit. Smith's Literal Translation The purposes of the just are judgment: the guidance of the unjust, deceit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe thoughts of the just are judgments: and the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Catholic Public Domain Version The thoughts of the just are judgments. And the counsels of the impious are dishonest. New American Bible The plans of the just are right; the designs of the wicked are deceit. New Revised Standard Version The thoughts of the righteous are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe thoughts of the righteous are upright; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The purposes of the righteous are justice, and the way of life of the evil is deceit. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The thoughts of the righteous are right; But the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Brenton Septuagint Translation The thoughts of the righteous are true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Loving Discipline and Knowledge…4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. 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.… Cross References Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 119:11 I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Isaiah 32:7-8 The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. / But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes. Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Proverbs 15:26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him. Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent! Proverbs 24:8-9 He who plots evil will be called a schemer. / A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. Matthew 12:34-35 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. Matthew 15:18-19 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. / The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. / “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. Treasury of Scripture The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. Proverbs 24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. counsels Psalm 12:2,3 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak… Psalm 36:2-4 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful… Psalm 41:6,7 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it… Jump to Previous Advice Counsels Deceit Deceitful Designs Evil-Doers Justice Plans Purposes Right Righteous Thoughts Treacherous Upright WickedJump to Next Advice Counsels Deceit Deceitful Designs Evil-Doers Justice Plans Purposes Right Righteous Thoughts Treacherous Upright WickedProverbs 12 1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledgeThe plans of the righteous are just The term "righteous" in this context refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. In biblical times, righteousness was often associated with adherence to the Torah and the moral teachings of the prophets. The "plans" of such individuals are "just," meaning they are aligned with fairness, equity, and God's will. This reflects the biblical principle that those who seek to live by God's standards will naturally develop plans and intentions that are upright and beneficial to others. This is echoed in Psalm 37:30-31, where the righteous are described as having the law of God in their hearts, guiding their steps. but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit Persons / Places / Events 1. The RighteousIn the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's laws and seek to align their lives with His will. They are characterized by integrity, wisdom, and a desire for justice. 2. The Wicked This term refers to individuals who reject God's ways, often characterized by deceit, selfishness, and a lack of moral integrity. 3. Solomon Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the ways of the righteous and the wicked. 4. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 5. Justice and Deceit These are central themes in this verse, representing the outcomes of the plans and counsel of the righteous and wicked, respectively. Teaching Points The Nature of Righteous PlansRighteous plans are rooted in justice and align with God's character. They seek the welfare of others and reflect God's truth. The Deceptive Nature of Wicked Counsel Wicked counsel is inherently deceitful, often leading to harm and destruction. It is self-serving and contrary to God's ways. The Importance of Discernment Believers must discern between righteous and wicked counsel, seeking wisdom from God to guide their decisions. Aligning with God's Will To ensure our plans are just, we must continually align ourselves with God's will through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Impact of Our Counsel As Christians, the advice we give should reflect God's truth and justice, encouraging others to pursue righteousness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 12:5?2. How can we discern "the thoughts of the righteous" in our daily lives? 3. What steps ensure our "counsels" align with God's will? 4. How does Proverbs 12:5 connect with Psalm 1:1-2 on righteous living? 5. In what ways can we avoid "the counsels of the wicked"? 6. How can Proverbs 12:5 guide our decision-making in challenging situations? 7. How does Proverbs 12:5 define the difference between righteous and wicked thoughts? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 12:5? 9. How does Proverbs 12:5 align with the overall message of the Book of Proverbs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12? 11. How should we respond to betrayal and deceit? 12. What does the Bible say about aging? 13. What lessons does Amnon's story in the Bible teach? 14. Should we repay evil with evil? (Proverbs 24:29 vs. Romans 12:17) What Does Proverbs 12:5 Mean The plans“The plans” points to deliberate, thought-through intentions, not impulsive whims. Scripture assumes that believers do plan (Proverbs 16:3; Luke 14:28-30). God Himself works according to eternal plans (Ephesians 1:11), so careful planning reflects His orderly character. When those plans are laid before the Lord, they gain stability and purpose (Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 37:5). of the righteous The “righteous” are those made right with God, walking in reverent obedience (Psalm 1:1-3; Romans 3:22). Their standing is more than moral effort; it flows from trusting the Lord and seeking His ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). Because their hearts are aligned with Him, their planning process is saturated with prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22). are just Justice here carries the ideas of fairness, equity, and alignment with God’s standards (Proverbs 21:3; Micah 6:8). Righteous people: • weigh how choices affect others (Philippians 2:3-4) • refuse shortcuts that violate integrity (Proverbs 10:9) • aim for outcomes that honor God and bless neighbors (Matthew 22:37-39) Their plans, therefore, become instruments of God’s righteousness in daily life. but the counsel “Counsel” highlights the advice, worldview, and influence shaping a person (Psalm 1:1). What fills the mind eventually directs the feet (Proverbs 23:7). Listening sessions are never neutral; they either draw one toward truth or away from it (Proverbs 13:20). of the wicked The “wicked” reject God’s authority and pursue self-centered goals (Proverbs 4:14-17; Romans 1:18-32). Their counsel often looks appealing—promising quick success or personal gain—but it springs from hearts hardened against the Lord (Jeremiah 17:9). Aligning with such voices places one on a dangerous trajectory (Proverbs 22:24-25). leads to deceit Deceit is both the method and the destination of wicked advice (Proverbs 14:8; 2 Timothy 3:13). It: • distorts reality, masking consequences (Genesis 3:1-5) • breeds further dishonesty to prop itself up (Proverbs 12:20) • ultimately entangles the deceiver and the deceived alike (Proverbs 26:27) What begins as “helpful counsel” ends in betrayal, broken trust, and separation from God’s truth. summary Proverbs 12:5 contrasts two paths: righteous people craft plans that reflect God’s justice, while the wicked offer advice that drifts into deception. Whose voice we heed shapes our destiny. Grounding every plan in Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel safeguards us from deceit and positions us to carry out just, God-honoring purposes. (5) The thoughts of the righteous are right.--Or, justice. (Comp. Matthew 12:35.)Verse 5. - The thoughts of the righteous are right; literally, judgments; i.e. just and fair, much more then words and actions. St. Gregory ('Mor. in Job,' lib. 25) takes another view, seeing in "judgments" the stings of conscience, and a rehearsal of the day of account. "The righteous," he says, "approach the secret chambers of the Judge in the recesses of their own hearts; they consider how smartly he smites at last, who long patiently bears with them. They are afraid for the sins which they remember they have committed; and they punish by their tears the faults which they know they have perpetrated. They dread the searching judgments of God, even in those sins which perchance they cannot discover in themselves. And in this secret chamber of inward judgment, constrained by the sentence of their own conduct, they chasten with penitence that which they have committed through pride" (Oxford transl.). But the counsels of the wicked - which they offer to others - are deceit. The mere "thoughts" are contrasted with the mature, expressed "counsels" Septuagint, "The wicked steer (κυβερνῶσι) deceits." (For "counsels," see notes, Proverbs 1:5 and Proverbs 20:18.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The plansמַחְשְׁב֣וֹת (maḥ·šə·ḇō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan of the righteous צַדִּיקִ֣ים (ṣad·dî·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6662: Just, righteous are just, מִשְׁפָּ֑ט (miš·pāṭ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style [but] the counsel תַּחְבֻּל֖וֹת (taḥ·bu·lō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 8458: Steerage, guidance, a plan of the wicked רְשָׁעִ֣ים (rə·šā·‘îm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person leads to deceit. מִרְמָֽה׃ (mir·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4820: Deceit, treachery Links Proverbs 12:5 NIVProverbs 12:5 NLT Proverbs 12:5 ESV Proverbs 12:5 NASB Proverbs 12:5 KJV Proverbs 12:5 BibleApps.com Proverbs 12:5 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 12:5 Chinese Bible Proverbs 12:5 French Bible Proverbs 12:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just (Prov. 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