What is the meaning of Proverbs 12:6? The words of the wicked • “The words of the wicked” points first to the power of speech; evil hearts use tongues as weapons. • Psalm 10:7 echoes this: “His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence.” • Jesus warns in Matthew 12:34 that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks,” showing that wicked words reveal wicked hearts. • Proverbs 26:24–26 cautions that malicious people “conceal their hatred with lying lips,” reminding us not to be fooled by smooth talk. Lie in wait for blood • The phrase pictures ambush—verbal schemes meant to injure reputations or even incite literal violence. • Proverbs 1:11–12 illustrates the same predatory mindset: “Come with us… let us lurk for innocent blood.” • Jeremiah 5:26 says, “Among My people are wicked men who set snares; like fowlers they set traps.” • Such plotting violates God’s command in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder,” showing that destructive words can be accessories to bloodshed. But • A strong contrast: evil speech versus righteous speech. • Throughout Scripture “but” often signals divine alternatives (cf. Ephesians 2:4, “But God…”). • Here the pivot calls believers to choose words that build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). The speech of the upright • “Speech” is literally “mouth,” emphasizing what the righteous say day-to-day. • Proverbs 15:2 notes, “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge.” • Proverbs 10:21 adds, “The lips of the righteous feed many.” • James 3:17 underlines qualities of upright discourse: pure, peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy. Rescues them • Righteous words act as deliverance—deterring violence, defending the innocent, calming conflict. • Proverbs 11:9 affirms, “Through knowledge the righteous are delivered.” • Esther 7 shows how Esther’s truthful plea saved her people from annihilation. • Jesus’ own words rescued the adulterous woman in John 8:11, illustrating that godly speech can spare life and restore dignity. • Practically, wise counsel, timely warnings, and gospel truth still “rescue” today—from sin’s snares and from the fallout of evil plots. Summary Proverbs 12:6 contrasts two mouths: the wicked use words like hidden daggers, plotting harm, while the upright use speech like a lifeline, saving lives and reputations. Our calling is clear—submit every word to the Lord, speak truth in love, and become agents of His rescuing grace whenever we open our mouths. |
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