The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. The good man obtains favor from the LORD,God looks with approval on those whose lives are marked by faith, obedience, and integrity. Noah found grace in the Lord’s sight while surrounded by a corrupt generation, and Joseph’s faithfulness brought God’s blessing even in slavery and imprisonment. Such favor flows from God’s grace and covenant faithfulness, not from human merit. Obedience brings the blessings of fellowship with God and the assurance that He sees and honors upright living. Living faith bears fruit in righteous works, revealing a heart submitted to the Lord. Psa 5:12 For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous;… but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. God opposes deliberate wickedness, especially evil that is planned and pursued with intent. Cain’s murder of Abel and Ahab’s conspiracy against Naboth show that hidden schemes are fully known to the Lord and bring His righteous judgment. God is holy and cannot approve evil; those who persist in it place themselves under His condemnation. Earthly consequences may follow sin, but deliberate rebellion also anticipates the final judgment of God. Pro 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates,… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Good ManRepresents individuals who live righteously and seek to align their lives with God's will. In the Hebrew text, the word for "good" is (tov), which implies moral goodness and integrity. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with His people and His role as the ultimate judge and source of favor. 3. The Man Who Devises Evil Refers to individuals who intentionally plan or engage in wickedness. The Hebrew word for "devises" is (chashav), meaning to plan or calculate, indicating premeditated wrongdoing. Teaching Points Pursuing RighteousnessStrive to live a life that aligns with God's standards, knowing that His favor is upon those who seek to do good. Understanding Divine Favor Recognize that God's favor is not arbitrary but is given to those who live according to His will and purpose. Avoiding Evil Intentions Be mindful of your thoughts and plans, ensuring they are not rooted in wickedness or deceit, as God condemns such actions. The Role of Intentions Understand that God not only sees our actions but also the intentions behind them. Strive for purity in both thought and deed. The Consequences of Wickedness Acknowledge that devising evil leads to condemnation from God, and seek to repent and turn away from such paths. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to be a "good man" in the context of Proverbs 12:2, and how can we strive to embody this in our daily lives?2. How does the concept of obtaining favor from the LORD in Proverbs 12:2 relate to other scriptures that discuss God's blessings on the righteous? 3. In what ways can we guard our hearts and minds against devising evil, and what practical steps can we take to align our intentions with God's will? 4. How does understanding the original Hebrew words for "good" and "devises" enhance our comprehension of this proverb? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's favor in your life. How did this align with your pursuit of righteousness, and what lessons can you draw from that experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 5:12This verse speaks of God's favor surrounding the righteous, similar to how Proverbs 12:2 describes the good man obtaining favor from the LORD. Proverbs 3:33-34 These verses contrast the LORD's blessing on the righteous with His opposition to the wicked, paralleling the themes of favor and condemnation in Proverbs 12:2. James 4:6 This New Testament passage echoes the idea that God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud, aligning with the concept of divine favor and condemnation.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Bringeth, Condemn, Condemneth, Condemns, Crafty, Designs, Devices, Devises, Evil, Favor, Favour, Forth, Gets, Grace, Mischievous, Obtain, Obtaineth, Obtains, Punishment, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 12:2 5769 behaviour Library The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly'Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture April the Twenty-Second Speech as a Symptom of Health To Pastors and Teachers Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us The Ninth Commandment The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. " Proverbs Links Proverbs 12:2 NIVProverbs 12:2 NLT Proverbs 12:2 ESV Proverbs 12:2 NASB Proverbs 12:2 KJV Proverbs 12:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |



