PROVERBS 12
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
– Proverbs 12:15-22
PROVERBS 12 THE HUMBLE LISTENS TO ADVICE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
How do you know someone is proud or humble?
The proud is right in his own eyes but the meek listens
Because the humble has a teachable spirit, he is open to guidance
While the proud is foolish, he won’t heed or hear other’s advice
The humble follows what is good and what is right for him
While the proud caters to his cravings and easily tempted to sin
Because the meek is obsessed with wisdom and maturity
He humbly listens to advice from the wise who could counsel him.
The writer of the book of Proverbs gives an illustration of a humble person by distinguishing him from a fool. The book of Proverbs gives us vivid descriptions of the different kinds of people in the world. One of them are fools. It seems like the fool is someone who is wise or right in their own eyes as described in these verses. From this description, we could easily think of a proud or haughty person, one who thinks highly of himself and lowly of others. In verse 16, another trait of a fool is full of anxiety and vexations. It also describes the fool as a reactionary person or easily angered or defensive. The haughty person has a sharp tongue. In other words, they don’t think before they utter a word. They are reckless and quick to speak and react but not listen. When they speak, they destroy or ruin someone or something. The proud constantly lie and deceive others which leads them to their own deception. The proud can never please God in any way since their own god is the “self.”
The humble on the other hand listens to advice. Because he doesn’t think highly of himself, he is very open to learning and being taught. He wants to advance his knowledge and maturity so he would have a teachable spirit. The humble has peace and doesn’t react even to insults because he knows himself and doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. The humble speaks only what is encouraging and only what will build up. They are protected and shielded by God from evil because only the truth comes out of their lips.
REFLECTION
· Share insights about your own experiences with the humble and the proud.
