Proverbs 12:21-28
21 No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.
22 God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
23 Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
24 The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.
25 Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.
26 A good person survives misfortune, but a wicked life invites disaster.
27 A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.
28 Good men and women travel right into life; sin's detours take you straight to hell.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21-28
Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
(Read Proverbs 12:21)
If men are sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have enough of it.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:22
(Read Proverbs 12:22)
Make conscience of truth, not only in words, but in actions.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
(Read Proverbs 12:23)
Foolish men proclaim to all the folly and emptiness of their minds.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:24
(Read Proverbs 12:24)
Those who will not take pains in an honest calling, living by tricks and dishonesty, are paltry and beggarly.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
(Read Proverbs 12:25)
Care, fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, deprive men of vigour in what is to be done, or courage in what is to be borne. A good word from God, applied by faith, makes the heart glad.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:26
(Read Proverbs 12:26)
The righteous is abundant; though not in this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, which are the true riches. Evil men vainly flatter themselves that their ways are not wrong.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:27
(Read Proverbs 12:27)
The slothful man makes no good use of the advantages Providence puts in his way, and has no comfort in them. The substance of a diligent man, though not great, does good to him and his family. He sees that God gives it to him in answer to prayer.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
(Read Proverbs 12:28)
The way of religion is a straight, plain way; it is the way of righteousness. There is not only life at the end, but life in the way; all true comfort.