Proverbs 12:5-6, Our Thoughts and Words

June 5, Proverbs 12:5-6

Luke 20:19-26 “The word of God is quick and powerful, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

Our Thoughts and Words

Consider how our good or bad actions may affect others. Let all who follow the Lord Jesus take stock of the thoughts and intents of their hearts. The religion of the Bible, is a religion of the heart, and for the heart, and for every heart. In these two verses (12:5-6) we see contrasted the thoughts of the righteous and the counsels of the wicked. Our thoughts are weighed and judged by Him who searches all hearts (Ps. 139).

1. Openness or Covertness: The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceit (v.5). We can paraphrase this “the policy of the just is honesty; the wisdom of the wicked is cunning.” The goodness and wisdom that comes from God motivate right thoughts. How important it is for the thoughts of the righteous to be constantly brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. The wicked counsels of the ungodly cannot but produce evil and injustice. Their bias is ever wrong. They have no regard for God or the Bible. They live in a world of illusion. The word counsels comes from a root meaning rope-pullers. Even today we speak of those who use their influence to manipulate others as pulling strings. The contrast is often between what is true and what is false, between what some do openly, and what others do covertly or under-handedly. The thoughts or intentions of the one are true, but the counsels or schemes of the other are bad. The wicked plan to deceive for their profit or party. Secret lobbying has gone on in Councils of Churches that have produced wicked counsels to deceive, if possible, the very elect. The same applies to much political maneuvering at all levels today. Those who elect candidates on hollow promises rather than sound principles often forget this obvious fact. The honest person seeks to live honourably, the wicked by deceit.

2. Harmful or Helpful: The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them (v.6). Kidner titles this verse, “Lethal or Liberating. The wicked counsels in v.5 quickly become words in v.6! Speech is the out-working of thoughts. Their hidden intentions are now clearly revealed. Their deceit bears fruit in words, then their actions expose what they intended all along. We have seen this word lie in wait before (Pr. 1:11, 18; 7:12). It is always with hostile or evil intent. Their tactic is to first ambush the unwary, then go in for the kill (Ps. 10:9; 59:3). All wickedness breeds cruelty and injustice, where the end justifies the means. By contrast, the mouth of the upright delivers them. Their words act like angels of mercy. Deliver them may refer to the upright themselves or others whom they warn. Their wise answers protect them, and their godly counsels keep others from ruin. How often Jesus guarded Himself from the wicked devices of deceitful enemies. The wicked ambush and kill; they are out for blood. The upright rescue and protect. How often must we hear that words can slay as surely as swords, and not strive more earnestly to guard our words? Does our speech harm or heal?

Thought: Right thoughts are a person’s best defense against slander.

Prayer: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).