CC Image courtesy of Kris Kesiak on Flickr.

Proverbs 12
Author: Troy Sell

Negativity seems to envelop our lives, but God offers alternatives. It is very easy to read over Proverbs 12 and be convinced this is nothing but a comparison of good and evil, happiness and sadness, or things we should do as opposed to things we should not. The initial verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter by contrasting the “love of knowledge through discipline” to the “stupidity of those that hate correction”. Stupidity in this verse is not defined as ignorance, but the inability to learn from your mistakes. Other references describe, the benefits of a good wife, challenges and rewards of keeping thoughts and language pure, having a good work ethic, and showing kindness to our neighbors or those in need.

I believe the author is attempting to paint a picture of life lived with God contrasted to life without a sense of direction. Occasionally, my thoughts drift back to a time of blonde curls, big blue eyes, and a little voice stating emphatically, “Daddy, I do it myself”. By our actions, do we project this same attitude toward our heavenly Father? Do we as God’s children express to him that we do not need his help? Do we fail to take full advantage of the communication avenues that he freely offers to us? Do we fully embrace the independent American way of life and neglect our relationship with the Creator?

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” “In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.”