Explanation: Proverbs 12 . Today's painting illustrates a distressed donkey chased by thoughtlessly cruel children. By contrast, verse 10 says that the righteous are not cruel to their animals -- they care for the life of the beasts which they own. The point is that an attitude of caring or an attitude of cruelty carry over into all aspects of life, as shown by the latter part of the verse which says that even "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 10. Proverbs 11. Proverbs 12. Proverbs 13. Proverbs 14. Proverbs 15. Proverbs 16. Proverbs 17. Proverbs 18. Proverbs 19. Proverbs 20. Proverbs 21. Proverbs 22. Proverbs 23. Proverbs 24. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Proverbs 12 - #1.. Proverbs - #2. Proverbs - #3. ]

      The subjects of today's chapter are these: love of instruction gives knowledge; but hatred of reproof makes one brutish (1); the LORD favors the good man and condemns the man of wicked devices (2); the wicked are not established, but the righteous are unmoved (3); a virtuous woman brings honor to her husband; but a shameful wife is like rottenness in his bones (4); the righteous have just thoughts; the wicked have deceitful counsel (5); the counsel of the upright delivers others from the bloodthirsty (6); the wicked are overthrown; the righteous stand (7); a man of good sense is commended; a man with a twisted mind is despised (8); a despised man with a servant is better than one who honors himself but lacks bread (9); a righteous man regards the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (10); sensible work is profitable; but worthless pursuits are not sensible (11); the wicked covet plunder; but the righteous bear fruit (12); an evil man snares himself with his lips; but the righteous escape from trouble (13); good will come from the fruit of the mouth; and a man's work comes back to him (14); fools think they are right; but the wise listen to advice (15); a fool expresses his wrath; but a prudent man covers the shame of others (16); whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence; but a false witness utters deceit (17); rash words are like swords; but the tongue of the wise brings healing (18); truthful lips endure forever; but a lying tongue is only for a moment (19); deceivers devise evil; peacemakers have joy (20); no ill befalls the righteous; but the wicked are filled with trouble (21); the LORD abominates liars; but he delights in the faithful (22); a prudent man is filled with hidden knowledge; but a fool proclaims foolishness (23); the diligent rule; but the slothful come under tribute (24) a heavy heart is depressed; but a good word makes it glad (25) the righteous is more excellent than [or a superior guide to] his neighbor; but the wicked seduces his neighbor (26) the slothful will not cook his game; but the possessions of the diligent are precious to him (27) the way of righteousness is life; there is no death in it (28).