Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs of Discretion & Self-control, Proverbs 12:23-28

Friday, September 16, 2022

Proverbs 12:23–28

[23] A prudent man conceals knowledge,

but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

[24] The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

[25] Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,

but a good word makes him glad.

[26] One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

[27] Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,

but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

[28] In the path of righteousness is life,

and in its pathway there is no death. (ESV)

Proverbs of Righteous Discretion & Self-control

v.23 This is a proverb of self-control similar to Proverbs 12:16. One who is wise treasures wisdom. The fool is not only without Wisdom but, in his ignorance, does not know enough to keep his ignorance to himself. The prudent person is an excellent manager of his emotions and words, using discretion when exposing either. They know there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7), while the fool spews whatever comes to mind or tongue without thought to consequences.

v.24 Honest citizens produce an honest society (compare with Proverbs 11:11). Our discourse in public can hurt or harm society, tearing it down by inciting violence or building it up with Wisdom. The lazy contribute nothing to society, becoming a burden, and rather than be a joyful blessing, may find themselves forced to contribute rather than be a leach.

v.25 Anxiety has been the bane of civilization from ancient times. We modern folk may think we have the market cornered on anxiety, but this is not so – we perhaps are simply more open to talking about it. Anxiety weighs down the soul and affects the body and your neighbor’s body and soul as well. Self-medication may help for a time, but Divine Wisdom in the form of the Word of God is the surest cure. Martin Luther said, “We should let God do the worrying. Your labor and effort are not contrary to faith; they are useful for the curbing of the flesh. But worrying is in opposition to God.” (What Luther Says sec.5003). Anxiety can lead to depression, but encouragement, especially from the Word of the Lord, can ease the burden.

v.26 The righteous person seeks to use the gift of Divine Wisdom not only for his own benefit but the benefit of others. The fool refuses to be guided by the good counsel of others and is then led astray by his own foolishness.

v.27 This is another proverb showing the result of foolishness. Imagine being so lazy a hunter that goes to all the trouble of stalking and capturing his prey, yet cannot be bothered to butcher and roast it in order to enjoy the fruit of his labors. The diligent laborer will enjoy the result of hard work. Faithfulness to God and diligent labor may result in temporal reward, but the wise man is absolutely certain of the reward that awaits him by grace through faith in the world to come.

v.28 This is a restating of the repeated theme throughout Proverbs. There is a way that leads to life—the path of Divine Wisdom, which is faith in the promises of God. The other way leads to eternal death. The way of those clothed in Christ's righteousness can never lead to such an end, only to eternal life.