Proverbs 12:2 kjv

A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Proverbs 12:2 nkjv

A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

Proverbs 12:2 niv

Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.

Proverbs 12:2 esv

A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

Proverbs 12:2 nlt

The LORD approves of those who are good,
but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

Proverbs 12 verses

Proverbs 12 2 Meaning

Proverbs 12:2 declares a foundational truth concerning divine justice: a person of good character, whose intentions and actions are pleasing to the Lord, will receive God's favorable disposition and blessing. Conversely, an individual who devises evil plans and schemes will inevitably face the Lord's judgment and condemnation. The verse emphasizes that one's inner moral disposition dictates their standing with God and their ultimate outcome.

Proverbs 12 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 12 focuses on contrasting the righteous and the wicked, detailing their character traits, their words, their work ethic, and their ultimate fates as determined by divine justice. The overarching theme is the profound difference in outcome between living wisely according to God's ways and living foolishly in rebellion. This specific verse (12:2) functions as an introductory declaration of this overarching principle, establishing that one's inner disposition—whether good or prone to malicious planning—is the determining factor in whether they experience divine favor or condemnation. As part of Israel's wisdom literature, Proverbs aimed to instruct its audience, particularly the young, on how to navigate life by living morally upright and discerning God's will. The principles articulated were understood as generally reliable truths about how God governs His creation and interacts with humanity.

Proverbs 12 2 Word analysis

• "A good man" (Hebrew: ʾîš ṭôv):

  • ʾΚ (אִישׁ): refers to an individual, specifically a man, but applies generically to any person.
  • Ṭôv (טוֹב): denotes moral uprightness, integrity, wholesomeness, and benevolence. This goodness signifies not merely outward conformity, but a heart that aligns with God's nature and revealed will, producing actions that are just and pleasing.

• "obtains favor" (Hebrew: yāp̄îq rāṣôn):

  • Yāp̄îq (יָפִיק): implies an active discovery or successful attainment, "to find, produce, or bring forth."
  • Rāṣôn (רָצוֹן): signifies God's good pleasure, acceptance, delight, and benevolent disposition. This is divine favor, a demonstration of God's grace and approval upon the good person.

• "from the Lord" (Hebrew: mī-YHWH):

  • mī (מִי): preposition indicating source, "from."
  • YHWH (יְהוָה): the sacred covenant name of God, emphasizing that the favor is not random chance or human-granted, but directly from the sovereign, righteous Creator.

• "but a man" (Hebrew: wəʾîš): Introduces the contrast, highlighting the opposition to the first clause.

• "of wicked devices" (Hebrew: məzimmōt rāʿāh):

  • Məzimmōt (מְזִמּוֹת): refers to cunning plans, schemes, evil intentions, or malicious plots. This word denotes premeditated and calculated malevolence, an active disposition toward evil, not mere accidental wrongdoing.
  • Rāʿāh (רָעָה): modifies "devices," meaning evil, bad, harmful, or morally corrupt.

• "He will condemn" (Hebrew: yaḥšīʿēhū):

  • Yaḥšīʿēhū (יַחְשִׁיעֵהוּ): from the root implying "to turn away," or "to cause to condemn." In context, it means to declare guilty, to punish, or to bring to naught. This is an active and decisive judgment from the Lord.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "A good man obtains favor from the Lord": This phrase asserts that inner goodness, reflecting conformity to divine standards, inherently positions an individual to receive God's gracious approval and blessing. The agency of "the Lord" confirms that this favor is a divine gift, not merely earned merit, though it follows a righteous path.
  • "but a man of wicked devices He will condemn": This powerfully contrasting phrase spotlights that malicious thought and premeditated evil (wicked devices) will evoke explicit and decisive divine judgment. It emphasizes that God judges not only actions but also the very intent of the heart.

Proverbs 12 2 Bonus section

The "good man" mentioned here is not simply "nice" by human standards, but someone whose moral compass and actions reflect alignment with the covenant and the moral law of God. This goodness leads to favor, which is more than human approval; it is the deep, effective goodwill of the Creator. Conversely, "wicked devices" pinpoint the premeditated nature of evil that God detests—it's not accidental sin but deliberately crafted malice, which evokes a distinct form of divine judgment. The verse thus distinguishes between general sin and intentional, malevolent planning. This divine condemnation isn't passive but an active, judicial declaration by God, confirming that ultimate accountability rests with Him, irrespective of earthly consequences.

Proverbs 12 2 Commentary

Proverbs 12:2 lays out a profound ethical framework anchored in divine justice. It illustrates that character, specifically the orientation of the heart—whether toward goodness or deliberate malice—is determinative in one's relationship with God. The "good man" is one whose character aligns with God's moral perfection, leading to an experience of rāṣōn, God's active favor. This favor is multifaceted, encompassing protection, guidance, and peace, and it is entirely sourced "from the Lord," highlighting its divine origin and nature as a gift. In stark contrast, the "man of wicked devices" is characterized not by mere mistakes but by calculated, premeditated evil schemes. Such a heart incurs severe divine condemnation, a forceful expression of God's righteous judgment against those who intentionally plot evil. The verse underscores God's discernment of inward intentions, affirming that His judgment is not arbitrary but just, recognizing and responding to the deep motivations of the human heart. This wisdom offers assurance to the righteous and a solemn warning to those who scheme wickedness.

Examples:

• Daniel, by remaining faithful and righteous amidst pagan pressures, consistently experienced divine favor and wisdom (Dan 1:9, 2:48).
• Haman, consumed by wicked devices against the Jews, was condemned by his own gallows, revealing the just reversal of his schemes (Esther 7:9-10).