Proverbs 12:5 kjv
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Proverbs 12:5 nkjv
The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
Proverbs 12:5 niv
The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
Proverbs 12:5 esv
The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
Proverbs 12:5 nlt
The plans of the godly are just;
the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
Proverbs 12 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 4:23 | Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. | Emphasizes guarding the heart, the source of our thoughts and actions. |
| Matt 12:34b-35 | For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. | Links words and actions directly to the inner heart/thoughts. |
| Luke 6:45 | A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. | Echoes that internal state determines external fruit. |
| Jer 17:9-10 | The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. | God's knowledge of the deep intentions of the heart, even its deceitfulness. |
| Ps 1:2 | But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. | The righteous meditate on God's law, shaping their thoughts and intentions righteously. |
| Ps 19:14 | Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. | Prayer for the thoughts of the heart to be pleasing to God. |
| Phil 4:8 | Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. | Exhortation for believers to cultivate righteous thoughts. |
| Rom 8:5-6 | For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit… | Contrasts mindsets: carnal (wicked) vs. spiritual (righteous). |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. | God's word discerns the true nature of human thoughts and intentions. |
| 1 Chr 29:17 | I know, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things… | God delights in uprightness and tests the heart for integrity. |
| Ps 10:2-7 | The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor… His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity. | Reveals wicked thoughts leading to oppression and deceitful speech. |
| Ps 36:3-4 | The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good. He devises iniquity on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil. | Wicked actively plot evil and are consumed by deceitful thoughts. |
| Ps 52:1-4 | Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually… You love all devouring words, O deceitful tongue. | Denounces the malicious plotting and deceit characteristic of the wicked. |
| Ps 58:2 | No, in your heart you devise injustices; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth. | Wicked thoughts are the source of devised injustices and violence. |
| Ps 64:5-6 | They encourage themselves in an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, “Who will see them?” They search out iniquities; They say, “We have accomplished a diligent search.” Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep. | The secretive, deeply ingrained planning of wicked schemes. |
| Mic 2:1 | Woe to those who devise iniquity, And work evil on their beds! When morning is here, they practice it Because it is in the power of their hand. | The immediate consequence of wicked thoughts is the execution of evil. |
| Matt 15:19 | For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. | Lists specific evil actions that originate from evil thoughts within the heart. |
| John 8:44 | You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. | Links the essence of evil to lies and a lack of truth. |
| Acts 5:3-4 | But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land?” | Example of deceit stemming from a heart yielding to evil influence. |
| Col 3:9 | Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds. | Calls believers to put away deceit as it pertains to the old, unredeemed nature. |
| Prov 6:18 | a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil. | Emphasizes the proactive nature of a wicked heart in planning evil. |
| 1 Pet 2:1 | Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking… | Call to discard internal vices like deceit in Christian living. |
Proverbs 12 verses
Proverbs 12 5 Meaning
The verse declares a fundamental distinction in character: the inner intentions and strategic plans of those who are upright before God are intrinsically guided by principles of truth and justice. Conversely, the deliberations and stratagems conceived by those who disregard God's law are inherently tainted with falsehood, treachery, and an intent to deceive or harm. It underscores that one's inner moral disposition dictates the integrity or depravity of their designs.
Proverbs 12 5 Context
Proverbs 12 belongs to a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which primarily contrasts the righteous and the wicked, outlining the moral principles and practical wisdom necessary for living well in covenant with God. This chapter specifically details various characteristics of the righteous and the wicked across different areas of life, including their internal dispositions, speech, work ethic, and consequences. Verse 5 is foundational, asserting that character shapes counsel: the moral purity or corruption of one's heart fundamentally determines the integrity or deceptiveness of their plans and intentions. This aligns with the pervasive biblical understanding that outward actions are merely manifestations of inward states.
Proverbs 12 5 Word analysis
- The thoughts (מַחְשְׁבוֹת - machashavot): From the root chashav, meaning "to think, devise, plan, calculate." This refers not just to fleeting ideas, but to the settled intentions, purposes, and strategies that one forms in their mind. It signifies the core planning process, the designs or machinations from which actions proceed.
- of the righteous (צַדִּיקִים - tzaddiqim): From tzedeq, "righteousness, justice." These are individuals whose moral character is in alignment with God's revealed will. They are upright, just, and maintain integrity in their conduct, demonstrating fidelity to God and neighbor. Their righteousness is a matter of both their internal state and outward living.
- are just (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): Refers to justice, judgment, right, equity, fairness. This indicates that their inner deliberations and plans conform to God's standard of moral rectitude. Their designs are equitable, honest, and morally sound, without bias or ulterior motives.
- but the counsels (תַּחְבֻּל֖וֹת - takhbulot): From chaval, often implying plotting or scheming. While it can positively refer to skillful piloting or guidance (as in navigating a ship, Prov 1:5; 11:14; 20:18; 24:6), when associated with the wicked, as here, it takes on a negative connotation. It implies clever, intricate, or subtle plans that are often deceptive, cunning, or malicious, devised for wicked ends.
- of the wicked (רְשָׁעִים - r'shaim): From rasha, meaning "to be wicked, guilty." These are individuals whose character and actions are hostile to God's law and hostile to their fellow human beings. They are morally corrupt, impious, and engage in practices that defy justice and righteousness.
- are deceitful (מִרְמָה - mirmah): From ramah, "to betray, mislead, deceive." This signifies that the very essence of their schemes and intentions is characterized by fraud, treachery, and an intent to misguide or exploit others. Their strategies are designed to trick or betray for selfish or malevolent purposes.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- The thoughts of the righteous are just: This phrase emphasizes the internal consistency of the righteous person. Their fundamental nature, aligned with God, leads them to formulate intentions and plans that are inherently righteous, equitable, and in conformity with divine standards. Their justice is not merely an action but stems from a principled mindset.
- but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful: In stark contrast, this part highlights that the plans and strategies of the wicked originate from a corrupt inner state. Their 'counsels' are not genuine, constructive guidance but are tainted with falsehood, treachery, and malicious intent, serving to betray or mislead for their own harmful purposes. The deliberate choice of takhbulot alongside mirmah powerfully conveys cunning deviance.
Proverbs 12 5 Bonus section
The sharp contrast drawn in Proverbs 12:5 reinforces the broader biblical principle found throughout the wisdom literature: there are fundamentally two paths in life, that of the righteous and that of the wicked, and these paths diverge even at the level of the innermost thoughts and plans. This extends to leadership and decision-making; those with righteous hearts will offer just and wise guidance, while the wicked will devise treacherous policies. The Hebrew term mishpat (just) connects to a deeply ingrained understanding of divine order and established right. The takhbulot (counsels/schemes) of the wicked, when read against other uses, emphasizes how skill or ingenuity, when devoid of moral foundation, can become a tool for sophisticated deception rather than beneficial guidance. This proverb therefore underscores the vital importance of guarding one's heart (Prov 4:23) and nurturing integrity, as it directly impacts every thought, plan, and subsequent action.
Proverbs 12 5 Commentary
Proverbs 12:5 is a profound statement on character as the source of conduct. It teaches that one's inward moral state directly determines the nature of their intellectual activity and planning. For the righteous, whose hearts are set on God and His truth, their deepest thoughts and most carefully laid plans will inherently lean towards what is right, fair, and just. Their wisdom is practical and ethical, guiding them in integrity. Conversely, for the wicked, who are alienated from God's ways, their strategic thinking—their very 'counsels' or machinations—are permeated with dishonesty and designed for fraud. Their intellect, though perhaps sharp, is twisted to serve deceitful and self-serving ends. This verse serves as a reminder that God evaluates the heart and its intentions, not merely the outward actions or superficial appearances. It calls us to cultivate a righteous heart from which all good and true plans flow. For instance, a righteous person considering a business venture will think of fair dealings and honest practices, while a wicked person in the same scenario will devise schemes for unfair advantage or exploitation.