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Honest speech and honest work (Prov 12:1-28)

There are further proverbs on attitudes towards criticism (Prov 12:1-2; see notes on Prov 9:7-9), the stability of the righteous (Prov 12:3) and the value of a good wife (Prov 12:4).

The righteous, besides having good principles, have the courage to speak up at risk to themselves in order to save others (Prov 12:5-7).

If people live humbly and in keeping with their financial capacity, they may not achieve high social status, but at least they will remain free of debt. They are wiser than those who spend money lavishly in an effort to impress others but become poor and hungry in the process (Prov 12:8-9).

Likewise if people ensure their security by working hard, they are wiser than those who waste time and money on things that are useless.

Honest work, like honest speech, is considerate of others and brings satisfaction to those who practise it (Prov 12:10-14).

Those who have genuine wisdom will listen to advice and ignore insults (Prov 12:15-16).

They will always speak the truth, but in such a way that their words heal, not injure (Prov 12:17-19).

By speaking in this way they will bring pleasure to God and joy to themselves (Prov 12:20-22).

Good people will keep silent rather than display their knowledge, but they will always have a fitting word of encouragement or guidance for those who need it (Prov 12:23-26).

By contrast, the lazy will never get what they want, and may fall into the power of others (Prov 12:27-28).