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

PROVERBS 12:2KJV
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Proverbs 12:2 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 12:2 mean?

Proverbs 12:2 says that a person who is good receives favor from the LORD, but someone who plans evil will be condemned by Him. The verse draws a clear line between the outcomes for those who live uprightly and those who scheme wickedness.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse highlights a basic principle: God notices people’s character and intentions, rewarding goodness and opposing those who plot harm. It is a reminder that actions and motives both matter to God.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 12:2

  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): This word often means more than just moral goodness; it can also imply someone who is beneficial, kind, or upright in character.
  • "obtaineth" (פּוּק, puq): This verb can mean to draw out or to secure, suggesting that favor from the LORD is something received as a result of one’s character.
  • "favour" (רָצוֹן, ratzon): This word means pleasure, delight, or goodwill, emphasizing that the LORD’s response to the good person is not just approval but a positive, gracious attitude.
  • "devices" (מְזִמָּה, mezimmah): This word refers to plans or schemes, especially those that are crafty or devious, highlighting that the condemnation is for intentional wrongdoing, not just accidental mistakes.
  • "condemn" (רָשַׁע, rasha): This verb means to declare guilty or to punish, making it clear that the LORD’s response to wicked scheming is active disapproval and judgment.

Why Proverbs 12:2 matters

  • Proverbs 12:2 clarifies that God’s favor is not random but is connected to a person’s character and intentions, not just outward actions.
  • The verse emphasizes that planning evil is not overlooked; even secret schemes are seen and judged by God, not just public deeds.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme where wisdom literature teaches that the moral order of the world is ultimately upheld by God, encouraging readers to value integrity over cunning.

Where else these words appear

“obtaineth” Hebrew H6329 · used in 7 verses

  • Psalms 140:8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
  • Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
  • Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

“devices” Hebrew H4209 · used in 19 verses

  • Job 21:27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
  • Psalms 139:20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
  • Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

“condemn” Hebrew H7561 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 22:9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
  • Job 9:29 If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
  • Psalms 37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

“favour” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.