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

PROVERBS 12:2KJV
truelightbible.com

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.