Question 1

What does “whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line shows that real love for knowledge is seen in how we handle correction. To “love instruction” is to welcome teaching, even when it points out our faults. A person who listens to wise reproof wants to grow and understand God’s ways better. The one who hates reproof is called brutish, like an unthinking animal that cannot be guided. This verse presses us to ask: when someone corrects me with truth, do I get angry and shut down, or do I listen, pray, and change?

Question 2

Why does the passage say a good man gains favour from the Lord?

Accepted Answer

When it says a good man obtains favour from the Lord, it shows that God is not distant from daily life. A good person is someone shaped by God’s grace, who trusts him and walks uprightly. Such a life is pleasing to God, and he gives help and blessing in his time. On the other hand, a person who plans evil and lives by schemes will be condemned by God, even if they seem to succeed for a while. The verse reminds us that God’s approval matters more than human praise.

Question 3

What is meant by a virtuous woman being a crown to her husband?

Accepted Answer

Calling a virtuous woman a crown to her husband pictures her as an honor and joy to him. Her character, faith, and steady work bring strength and beauty to the home, like a crown on a head. She supports what is right, not dragging him into shame. The second half of the verse warns that a wife who acts in a way that brings disgrace is like rottenness in his bones, causing pain and weakening him. This shows how strongly a godly or ungodly life in the home affects those closest to us.

Question 4

How does this passage describe the power of words for good or evil?

Accepted Answer

These sayings talk a lot about the tongue. The words of the wicked are pictured as lying in wait for blood, aimed to harm and trap others, and a lying tongue is said to last only a moment. By contrast, the mouth of the upright delivers, the tongue of the wise is health, and truthful lips are established forever. One verse says some speech is like sword thrusts, while wise words bring healing. Together this shows our speech can either destroy or rescue, so God calls his people to truth, gentleness, and peace-making words.

Question 5

What does it mean that a righteous man cares for the life of his beast?

Accepted Answer

This line shows that righteousness reaches even into how a person treats animals. A righteous person sees the animal that serves him as a life to be cared for, not just a tool to be used and thrown away. He feeds it, rests it, and does not abuse it. In contrast, even the “tender mercies” of the wicked are called cruel, meaning that even when they seem gentle, harshness often lies underneath. This verse teaches that a soft, kind heart will show itself not only toward people but even toward animals.

Question 6

How does the chapter contrast diligence and laziness?

Accepted Answer

Several sayings here deal with work. One says that the one who tills his land will have bread, but the person who follows empty, vain people has no understanding. Another speaks of the hand of the diligent ruling, while the slothful end up under forced labor. The lazy hunter who does not even roast what he caught shows wasted effort and careless living, while the diligent see what they have as precious and use it well. Altogether, the chapter commends steady, honest work and warns that laziness leads to lack and shame.

Question 7

Why does it say the way of a fool is right in his own eyes?

Accepted Answer

This verse exposes a common problem: a foolish person is sure they are right and sees no need to listen. They trust their own thoughts so much that they dismiss the advice of others. In contrast, the wise person listens to counsel. This does not mean being tossed about by every opinion, but being humble enough to hear correction and weigh it before God. The verse pushes us to check our hearts. Do we always assume we are right, or do we invite godly input and be willing to change course?

Question 8

What comfort does this passage give to those who are weighed down?

Accepted Answer

One saying says that heaviness in the heart makes it stoop, but a good word makes it glad. It recognizes that worry, sorrow, and fear can bend a person low, like a heavy load on the back. Into that picture, it brings hope: a kind, truthful, encouraging word can lift the heart again. This points to the value of speaking comfort to others and also of hearing God’s good words to us. In a chapter full of warnings, this line shows that wise and gentle speech can bring real relief to a troubled heart.

Question 9

What does this chapter teach about God’s view of truth and lies?

Accepted Answer

The sayings here are very clear about lying. Lying lips are called an abomination to the Lord, which means he hates falsehood. Deceit comes from hearts that plan evil, and lies are linked to harm and short-lived success. In contrast, those who deal truly are God’s delight, and truthful lips are said to be established forever. God loves honesty because it reflects his own faithful character. This teaches that following God means turning from deceit in every form and choosing open, reliable, and trustworthy speech.

Proverbs 12:1

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Loving Discipline and Knowledge

Loving Discipline and Knowledge

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Proverbs 12:1

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

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Loving Discipline and Knowledge

Loving Discipline and Knowledge

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