12:1 To love instruction is to happily learn new techniques and perspectives in order to become better, stronger and wiser in such a changeable life. It would be foolish not to encourage our own personal growth as we would stunt and block new opportunities from ourselves.
12:2 It's prudent for us to live with the intention of obtaining favor from God; for God's favor lets us know that we are living with righteousness and compassion. Works done through evil intentions are condemned by God; therefore we must be careful not to live selfishly, greedily or angrily.
12:3 We are secure when we build our lives on a firm foundation of righteousness, honesty, peace and honor; but deception and crookedness causes instability and rootlessness. We need so foster strong, authentic relationships and do good, honest work in order to be permanently established in good places.
12:4 It's good to be responsible and honorable in all relationships; when one does so, one is a treasure to their spouse, family member or friend. But a dishonorable, unkind person is a toxin to the health of the people around them. We must be aware that our temperament affects others' emotions and effects the quality of others' lives.
12:5-6 The plans of the righteous are more successful than plots of the wicked. God will always assist people who do good for others' benefit. But selfish, corrupt pursuits will be challenged at every turn for they go against the current of life.
12:7 The Kingdom of God will stand eternally for it is made up of the righteous, but the wicked are running toward their end.
12:8 People who are wise are respected, but the perverse are despised. Endeavor to be respectful in all situations for disrespectful behavior is despicable to the whole.
12:9 It is better to be humble and financially comfortable than to be arrogant and boastful with nothing.
12:10 A righteous person respects all forms of life.
12:11 Those who work hard and live productively will be satisfied with the fruit of their labor; but lazy, frivolous behavior will cause one to lack, especially wisdom.
12:12-13 The wicked seek to capture and destroy. Righteous people seek freedom and growth. Righteous people are like their God, proliferates of kindness. An honorable life and reputation will protect a righteous person but evil actions create a snare.
12:14 We reap what we sow! When we do good we cause good things to come back to us; but when we cause harm, we poison the quality of our own lives.
12:15 We cannot make our own rules for life. It is wise to heed God's counsel because He is objective and fair in a way that we cannot possible achieve on our own.
12:16 It is better to be quiet and thoughtful than to react immediately and irrationally.
12:17-22 Righteousness is truth; it is the way God has designed the earth and intended for humanity to be. God establishes the righteous and the truthful forever; for righteousness promotes the health of the individual and the whole. The righteous are protected by God and their efforts for peace bring them continual joy. For the righteous pursue justice and resolution rather than disparity and contempt. But lies, wickedness and destruction have been condemned by God.
12:23 A wise person is reserved and contemplative rather than loud and boastful. A wise person understands the importance of listening and observing rather than speaking and missing important things and new lessons.
12:24 A diligent person progressively uses their mind rather than their body to work. But a foolish person cannot ascend and their work remains base level.
12:25 Anxiety allowed space in one's mind leads to depression but a good word or righteous act can heal anxiety's snare. That is why we turn to God's good word; He is a balm to our fears.
12:26 We must be selective in deciding who to spend most of our quality time with. Humans are easily influenced; we adopt the behavior, perspective and attitude of the people around us. We have to choose people who will draw and inspire the best out of us. It is not productive for us to be around people who do not gently challenge us to be better.
12:27 Lazy people do not take sufficient or timely action when they have an opportunity. But the diligence of the productive is their most precious asset, causing them to grow, gain and achieve steadily.
12:28 God has established righteousness as our source of, and avenue toward eternal life. Though we move from earth, we inherit life through our righteous acts done here.
