by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 10th of July, 2026

In this session, we will continue to examine Proverbs Chapter 12. This chapter presents a constant contrast between the Wise and the Foolish, and between the Righteous and the Wicked. 

Proverbs 12:14-16 – “A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. 16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonour.”

In Verse 14, we learn that both our speech and actions carry consequences, and that we can only expect God’s blessing if we speak and act in ways that bring Him glory. 

Whatever we have been feeding on comes out as we engage with others. This also comes back to us. If we have been producing good fruit, we will be rewarded, as it will return to us, bringing life with it. If not, we will suffer loss. The concept that the LORD repays the doer of good deeds is expressed through the powerful business metaphor in Chapter 19:17, which says, “The LORD lends to him who helps the poor, and he repays him for his deed.”

It is interesting to note that words can be as valuable and fruitful as work. Whereas sinful words can cause serious trouble, good words can richly reward people in every area of life. People who speak pure, holy words are blessed by God. Those who speak kind, encouraging words are loved and befriended by many. 

In the workplace or in any other organisation, people who tell the truth are trusted and promoted. Those who give wise advice are appreciated and respected. And sharing the gospel with the lost pays eternal dividends. As surely as hard work pays off, so do pure, profitable words.

Verse 15 makes the point that a wise person recognises their need for counsel, whereas the foolish are convinced they have no need of it because, in their own eyes, they are right. No one can tell them anything. 

We must all realise that our own perspective may be biased, and that it will take someone else to point this out to us, because we cannot see it for ourselves. We should value and appreciate the insight of others, especially from godly, wise people and those who are educated and experienced in particular subjects.

There is a very humorous saying about this from New Zealand culture. It says it is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt! This Proverb endorses that by saying that a fool gives himself away as soon as he opens his mouth.

Verse 17 makes the point that the wise control their emotions and keep their lips sealed when they are upset or offended. Instead of quickly unleashing their anger and aggression on those who offend or insult them, the wise conceal their emotions. They avoid the reproach that comes from losing their temper. Uncontrolled anger is a mark of a foolish person. It frequently produces greater disturbance and deeper offence. The wise wait until their emotions have stabilised before responding. As a result, they often find that the best response is no response at all. Once angry words leave our mouths, they cannot be taken back and rarely produce any fruit that glorifies God. 

God bless

Bruce Billington