by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 26th of June, 2026

In this session, we will now look at Proverbs Chapter 12. This chapter produces a constant contrast between the Wise and the Foolish, and between the Righteous and the Wicked. 

Proverbs 12:9-10 – “Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, than he who honours himself and lacks bread.10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.”

In Verse 9, we have the wise man, who is content with his lot in life and with what God has given him. This verse describes a simple, ordinary man who is not considered to be anyone special in his community. He has enough for his own needs and can hire someone to help with his work. But he is not a wealthy man with many servants. He is happy and satisfied with his lot in life and does not care whether he is highly esteemed or admired by his neighbours.

The contrasting individual in this picture is a pretentious man who will spend whatever it takes to impress others, leading them to believe he is wealthy and important. The consequence of his wastefulness is that he does not have enough money left to meet his basic needs. He is consumed by the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Because he squanders what he has to create an image of wealth, he actually goes to bed hungry. He has all the trappings of success and wealth, all bought and paid for with his grocery money—or even worse, on credit. Although he may be looked up to in his community, his honour is built on sand. Eventually, his “empire” and prestige will collapse in shame.

We see here that the first man is wise, while the second is foolish. The wise do not need admiration to be happy. They live within their means and are content with their daily bread. The foolish crave others' approval and esteem and try to buy it at any cost. They pretend to be what they clearly are not.

The Apostle Paul advises us how to find the right balance in all of this. In Philippians 4:11-12, he says, 

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

In verse 10, our treatment of animals is shown to be an important issue that falls under God's consideration. Animals have all been created by God and are dear to Him. Years ago, there was an old saying that said people’s character is revealed by how they treat their animals. The righteous care for their animals, and the wicked are cruel to them.

The literal translation said that the righteous “knows the soul of his beast.” The idea is that a godly person is gentle with animals and concerned about their comfort, well-being, and quality of life. The animals in view here are not family pets but livestock and working animals that contribute to a person’s livelihood. These animals are God’s gifts to help provide for people’s needs. Godly people recognise that they are living creatures capable of feeling pain and experiencing suffering. 

Even though these animals may eventually end up on their tables, the righteous still consider their comfort and treat them kindly. They feed and water them adequately; they provide them with shade in summer and warmth in winter; they do not overwork them and include them in the Sabbath rest. They do not beat them or treat them cruelly in any way, nor do they allow them to suffer.

Wicked people are ruthless. They think nothing of beating or abusing an animal to gain more from it. Their consciences are numb. They are unaffected by the cruelty of failing to feed or water their animals adequately. Working their animals mercilessly, without proper rest, does not disturb them. They even torment animals for sport and laughs. Even their most humane acts are still cruel.

We should continually search our hearts to ensure we are not losing sight of what these verses are saying. Where is our life situated in relation to both of these contrasts? 

God bless you.