Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 22:12 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The LORD’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. "
Proverbs 22:12
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.
12 The LORD’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.
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Here we see, first, the special care God takes to preserve knowledge. That means he keeps true religion alive in the world by preserving people’s knowledge of himself and of right and wrong, even though human beings are corrupt and Satan works hard to blind people’s minds and keep them in ignorance. It is a striking display of the power and goodness of the Lord’s eyes, that is, his watchful care and providence. He preserves people of knowledge, wise and good people (2 Chronicles 16:9), especially faithful witnesses who speak honestly about what they know. God protects such people and gives success to their plans. By his grace, he keeps knowledge alive in them and secures his own work and interest through them. See (Proverbs 2:7), (Proverbs 2:8).
Second, we see the just punishment God brings on those who speak and act against knowledge, and against the spread of knowledge and religion in the world. He overturns the words of the sinner and preserves knowledge despite him. He frustrates all the plans and schemes of false and treacherous people, and turns them back on their own heads.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 22:1
"A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold."
Proverbs 22:2
"The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is the maker of them all."
Proverbs 22:3
"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."
Proverbs 22:4
"The result of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honor, and life."
Proverbs 22:5
"Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them."
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
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