Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 29:12 - 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
" If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked. "
Proverbs 29:12
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
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It is a serious sin in anyone, and especially in rulers, to listen to lies. When people believe lies, they do more than form wrong judgments about people and events. They also encourage others to keep bringing false reports. Lies will be told to those who are willing to hear them, and the one who listens is as guilty as the one who steals.
Those who do this will end up with servants who are all wicked in practice or in reputation. Some will seem wicked because false charges are told about them. Others will be wicked because they learn to lie to their masters. Everyone who has the ruler’s ear will fill it with slander, false descriptions, and misleading reports.
So if princes, and people in authority, choose to be deceived, they will be deceived. They should not lay all the blame on their servants who gave the bad information. A great share of the guilt belongs to the rulers themselves, because they welcomed such falsehoods and gave them attention.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy."
Proverbs 29:2
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:3
"Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth."
Proverbs 29:4
"The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down."
Proverbs 29:5
"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."
Proverbs 29:6
"An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad."
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