Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:2, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
American Standard Version
A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
World English Bible version
A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
Proverbs 12:2 Meaning & Commentary
A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns. Proverbs 12:2 (ESV)
Under the new covenant, we know that our right standing with God is based on our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Thus, when we see the book of Proverbs talking about a good man, or a righteous man, this is not referring to us “attaining” God’s favor outside of Christ. This is about us being in Christ Jesus, following God’s Word, His precepts, and His orders. In doing this, we will find ourselves walking in God’s favor and growing in it.
The Bible says that Jesus grew in his walk with God and increased in favor with both God and men: Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. The word “favor” used in Luke 2:52 is the Hebrew word “ratson,” which means goodwill, favor, acceptance, and will. When you favor something, you prefer it or choose it over something or someone else.
We could say, for example, that we prefer dark chocolate over white chocolate, which means that we would rather choose dark chocolate over white chocolate whenever we are presented with the opportunity. This is descriptive of God’s favor. We will find ourselves being preferred, chosen, favored, or preferred wherever we go.
The second part of Proverbs 12:2 tells us that a man of evil devices is condemned. Without Christ, we all stand condemned or guilty before God. The Bible makes this very clear: Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.
To come out from under condemnation and be free from the judgment of God, we need to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In doing so, we are immediately free in Christ Jesus and free from condemnation: Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:2 to our lives?
As we are positioned in Christ Jesus, we have the ability and the potential to walk in God’s favor. It, however, does not come into our lives automatically. We need to apply a few things to walk in God’s favor. One of the primary things we need to apply is obedience to God.
Jesus had to learn obedience: Hebrews 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. If we set our hearts to obey God and follow His Word, we will see favor and good success wherever we go: Deuteronomy 13:17-18 None of the devoted things shall stick to your hand, that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger and show you mercy and have compassion on you and multiply you, as he swore to your fathers, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping all his commandments that I am commanding you today, and doing what is right in the sight of the Lord your God.
We have God’s Word as a light and a guide to help us through life, and by being obedient to Him, we unlock His favor in our lives. Another key to unlocking God’s favor is faithfulness and love: Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
As we walk with God, love Him and others, and obey His Word, His favor will be unlocked in our lives. To come out from under condemnation, we need to call upon Jesus and turn to Him. If we do this, he will forgive us for our sins, heal our lives and restore us.
Prayer
Mighty God, I come to you now in Jesus’ name. I thank you that because of Jesus Christ, I have access to your favor. Help me to walk in complete obedience to you in every area of my life.
I pray that I would increase in favor with you and favor with men so that I can be a blessing to others. I ask that you wash me right now in the blood of Jesus once again, so that condemnation will be removed from my life. I pray and ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
