Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:7, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
American Standard Version
The wicked are overthrown, and are not; But the house of the righteous shall stand.
World English Bible version
The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
Proverbs 12:7 Meaning & Commentary
The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. Proverbs 12:7 (ESV)
Something cannot be overthrown when it is not in a place of influence or “power.” The reality is that sometimes in life, the wicked are in a position of influence or power.
When we speak about the wicked, we classify them as those who do not know or love God. The Bible says that if they are overthrown, they are no more. Why would The Bible say this? The wicked person has no other foundation to stand upon or fall back upon.
Think of a wicked ruler in the world; a president, a prime minister, or someone with influence and power. If they have no relationship with God, they have no roots or foundation in God, and their entire existence is wrapped up in their own “kingdom.” Thus, they have nothing to stand on when overthrown and their kingdom comes crashing down.
This is like the fool Jesus spoke of in His parable of the rich person who stored up many treasures to live comfortably, forgetting God through it all: Luke 12:20-12 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
This is very applicable to Proverbs 12:7. Nothing in this life is guaranteed, and the life to come awaits us. This life on earth is temporary and for a moment in the grand scheme of it all: James 4:14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Anything and everything can be shaken or overthrown, except for the “house” of the righteous. Why?, Because it is founded on that which cannot be shaken, nor changed – God: Hebrews 12:18 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 12:7 to our lives?
As Jesus said in one of his parables, we must build our house upon the rock. Matthew 7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
The person who built his house upon the rock had a firm foundation, could stand strong and remained standing after life’s challenges and tests. The “house” of the righteous describes our lives, not our physical dwelling place where we live or sleep.
Whatever we set our hands to, we need to evaluate it and ask ourselves if it is something God has called us to and asked us to do or if we just decided to do it out of our own will. We need to keep our lives ordered and keep the main priorities what they should be: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
When we make God the center of our lives and focus on Him, everything else that we need is added to us by God. As believers, we should never need to strive or try in our strength and wisdom to build our own houses and provide for ourselves. God has laid forth wisdom and principles in His Word.
When we follow His Word and guidelines, making Him the center of our lives, we can expect His hand and blessing on our lives: Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Building outside of God is futile and can be wiped out at any moment. Even if it does not, what will we have when our soul is required of us?
Prayer
Mighty God, I only desire to build what you have asked of me. Let everything that I build be founded on Your Word and Your principles. I pray and ask that you show me where I may have gone astray and not put you first.
Father, help me walk in Wisdom so I can be effective in whatever I do. Please guide and lead me all the days of my life. I ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
