Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:8, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
American Standard Version
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
World English Bible version
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
Proverbs 12:8 Meaning & Commentary
A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. Proverbs 12:8 (ESV)
This Proverb seems to state the obvious. A person with good sense, understanding, or common sense, as we call it, is commended. Even a wicked person or someone lacking common sense can see another person practicing common sense and commend them.
This is an interesting observation because it shows that when people do foolish things, they likely know it is foolish. The Bible commands us to be “sober-minded” in The New Testament: 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
As Christians, there is sometimes a tendency to get too Spiritual about many things, but it is often a “sober mind” or “good sense” that is needed.
The second part of Proverbs 12:8 says that someone with a twisted mind is despised. This can also be translated as a perverse mind. This is someone whose thinking is “skewed” or “off.” Their mindset is wrong, and they lack common sense in the basics. Such a person will be “despised.” This could also be translated as they will be held in contempt, looked down upon, or laughed at. There is nothing to be modeled from a person of a twisted mind. In fact, we can learn what “not to do” in many cases.
Good sense and a twisted mind are opposites, and whatever fruit this produces is evident. It is not always clear to spot or recognize good sense or a twisted mind immediately. However, we can see the fruit in people’s lives and recognize what is on the inside.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:8 to our lives?
We need to guard our hearts and minds, which we do in a few different ways. Firstly, when we receive God’s peace into our lives, it guards our hearts and minds: Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Fear does the opposite of peace. It causes us to be troubled and afraid. Jesus commanded us to fear not, but to trust in God: John 14:1 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. We see the contrast between fear and a sound mind clearly in Paul’s letter to his disciple, Timothy in The New Testament: 1 Timothy 4:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
If we allow fear into our lives, that is when it can displace “a sound mind.” The Bible commands us to watch what we focus our minds and attention on: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. By setting our minds on pure and noble things, God’s peace will be with us.
In the very next verse, Paul says that if we do those things he is teaching us, God’s peace will be with us: Philippians 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. You will never see a person with a twisted mind who has peace.
A sober mind accompanies peace, while trouble, anguish, and anxiety accompany a twisted mind. As we set our minds on God, His Word, and everything good and noble, God’s peace will be our portion and a sound mind!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You that as we set our hearts and minds on You, peace will guard our lives. Thank You that you have given me a sound mind, not a spirit of fear, as Your Word says.
Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you as Lord of my life. Where I may have taken my eyes off you and allowed doubt and skewed thinking into my life, please help me recognize it so I can refocus today. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
