Proverbs 12:2 My Source
A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. Proverbs12:2NKJV
Preface thoughts: If one has spent much time in the church, it’s easy to read Bible verses like this through the lens that God is constantly watching to judge me as good or wicked. That sentiment, or any even remotely associated, would be missing the lesson. His profound love and grace expressed in Jesus Christ may be found in these wonderful lessons offered by Solomon. The one whose heart is inclined toward Him wouldn’t be meditating long, if at all, on these words.
Solomon again draws a contrast, and surprisingly it is not between good or wicked, but rather between their origins. What is a good man except that he is a reflection of the goodness, justice, and mercy of our Heavenly Father? It doesn’t come from within myself. Everything I have, everything that makes me what I am, is only because of extraordinary favor or grace from God. Which reminds me of the age old question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” From God, favor comes first, then comes me “being good.” It’s no surprise that one begets the other which begets the other. Favor, goodness, more favor, more goodness, rinse, repeat. Which exposes me to a marvelous promise: when my heart is inclined toward good, I pursue those activities that qualify me as good, which then result in even more favor. There is a multiplication of both good and favor.
Goodness and favor are contrasted with “wicked intentions.” The Hebrew word is used elsewhere to mean: wicked device, witty invention, mischievous device, from zamam; a plan, usually evil. They refer to schemes, plans or cleverness that serves myself. Planning is not bad. Cleverness is not bad. But motive matters. When my heart is focused inwardly on me, it is not operating from grace, which comes from someplace else. It is when my heart and soul operate in a vacuum with the narrow focus of me, me, me, that I create “wicked intentions” without even realizing it.
This proverb juxtaposes two trees which draw water from two different sources. One drinks from the flow of grace and goodness, freely given. The other draws from the flow of self-service and self-advancement. What is ironic is that ingenuity and creativity do not need to be from a motive of “wicked intention.” They are useful in life. Yet, the reservoir from which I draw to sustain my life matters. Is it from grace or self advancement? I don’t need to plan or scheme for my good, especially at the expense of others. Yet now, from me may flow the very good that I observe and have become. Spending myself for others that God loves is … good.
Favor and goodness come from a listening heart.
My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Proverbs3:1, 3-4NASB