Proverbs 12:5

Authorized King James Version

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The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

Original Language Analysis

מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת The thoughts H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת The thoughts
Strong's: H4284
Word #: 1 of 6
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
צַדִּיקִ֣ים of the righteous H6662
צַדִּיקִ֣ים of the righteous
Strong's: H6662
Word #: 2 of 6
just
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט are right H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט are right
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
תַּחְבֻּל֖וֹת but the counsels H8458
תַּחְבֻּל֖וֹת but the counsels
Strong's: H8458
Word #: 4 of 6
(only in plural) properly, steerage (as a management of ropes), i.e., (figuratively) guidance or (by implication) a plan
רְשָׁעִ֣ים of the wicked H7563
רְשָׁעִ֣ים of the wicked
Strong's: H7563
Word #: 5 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
מִרְמָֽה׃ are deceit H4820
מִרְמָֽה׃ are deceit
Strong's: H4820
Word #: 6 of 6
fraud

Analysis & Commentary

The thoughts of the righteous are right (mishpat - justice, judgment), but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Righteous internal thought-life is upright; wicked counsel is deceptive. This verse addresses both thinking and advising - the righteous think justly and counsel truly; the wicked think perversely and counsel falsely. Character determines both internal reasoning and external advice given to others.

Historical Context

Reflects wisdom tradition's emphasis on heart-level righteousness, not mere external conformity. Righteous thinking produces righteous counsel; corrupt thinking produces corrupt counsel.

Questions for Reflection

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