Proverbs 12:1-3, 28 (ESV)

[1] Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

[2] A good man obtains favor from the LORD,

but a man of evil devices he condemns.

[3] No one is established by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

[28]  In the path of righteousness is life,

and in its pathway there is no death.

Proverbs 12 contrasts the righteous and the wicked. The characteristics of the righteous person are many. They accept criticism. They have a good work ethic and are not lazy. They treat their animals well. They are just, humble, and honest. They honor their spouse. They are satisfied with what they have. The list goes on, but there are three characteristics that particularly caught my eye.

First, the righteous love discipline (Prov 12:1). Nobody loves discipline, but we can learn to appreciate it. As believers, we need to stop taking offence when we are corrected, or when fault is pointed out in our lives. We need to humbly recognize that we have not yet arrived. We need to accept the fact that we are not infallible. We need to be quick to accept discipline rather than being quick to explain ourselves or look for excuses. We need to learn to love discipline.

Second, the righteous ignore an insult (Prov 12:16). Insults weigh on us. They steal our attention and our joy. We feel the need to defend ourselves. We want to lash out in retaliation. We feel justified in remembering, and even pointing out, all the things wrong with the one insulting us. Insults are not deserved, at least not usually. We need to ask ourselves first, “Is there a kernel of truth in this insult?” If so, we need to repent and confess, then we need to let it go. Jesus did not defend himself against unbelievable accusations and insults. The righteous ignore insults and go on with life. The recognize that the real problem is not with them, but with the one throwing the insult. They have learned to listen with the same grace and mercy that God has shown them, and that Jesus expressed in his trial.

Third, the righteous reduce anxiety in others (Prov 12:25). Our natural tendency is to get caught up in the anxiety of others, or to react to it. The righteous have learned to reduce anxiety in others. The righteous have learned to listen and to speak with grace and peace. It is so easy to react to the anxiety of others. Anxiety in a room spreads like a wild fire on a dry prairie. One person who can maintain a non-anxious presence in an anxious system is like a rain shower on a fire. The flames are reduced, the heat dissipates, and rational thought returns to the room. The righteous reduce anxiety in others.

This chapter talks about the righteous. It is describing the emotionally healthy individuals who can accept criticism and discipline, ignore insults, and remain non-anxious when the heat of anxiety begins to rise in the room. This is the kind of person I pray that I will be every day. Sometimes, I actually get close. Today, join me in that prayer.