Proverbs 12:12, Works of Darkness or Fruits of Light
June 11, Proverbs 12:12
Gal. 5:16-22; Eph. 5:6-16 “Now ye rejoice in your boastings; all such rejoicing is evil” (Jas. 4:16).
Works of Darkness or Fruits of Light
This is a difficult proverb that requires some probing to come at its message. In what ways do the wicked desire the net of evil men? Is the contrast similar to what we find in St. Paul? Does it distinguish the works of the flesh from the fruit of the Spirit, and the unfruitful works of darkness from the fruit of light?
1. A Deceptive Evil: The net is used in hunting for one’s victim. Job, however, uses this net of God, when he cried, Know now that God has overthrown me, and has compassed me with his net (16:6). David also said, Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins (Ps.66:11). God uses the net to discipline and correct His wayward people. Thus, this proverb may refer to the judgment that must await the wicked. They think they are home free from detection by man, but they will not escape the net of God! Charles Bridges takes a different view of it. He says that man is restless to press onward for something new. Derek Kidner titles this, Fascination of the forbidden. Sometimes when wicked men see other wicked men become more successful than they are, they covet the net that made them rich! It seems to suggest the lust for gold, however obtained, in contrast to honest means. The wicked find out the methods (the net) of the evil so that they can use them, and thereby gather in more of the gold they covet (1 Tm. 6:10). They are envious of others’ gains, won by whatever means. This word net may mean a fortress (marg.). Rich, evil men, seem secure in their deceptive schemes. They get away with murder, as we say! Even today it seems there is one law for the rich and another for the poor! How enticing it is to profit from one’s evil deeds, and at the same time think oneself safe in a fortress! Today it seems evil is only wrong when one is found out.
2. A Demonstrative Good: The root of the righteous yields (gives) fruit. “There is perhaps an intended contrast between the restless and often fruitless activity of the hunter with his net, and the calm, steadfast fruit-bearing, as by a natural process, of the firmly-rooted tree” (Perowne). The change of figure from the net to the tree is quite in keeping with Hebrew tendency to mix metaphors. We readily recall the blessed man of Psalm 1. There the righteous flourish like fruitful trees, but the wicked, are not, as we might have expected, a withered, barren tree, but chaff driven away, blowing in the wind. Are not even Christians sometimes envious of the millionaire, and think their lot would be better if they too were as rich. We may also apply the idea of the fortress here giving us a picture of the wicked crowding into it for protection, with people like themselves. Note how in the next verse snare corresponds to net in verse 12. The refuge of the righteous man, however, is in his own integrity. Righteousness is strong in its own strength. It does not have to stoop to doubtful deeds, for it is rooted in the good. This root gives all that is needful, and also to share with others. It shall never fail (v.3) because fixed in God, and is more secure than the spoils or fortress of the wicked.
Thought: The right way to succeed is to keep close to God and trust in Him.
Prayer: Keep me, Lord, by the rivers of water to bring forth fruit for Thee.