Have you ever said something you didn’t mean, and it hurt someone’s feelings? Proverbs 12 teaches us that our words and actions matter. Proverbs 12:6 says, “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” Have you ever heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? The truth is that words really do matter. They can either hurt someone or help someone. God wants us to use our words to encourage and build others up!

Proverbs 12 also talks about how wise people love to learn. It says that a person who loves instruction is wise. That means listening to teachers, parents, and leaders, even when it’s hard, is a smart thing to do. God gives us people who care about us to help us grow. When we listen and learn, we are becoming wise, just like God wants. Verse 10 reminds us that God made everything, including animals, and He wants us to treat all His creations with care. Taking care of pets or being gentle with animals is one way we can reflect God’s love and goodness. Remember that kindness is a big part of God’s wisdom.

Proverbs 12:28 says, “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.” This verse means that when we live the right way, doing what pleases God, we are choosing a life full of purpose, peace, and eternal hope. “Righteousness” means living in a way that follows God’s ways, and “immortality” reminds us that God offers us forever life with Him! God loves it when we make good choices, and He promises to help us when we try to do what’s right. It doesn’t mean everything will always go perfectly or that we won’t have hard days, but it does mean we won’t be alone. God is with us in every moment and helps us grow. When we follow His ways, we spread His goodness to the world around us. Choosing what’s right is like planting seeds that grow into something beautiful and full of life!