Proverbs 12:12 Commentary and Bible Study

The wicked see what other evil men have obtained and think only of how they can get the same things for themselves; they set their eyes on the end and care little about the means. Never mind that these things are gained by lies, trickery, fraud, betrayal, cruelty, murder; they are not worried by this, for when Solomon says that they covet the net of evil men, he means that they desire this by all the same evil means that evil men are prepared to use. The word net is used as a metonym for all that is taken in the net. As the hunter uses cunning to catch his prey in the net, so the spoils of the wicked are obtained by skilful use of evil means. Is there some scam which men could use to add to their wage packet – some dishonest reporting of time or results? Do they dishonestly add to their expense claims? Do they hide their earning from the tax man? All their friends want to know the details so they can do the same. But the righteous are afraid to do the same. They fear God and love integrity more than gain. They want to have God with them in all they do, and walk close to him. Nor are they short of their own good things. They have the root of a new nature created by God in their hearts, and it is a strong plant that bears much fruit. But any attempt to harm the root of righteousness will harm it and destroy its fruit. The righteous are therefore careful not to allow any of the practices of the wicked to mingle with their own.