Proverbs 12:8

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about praise:

Proverbs 12:8 (ESV)

A man is commended according to his good sense,

but one of twisted mind is despised.

Proverbs 12:8 (NASV)

A man will be praised according to his insight,

But one of perverse mind will be despised.

Insight in the Hebrew means more than having knowledge of life or knowledge of people in life.   It means having prudence for the things of life. It is a knowledge that impacts our decision making and life choices.   In this proverb the first line is telling us that those who have, or possess, insight (the prudence to make the right decisions and the ability to convey that to others) will be given and offered praise.   The praise can come from man, both unsaved and saved men.  Or, the praise, by way of blessing, can come from God.   The second line contrasts the first and gives us more depth into what the word in "insight" in the first line means.   The second line is a contrasting parallelism and shows us the a "perverse mind" is in opposition to the insightful mind.  This is another way for us to know that having insight is not just about "knowing" something, but using the "knowledge" in an righteous application manner.   The "perverse mind" will be despised, while the "insightful" mind will be praised.   No one will praise those of perverse minds.   Praise is for those who offer insight that is righteous, meaningful and practical way.    God will take care of that.  This is exactly why Solomon wrote the proverbs.  Note:

Proverbs 1:2-6 (ESV Strong's)

2 To know wisdom and instruction,

to understand words of insight,

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,

in righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to give prudence to the simple,

knowledge and discretion to the youth—

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,

and the one who understands obtain guidance,

6 to understand a proverb and a saying,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

God gives insight as we fear Him.  The wicked does not fear Him and therefore, insight alludes him/her.