What does Proverbs 22:12 mean?

Other proverbs point out that following God's truth, in wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 8:34–36), gives a person better likelihood of success. Those who follows what is true and good are much less likely to experience the disasters invited by foolishness and sin. In that sense, God's protective power is expressed through truth and knowledge. A person who is dishonest or deceptive, however, is acting directly contrary to those principles. As God is a God of truth (John 16:13), only that which is true will last, while lies will eventually be found out (1 Corinthians 3:13; Matthew 12:36; Luke 12:2).

This does not mean God guarantees perfect protection to truth seekers. Sometimes, God even permits challenging situations to prove the genuineness of the believer's faith and to strengthen their character. James writes: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2–4).

In the previous verse Solomon commended gracious words (Proverbs 22:11), but here he reiterates that the Lord despises deceitful, dishonest things. Words can either build up the hearers or hurt them. Colossians 4:6 exhorts believers: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."