Proverbs 12:17-27

17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who 1speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the 2tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a 3lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.
21 4No * harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 5Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.
23 A 6prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be 7put to forced labor.
25 8Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a 9good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 A lazy man does not roast his prey, But the 10precious possession of a man is diligence.

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Proverbs 12:17-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KING 2

This chapter gives an account of the charge David gave to his son Solomon, a little before his death, to walk in the ways of the Lord, 1Ki 2:1-4; and of some instructions delivered to him concerning some particular persons he should either show favour to, or execute justice on, 1Ki 2:5-9; and the next account in it is concerning his death and burial, and the years of his reign, 1Ki 2:10,11; after which it relates an address of Bathsheba to Solomon in favour of Adonijah, which was refused, and the issue of it was his death, 1Ki 2:12-25; and the deposition of Abiathar from the priesthood, 1Ki 2:26,27; and the putting of Joab to death for his treason and murders, 1Ki 2:28-34; in whose post Benaiah was put, as Zadok was in the place of Abiathar, 1Ki 2:35; and lastly the confinement of Shimei in Jerusalem, who had cursed David, 1Ki 2:36-38; who upon transgressing the orders given him was put to death, 1Ki 2:39-46.

Cross References 10

  • 1. Psalms 57:4
  • 2. Proverbs 4:22; Proverbs 15:4
  • 3. Psalms 52:4, 5; Proverbs 19:9
  • 4. Psalms 91:10; Psalms 121:7; Proverbs 1:33; 1 Peter 3:13
  • 5. Revelation 22:15
  • 6. Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 15:2; Proverbs 29:11
  • 7. Genesis 49:15; Judges 1:28; 1 Kings 9:21
  • 8. Proverbs 15:13
  • 9. Isaiah 50:4
  • 10. Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 13:4

Footnotes 4

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