Proverbs 12:18-28

18 Some chatter on like a stabbing sword, but a wise tongue heals.

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but there is joy for those who advise peace.

21 No harm happens to the righteous, but the wicked receive their fill of trouble.

22 The LORD detests false lips; he favors those who do what is true.

23 The shrewd conceal their knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims their stupidity.

24 A hard worker is in charge, while a lazy one will be sentenced to hard labor.

25 Anxiety leads to depression, but a good word encourages.

26 The righteous offer guidance to their neighbors, but the path of the wicked makes them wander.

27 The lazy don't roast their prey, but hard workers receive precious riches.

28 The way of the righteous leads to life, but the detestable path leads to death.

Proverbs 12:18-28 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb uncertain
• [b]. Heb uncertain
• [c]. LXX; MT the path of the trail