Proverbs 12:1-9

1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.[a]
2 The good obtain favor from the Lord, but He condemns a man who schemes.[b]
3 Man cannot be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable.[c]
4 A capable wife[d] is her husband's crown,[e] but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.[f]
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are] just, but guidance from the wicked [leads to] deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.[g]
8 A man is praised for his insight, but a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant, than to act important but have no food.[h]

Proverbs 12:1-9 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 8

  • [a]. Pr 3:11; 5:11-13; 15:5,31-32
  • [b]. Pr 14:17; 24:8
  • [c]. Pr 10:30; Ps 16:8; 21:7
  • [d]. Or A wife of quality, or A wife of good character
  • [e]. Pr 18:22; 19:14; 31:10
  • [f]. Pr 14:30
  • [g]. Pr 10:25; Ps 103:17-18; Mt 7:24-27
  • [h]. Pr 11:24; 13:7
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.