Proverbs 12:10-20

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:10-20 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]. Literally heart