Proverbs 12:13-23

13 By the transgression of lips, evil is ensnared, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

14 From the fruit of the mouth of a man, he is filled with good, and the reward of {a man's labor} will return to him.

15 The way of a fool is upright in his [own] eyes, but he who listens to advice [is] wise.

16 As for a fool, {on that very day} he makes his anger known, but he who ignores an insult [is] prudent.

17 He who will speak truth will reveal righteousness, but the witness of falsehood, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 A lip of truth endures forever, but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit [is] in the heart of {those who plan} evil, but to {those who plan} peace, [there is] joy.

21 {No evil will happen} to the righteous, but the wicked are filled [with] trouble.

22 An abomination of Yahweh are lips of deceit, but they who act faithfully [are] his delight.

23 A clever person conceals knowledge, but the heart of a fool announces folly.

Proverbs 12:13-23 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 "the hands of a man"
• [b]. Literally "on the day"
• [c]. Or "mind"
• [d]. Literally "the planners of"
• [e]. Literally "the planners of"
• [f]. Literally "All evil will not happen"
• [g]. Or "mind"
• [h]. Hebrew "fools"