Proverbs 12:17-27

17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness speaks deceitfully.

18 Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

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

20 Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

21 No harm happens to the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

23 One who is clever conceals knowledge, but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.

26 The righteous gives good advice to friends, but the way of the wicked leads astray.

27 The lazy do not roast their game, but the diligent obtain precious wealth.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb [the heart of fools]
• [b]. Syr: Meaning of Heb uncertain
• [c]. Meaning of Heb uncertain
• [d]. Meaning of Heb uncertain