Proverbs 12:18-28

18 There is one who speaks rashly,^[a] like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise [brings] healing.

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

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.^[b]

21 No disaster [overcomes] the righteous, but the wicked are full of misery.

22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are His delight.^[c]

23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.^[d]

24 The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.^[e]

25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.^[f]

26 A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor,^[g] but the ways of wicked men lead them astray.^[h]

27 A lazy man doesn't roast his game,^[i] but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.^[j]

28 There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.^{[k] [l]}

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]. Lv 5:4
• [b]. Pr 14:22
• [c]. Pr 3:32; 11:20; 15:8-9, 26
• [d]. Pr 11:13; 12:16
• [e]. Pr 10:4; 13:4; 19:15
• [f]. Pr 16:24; Ps 94:19; Mt 6:25-34
• [g]. Or man guides his neighbor
• [h]. Pr 14:22
• [i]. Pr 19:15,24; 26:15
• [j]. Pr 10:4; 13:4
• [k]. Or righteousness, and in its path there is no death
• [l]. Pr 10:2; 13:14; 14:27