Proverbs 12:21-28

21 No harm comes to godly people. But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.

22 The LORD hates those whose lips tell lies. But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.

23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves. But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.

24 Hands that work hard will rule. But people who don't want to work will become slaves.

25 Worry makes a man's heart heavy. But a kind word cheers him up.

26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose. But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.

27 Anyone who refuses to work doesn't even cook what he catches. But a man who works hard values what he has.

28 There is life in doing what is right. Along that path you will never die.

Proverbs 12:21-28 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.