Proverbs 12:3-13

3 If a man does what is evil, he can't become strong and steady. But if people do what is right, they can't be removed from the land.

4 A noble wife is her husband's crown. But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.

5 The plans of godly people are right. But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.

6 The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people's blood. But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.

7 Sinners are destroyed and taken away. But the houses of godly people stand firm.

8 A man is praised for how wise he is. But people hate those who have twisted minds.

9 Being nobody and having a servant is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.

10 Those who do what is right take good care of their animals. But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.

11 Anyone who farms his land will have plenty of food. But a person who chases dreams has no sense.

12 Those who do what is wrong want to steal from others. But those who do what is right bear good fruit because of their deep roots.

13 A sinner is trapped by his sinful talk. But a godly person escapes trouble.

Proverbs 12:3-13 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.