Proverbs 12:5-15

5 The thoughts of the righteous judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.

6 The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.

8 The mouth of an understanding is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.

9 Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.

10 A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.

11 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.

12 The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.

13 For the sin of lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.

14 The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.

15 The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.

Proverbs 12:5-15 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.