Proverbs 12:5-15

5 The thoughts of the righteous [are] just, but guidance from the wicked [leads to] deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.^[a]

8 A man is praised for his insight, but a twisted mind is despised.

9 Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant, than to act important but have no food.^[b]

10 A righteous man cares about his animal's health,^[c] but [even] the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.^[d]

12 The wicked desire what evil men have,^[e] but the root of the righteous produces [fruit].

13 An evil man is trapped by [his] rebellious speech,^[f] but the righteous escapes from trouble.^[g]

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the words of his mouth, and the work of a man's hands will reward him.^[h]

15 A fool's way is right in his own eyes,^[i] but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

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.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 10:25; Ps 103:17-18; Mt 7:24-27
• [b] Pr 11:24; 13:7
• [c] Pr 27:23
• [d] Pr 28:19
• [e] Or desire a stronghold of evil
• [f] Pr 10:14; 13:3; 18:7
• [g] Pr 21:23; 29:6
• [h] Pr 1:31; 18:20; 28:19
• [i] Pr 16:2; 21:2