Proverbs 12:15-22

15 The ¹way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

16 A ²fool's anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who ³speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the ⁴tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a ⁵lying tongue is only for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

21 ⁶No * harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 ⁷Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12:15-22 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.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2
• 2. Proverbs 14:33; Proverbs 27:3; Proverbs 29:11
• 3. Psalms 57:4
• 4. Proverbs 4:22; Proverbs 15:4
• 5. Psalms 52:4, 5; Proverbs 19:9
• 6. Psalms 91:10; Psalms 121:7; Proverbs 1:33; 1 Peter 3:13
• 7. Revelation 22:15

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "breathes"