Proverbs 12:1-12

1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3 A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood," But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

Proverbs 12:1-12 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]. Literally A wife of valor
• [b]. Literally heart