Proverbs 12:10-20

10 The righteous is merciful even unto his beast, but the piety of the wicked is cruel.

11 He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desires the net of evil men, but the root of the righteous shall yield fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of the tribulation.

14 Man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hears counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s wrath is presently known, but he who covers the injury is sane.

17 He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.

18 There are those that speak like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is medicine.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those whose thoughts are evil, but joy in that of those whose thoughts are good.

Proverbs 12:10-20 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.