Proverbs 12:11-21

11 Those who work their land will have plenty of food, but the one who chases empty dreams is not wise.

12 The wicked want what other evil people have stolen, but good people want to give what they have to others.

13 Evil people are trapped by their evil talk, but good people stay out of trouble.

14 People will be rewarded for what they say, and they will also be rewarded for what they do.

15 Fools think they are doing right, but the wise listen to advice.

16 Fools quickly show that they are upset, but the wise ignore insults.

17 An honest witness tells the truth, but a dishonest witness tells lies.

18 Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.

19 Truth will continue forever, but lies are only for a moment.

20 Those who plan evil are full of lies, but those who plan peace are happy.

21 No harm comes to a good person, but an evil person's life is full of trouble.

Proverbs 12:11-21 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.