Proverbs 12:11-21

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that pursueth idleness is very foolish.

12 He that is delighted in passing his time over wine, leaveth a reproach in his strong holds. The desire of the wicked is the fortification of evil men: but the root of the just shall prosper.

13 For the sins of the lips ruin draweth nigh to the evil man: but the just shall escape out of distress.

14 By the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with good things, and according to the works of his hands it shall be repaid him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsels.

16 A fool immediately sheweth his anger: but he that dissembleth injuries is wise.

17 He that speaketh that which he knoweth, sheweth forth justice: but he that lieth, is a deceitful witness.

18 There is that promiseth, and is pricked as it were with a sword of conscience: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be steadfast for ever: but he that is a hasty witness, frameth a lying tongue.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that think evil things: but joy followeth them that take counsels of peace.

21 Whatsoever shall befall the just man, shall not make him sad: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

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.