Proverbs 12:14-24

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the words of his mouth, and the work of a man's hands will reward him.^[a]

15 A fool's way is right in his own eyes,^[b] but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

16 A fool's displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.^[c]

17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness, deceit.^[d]

18 There is one who speaks rashly,^[e] like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise [brings] healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.^[f]

21 No disaster [overcomes] the righteous, but the wicked are full of misery.

22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are His delight.^[g]

23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.^[h]

24 The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.^[i]

Proverbs 12:14-24 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]. Pr 1:31; 18:20; 28:19
• [b]. Pr 16:2; 21:2
• [c]. Pr 11:13; 12:23; 17:9
• [d]. Pr 6:19; 14:5,25
• [e]. Lv 5:4
• [f]. Pr 14:22
• [g]. Pr 3:32; 11:20; 15:8-9, 26
• [h]. Pr 11:13; 12:16
• [i]. Pr 10:4; 13:4; 19:15