Proverbs 12:14-24

14 One person enjoys good things as a result of his speaking ability. Another is paid according to what his hands have accomplished.

15 A stubborn fool considers his own way the right one, but a person who listens to advice is wise.

16 When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately, but a sensible person hides the insult.

17 A truthful witness speaks honestly, but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.

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

19 The word of truth lasts forever, but lies last only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

21 No [lasting] harm comes to a righteous person, but wicked people have lots of trouble.

22 Lips that lie are disgusting to the LORD, but honest people are his delight.

23 A sensible person [discreetly] hides knowledge, but foolish minds preach stupidity.

24 Hard-working hands gain control, but lazy hands do slave labor.

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.