Proverbs 12:16-26

16 A fool's anger is known at once, but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings.

17 He who tells the truth furthers justice, but a false witness furthers deceit.

18 Idle talk can pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise can heal.

19 Truthful words will stand forever, lying speech but a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but for those advising peace there is joy.

21 No harm can come to the righteous, but the wicked are overwhelmed with disaster.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to ADONAI, but those who deal faithfully are his delight.

23 A cautious person conceals knowledge, but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.

24 The diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in a person's heart weighs him down, but a kind word cheers him up.

26 The righteous guides his friend's way rightly, but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.

Proverbs 12:16-26 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.