Proverbs 12:16-26

16 A fool’s wrath is presently known, but he who covers the injury is sane.

17 He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.

18 There are those that speak like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is medicine.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those whose thoughts are evil, but joy in that of those whose thoughts are good.

21 No iniquity shall overtake the righteous: but the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but the workers of the truth are his delight.

23 The sane man conceals his wisdom: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the negligent shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous causes his neighbour to consider: but the way of the wicked causes them to err.

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.