Proverbs 12:16-26

16 A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

17 A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.

18 Some wound as they speak, swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.

19 True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.

20 deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

21 No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.

23 An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

25 A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.

26 A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall 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.