Proverbs 12:19-28

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 them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace [is] joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

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

25 Heaviness in the heart of man depresseth it: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious.

28 In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the path [of it there is] no death.

Proverbs 12:19-28 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.