Proverbs 12:23-28

23 Wise people keep what they know to themselves, but fools can't keep from showing how foolish they are.

24 Hard workers will become leaders, but those who are lazy will be slaves.

25 Worry is a heavy load, but a kind word cheers you up.

26 Good people take advice from their friends, but an evil person is easily led to do wrong.

27 The lazy catch no food to cook, but a hard worker will have great wealth.

28 Doing what is right is the way to life, but there is another way that leads to death.

Proverbs 12:23-28 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.