Proverbs 12:23-28

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man's precious possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no 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.