Proverbs 12:5-15

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right; the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are a lying-in-wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 Overthrow the wicked, and they are no [more]; but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man is commended according to his wisdom; but he that is of a perverted heart shall be despised.

9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man is concerned for the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]; but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].

13 In the transgression of the lips is an evil snare; but a righteous [man] shall go forth out of trouble.

14 A man is satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

Proverbs 12:5-15 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit. '[just] judgment.'
• [b]. Sachal: see Note k, ch. 1.3.
• [c]. Or 'prey,' 'gain,' Eccles. 7.26.