Proverbs 12:7-17

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of perverse mind is despised.

9 Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.

10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense.

12 The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin, but the root of the righteous stands firm.

13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

14 From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult.

17 He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.

Proverbs 12:7-17 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.