Proverbs 12:8-18

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, But he who has a warped mind shall be despised.

9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, Than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, But he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, But the root of the righteous flourishes.

13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, But the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The doings of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.

16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, But one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, But a false witness lies.

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.

Proverbs 12:8-18 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.