Proverbs 12:13-23

13 In transgression of the lips [is] the snare of the wicked, And the righteous goeth out from distress.

14 From the fruit of the mouth [is] one satisfied [with] good, And the deed of man's hands returneth to him.

15 The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes, And whoso is hearkening to counsel [is] wise.

16 The fool -- in a day is his anger known, And the prudent is covering shame.

17 Whoso uttereth faithfulness declareth righteousness, And a false witness -- deceit.

18 A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.

19 The lip of truth is established for ever, And for a moment -- a tongue of falsehood.

20 Deceit [is] in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace [is] joy.

21 No iniquity is desired by the righteous, And the wicked have been full of evil.

22 An abomination to Jehovah [are] lying lips, And stedfast doers [are] his delight.

23 A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.

Proverbs 12:13-23 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.