Proverbs 12:14-21
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.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 12:14-21
Commentary on Proverbs 12:14
(Read Proverbs 12:14)
When men use their tongues aright, to teach and comfort others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure answer the end of their being.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:15
(Read Proverbs 12:15)
A fool, in the sense of Scripture, means a wicked man, one who acts contrary to the wisdom that is from above. His rule is, to do what is right in his own eyes.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
(Read Proverbs 12:16)
A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing it; he is ever in trouble and running into mischief. It is kindness to ourselves to make light of injuries and affronts, instead of making the worst of them.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
(Read Proverbs 12:17)
It is good for all to dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by honesty.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:18
(Read Proverbs 12:18)
Whisperings and evil surmises, like a sword, separate those that have been dear to each other. The tongue of the wise is health, making all whole.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
(Read Proverbs 12:19)
If truth be spoken, it will hold good; whoever may be disobliged, still it will keep its ground.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
(Read Proverbs 12:20)
Deceit and falsehood bring terrors and perplexities. But those who consult the peace and happiness of others have joy in their own minds.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
(Read Proverbs 12:21)
If men are sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have enough of it.