Proverbs 12 Speech and Deeds Part 2

4. Two Subunits on Speech and Deeds (12:1-28)
     (a) The First Subunit (1-14)  Introduction (1-3), Speech and One's Household (4-7), Deeds and Property (8-12), Janus Conclusion: Words and Deeds (13-14)
     (b) The Second Unit (12.15-28) Introduction (15), Wise and Foolish Speech (16-23), Diligent Work and Good speech (24-27), Conclusion (28) 
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"Chapter twelve consists of two subunits of proverbs of equal length dealing with speech and deeds (vv. 1-14, 15-28).  Each half begins with an educational aphorism contrasting the teachableness of the wise with the incorrigibility of the fool  (vv. 1-15) to encourage the son to accept the teachings that follow.  Each half concludes with a synthetic proverb--a rare phenomenon in Collection IIA...
Each subunit is divided into partial subunits that commence with an aphorism broadly characterizing the righteous and wicked and is drawn to a conclusion with aphorisms that affirm the permanence of the former and the impermanence of the latter: vv.1-3, 4-7, 8-12 (vv. 13-14 are a concluding janus), and vv. 16-19, 20-23, and 24-28. "

       ---Bruce Waltke in NICOT  

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Introduction (15)

15 

The way of a fool seems right to him, 

but a wise man listens to advice.

Wise and Foolish Speech (16-23)

16                                    but

A fool                           a prudent man

shows                            overlooks

his annoyance             an insult.

at once,   

17                                             but

A truthful witness           a false witness

gives                                        tells

honest testimony,                lies.  

 18                                      but

Reckless              (2)  of the wise

words                      (1)   the tongue

pierce                              brings

like a sword,                  healing.  

19                                 but

Truthful lips          a lying tongue

endure                        lasts

forever,                      only a moment.  

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20                                but

There is                     - - -

deceit                         joy

 in the hearts         - - -

of those who            for those who

plot                            promote

evil,                           peace.  

21                                       but

No harm                    (3)  of trouble.

befalls                        (2)  have their fill

the righteous,           (1)  the wicked  

22                                 but

The LORD                  He

detests                       delights

lying lips,                  in men who are truthful.  

22a  lying lips... Words. 

22b  truthful...  Deeds.

23                                 but

- - -                               the heart of

A prudent man         fools

keeps                          blurts out

his knowledge           folly.

to himself,            

23  Notice how the similarity between vv. 16 and 23 fame this section.

Diligent Work and Good speech (24-27)

24                                  but

Diligent hands           laziness

will rule,                      ends in slave labor.  

25                                           but

An anxious heart                a kind word

weighs a man down,          cheers him up.  

26                                           but

                                                the way of 

A righteous man                 the wicked

is cautious                            - - -

in friendship,                       - - -

- - -                                         leads them astray.  

27                                       but

The lazy man                  the diligent man

does not roast                 prizes

his game,                         his possessions. 

Conclusion (28) 

28

In the way of righteousness         along that path

there is life;                                      is immortality.

28  This a a good word for the person addressed in verses 1 and 15.