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.
"
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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 
shows                            overlooks 
17                                             but 
A truthful witness           a false witness
gives                                        tells
 18                                      but 
Reckless              (2)  of the wise 
words                      (1)   the tongue
pierce                              brings 
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 
21                                       but 
No harm                    (3)  of trouble.
   
  
   
   
befalls                        (2)  have their fill 
the righteous,           (1)  the wicked   
22                                 but 
The LORD                  He 
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 
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                            - - -
27                                       but 
The lazy man                   the diligent man 
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.