Proverbs 10: Wisdom in Daily Life
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
Proverbs 10 marks a significant transition in the book, shifting from extended discourses on wisdom to concise, individual proverbs. These "pithy statements" (Tony Evans) offer practical guidance for navigating life's complexities, touching on everything from family relationships to finances, and from speech to personal integrity. Understanding Proverbs 10 unlocks a treasury of godly wisdom applicable to our everyday choices.
Chapter Context
In Proverbs 7-9, Solomon personifies Wisdom and Folly, urging his "sons" (students) to choose the path of wisdom and avoid the disastrous consequences of wickedness. Chapter 10 continues this theme by presenting stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked across various life situations. These comparisons, highlighting the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of folly, extend into chapter 11. These proverbs build upon the foundation laid earlier in the book, where wisdom is defined as "humble, submissive reverence and obedience to God" (Proverbs 1:7).
Proverbs 10:1 The Impact on Family
The chapter opens with a focus on the family: "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother" (Proverbs 10:1). This proverb underscores the profound impact children have on their parents. Wise children, walking in godliness, are a source of joy, while foolish children cause heartache. While parents cannot control their children's choices, they can instill in them a "divine perspective of life" from an early age, equipping them to make decisions that honor God (Tony Evans).
Proverbs 10:2-5 Work Ethic and Prosperity
These verses emphasize the connection between diligence and prosperity, contrasting it with the consequences of laziness and dishonesty: "Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 10:2). Those who resort to illicit means to obtain wealth will not ultimately prosper. "The Lord denies the wicked what they crave, but he satisfies the hunger of the righteous" (Proverbs 10:3). Hard work is rewarded, while idleness leads to poverty. As Tony Evans puts it, "Obtain money illegally, and God will oppose you. Sit around playing video games all day, and you’ll go hungry." God blesses those who embrace righteousness and work diligently.
Proverbs 10:6-7 Blessings and Righteousness
The desire for happiness is universal, but Proverbs highlights that true blessing comes through righteousness: "Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked" (Proverbs 10:6). Blessings, in God's economy, are bestowed upon those who seek to live in accordance with His character.
Proverbs 10:8-10 Integrity and Security
In a culture where integrity is often compromised, Proverbs emphasizes its importance: "The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall" (Proverbs 10:9). Acting honestly and honorably, even when unseen, brings divine protection. There is no such safety net for those who pervert their ways.
Proverbs 10:11-14 The Power of Words
These verses highlight the impact of our speech. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence" (Proverbs 10:11). As we grow in Christ, our words should refresh and build up others. It's a reminder that we can, with the Holy Spirit's help, control our tongues, even when it feels difficult. Wise individuals use their words to impart knowledge and understanding, while fools are destroyed by their own speech (Proverbs 10:13-14).
Proverbs 10:12 Love and Forgiveness
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs" (Proverbs 10:12). This proverb calls us to practice forgiveness and extend love, even when it's challenging. Biblical love isn't a feeling; it's a commitment to sacrifice for the good of others.
Proverbs 10:15-16 Wealth and Honest Labor
Wealth can provide protection, but Proverbs cautions against seeking it through wicked means: "The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor" (Proverbs 10:15). Honest labor, not wicked gain, should be the source of our provision.
Proverbs 10:17 Instruction and Correction
"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray" (Proverbs 10:17). Choosing to follow the path of life means embracing correction and instruction.
Proverbs 10:18-21 The Danger of Excessive Talk
These verses warn against excessive talking and emphasize the value of controlled speech. "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). The tongue of the righteous is valuable, building up others and dispensing God's viewpoint like a rich meal.
Proverbs 10:22 God's Blessing
"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it" (Proverbs 10:22). A blessing is a God-given capacity to enjoy His goodness in your life. It brings joy, peace, and satisfaction, regardless of your circumstances.
Proverbs 10:23-25 The Consequences of Choices
Fools find pleasure in shameful conduct, while wise individuals find joy in a life lived wisely. Ultimately, both the wicked and the righteous will reap the consequences of their choices.
Proverbs 10:26-30 The Fear of the Lord
These verses highlight the importance of fearing the Lord, which leads to a longer and more secure life. "The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short" (Proverbs 10:27). The righteous have hope in trouble because God is their fortress, while the wicked face destruction.
Proverbs 10:31-32 Words Reflect the Heart
The chapter concludes by reiterating that our words reveal the state of our hearts. "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced" (Proverbs 10:31). As Jesus said, "The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34).
Proverbs 10, therefore, offers a wealth of practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of daily life. By embracing righteousness, diligence, integrity, and controlled speech, we can experience God's blessings and live a life that honors Him. This chapter serves as a valuable guide for making wise choices and building a life founded on godly principles.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
Proverbs 10 marks a significant transition in the book, shifting from extended discourses on wisdom to concise, individual proverbs. These "pithy statements" (Tony Evans) offer practical guidance for navigating life's complexities, touching on everything from family relationships to finances, and from speech to personal integrity. Understanding Proverbs 10 unlocks a treasury of godly wisdom applicable to our everyday choices.
Chapter Context
In Proverbs 7-9, Solomon personifies Wisdom and Folly, urging his "sons" (students) to choose the path of wisdom and avoid the disastrous consequences of wickedness. Chapter 10 continues this theme by presenting stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked across various life situations. These comparisons, highlighting the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of folly, extend into chapter 11. These proverbs build upon the foundation laid earlier in the book, where wisdom is defined as "humble, submissive reverence and obedience to God" (Proverbs 1:7).
Proverbs 10:1 The Impact on Family
The chapter opens with a focus on the family: "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother" (Proverbs 10:1). This proverb underscores the profound impact children have on their parents. Wise children, walking in godliness, are a source of joy, while foolish children cause heartache. While parents cannot control their children's choices, they can instill in them a "divine perspective of life" from an early age, equipping them to make decisions that honor God (Tony Evans).
Proverbs 10:2-5 Work Ethic and Prosperity
These verses emphasize the connection between diligence and prosperity, contrasting it with the consequences of laziness and dishonesty: "Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 10:2). Those who resort to illicit means to obtain wealth will not ultimately prosper. "The Lord denies the wicked what they crave, but he satisfies the hunger of the righteous" (Proverbs 10:3). Hard work is rewarded, while idleness leads to poverty. As Tony Evans puts it, "Obtain money illegally, and God will oppose you. Sit around playing video games all day, and you’ll go hungry." God blesses those who embrace righteousness and work diligently.
Proverbs 10:6-7 Blessings and Righteousness
The desire for happiness is universal, but Proverbs highlights that true blessing comes through righteousness: "Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked" (Proverbs 10:6). Blessings, in God's economy, are bestowed upon those who seek to live in accordance with His character.
Proverbs 10:8-10 Integrity and Security
In a culture where integrity is often compromised, Proverbs emphasizes its importance: "The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall" (Proverbs 10:9). Acting honestly and honorably, even when unseen, brings divine protection. There is no such safety net for those who pervert their ways.
Proverbs 10:11-14 The Power of Words
These verses highlight the impact of our speech. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence" (Proverbs 10:11). As we grow in Christ, our words should refresh and build up others. It's a reminder that we can, with the Holy Spirit's help, control our tongues, even when it feels difficult. Wise individuals use their words to impart knowledge and understanding, while fools are destroyed by their own speech (Proverbs 10:13-14).
Proverbs 10:12 Love and Forgiveness
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs" (Proverbs 10:12). This proverb calls us to practice forgiveness and extend love, even when it's challenging. Biblical love isn't a feeling; it's a commitment to sacrifice for the good of others.
Proverbs 10:15-16 Wealth and Honest Labor
Wealth can provide protection, but Proverbs cautions against seeking it through wicked means: "The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor" (Proverbs 10:15). Honest labor, not wicked gain, should be the source of our provision.
Proverbs 10:17 Instruction and Correction
"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray" (Proverbs 10:17). Choosing to follow the path of life means embracing correction and instruction.
Proverbs 10:18-21 The Danger of Excessive Talk
These verses warn against excessive talking and emphasize the value of controlled speech. "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). The tongue of the righteous is valuable, building up others and dispensing God's viewpoint like a rich meal.
Proverbs 10:22 God's Blessing
"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it" (Proverbs 10:22). A blessing is a God-given capacity to enjoy His goodness in your life. It brings joy, peace, and satisfaction, regardless of your circumstances.
Proverbs 10:23-25 The Consequences of Choices
Fools find pleasure in shameful conduct, while wise individuals find joy in a life lived wisely. Ultimately, both the wicked and the righteous will reap the consequences of their choices.
Proverbs 10:26-30 The Fear of the Lord
These verses highlight the importance of fearing the Lord, which leads to a longer and more secure life. "The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short" (Proverbs 10:27). The righteous have hope in trouble because God is their fortress, while the wicked face destruction.
Proverbs 10:31-32 Words Reflect the Heart
The chapter concludes by reiterating that our words reveal the state of our hearts. "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced" (Proverbs 10:31). As Jesus said, "The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34).
Proverbs 10, therefore, offers a wealth of practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of daily life. By embracing righteousness, diligence, integrity, and controlled speech, we can experience God's blessings and live a life that honors Him. This chapter serves as a valuable guide for making wise choices and building a life founded on godly principles.