Proverbs 10:17-27

17 The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.[a]
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.[b]
19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.[c]
20 The tongue of the righteous is pure silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value.[d]
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The Lord's blessing enriches,[e] and struggle adds nothing to it.[f]
23 As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a man of understanding.[g]
24 What the wicked dreads will come to him,[h] but what the righteous desires will be given to him.[i]
25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more,[j] but the righteous are secure forever.[k]
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,[l] so the slacker is to the one who sends him [on an errand].
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,[m] but the years of the wicked are cut short.[n]

Proverbs 10:17-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 10

From this chapter to the "twenty fifth" are various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different temper, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. It should be observed, that frequently in the preceding chapters two persons are represented as women; one goes by the name of "Wisdom", the other is called the "foolish" woman and a "harlot"; the former is clearly to be understood of Christ; and the latter, being opposed to him, must be antichrist, the whore of Rome, and mother of harlots: now in the following part of this book two sorts of persons are spoken of; the one as wise, righteous, good and the other as foolish, wicked, &c. who are no other than the followers of Christ and antichrist; which observation is a key to the whole book.

Footnotes 14

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