Proverbs 10:16-26

16 The work of the upright gives life: the increase of the evil-doer is a cause of sin.

17 He who takes note of teaching is a way of life, but he who gives up training is a cause of error.

18 Hate is covered up by the lips of the upright man, but he who lets out evil about another is foolish.

19 Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.

20 The tongue of the upright man is like tested silver: the heart of the evil-doer is of little value.

21 The lips of the upright man give food to men, but the foolish come to death for need of sense.

22 The blessing of the Lord gives wealth: hard work makes it no greater.

23 It is sport to the foolish man to do evil, but the man of good sense takes delight in wisdom.

24 The thing feared by the evil-doer will come to him, but the upright man will get his desire.

25 When the storm-wind is past, the sinner is seen no longer, but the upright man is safe for ever.

26 Like acid drink to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the hater of work to those who send him.

Proverbs 10:16-26 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.