Proverbs 10:23-32

23 It is like sport to a fool to do wrong, but wise conduct is pleasure to a man of understanding.

24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established for ever.

26 Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.

28 The hope of the righteous ends in gladness, but the expectation of the wicked comes to nought.

29 The LORD is a stronghold to him whose way is upright, but destruction to evildoers.

30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

Proverbs 10:23-32 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.