Proverbs 10:16-26

16 The labor of the righteous [tendeth] to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
17 He [is in] the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
18 He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool.
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that restraineth his lips [is] wise.
20 The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
23 [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
25 As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that 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.

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