Proverbs 10:6-13

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. ^[a]

7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

8 A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.

9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

10 He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. ^[b]

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. ^[c]

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

Proverbs 10:6-13 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

• [a] Or but violence covers the mouth of the wicked; also in verse 11
• [b] Or babbling fools will fall
• [c] See 1 Peter 4:8