Proverbs 10

The Proverbs of Solomon

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother.

2 Riches that are gained by sinning aren't worth anything. But doing what is right saves you from death.

3 The LORD gives those who do right the food they need. But he lets those who do wrong go hungry.

4 Hands that don't want to work make you poor. But hands that work hard bring wealth to you.

5 A child who gathers crops in summer is wise. But a child who sleeps at harvest time brings shame.

6 Blessings are like crowns on the heads of those who do right. But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.

7 To remember those who do right is a blessing. But the names of those who do wrong will rot.

8 A wise heart accepts commands. But foolish chattering destroys you.

9 Anyone who lives without blame walks safely. But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.

10 An evil wink gets you into trouble. And foolish chattering destroys you.

11 The mouths of those who do right are a fountain of life. But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.

12 Hate stirs up fights. But love erases all sins by forgiving them.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of those who understand what is right. But those who have no sense are punished.

14 Wise people store up knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people destroy them.

15 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. But having nothing destroys those who are poor.

16 People who do what is right earn life. But what sinners earn causes them to be punished.

17 Anyone who pays attention to his training is on his way to life. But anyone who refuses to be corrected leads others down the wrong path.

18 Anyone who hides hatred has lying lips. And anyone who spreads lies is foolish.

19 Those who talk a lot are likely to sin. But those who control their tongues are wise.

20 The tongues of those who do right are like fine silver. But the hearts of those who do wrong aren't worth very much.

21 The words of those who do right benefit many people. But those who are foolish die because they have no sense.

22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth. Trouble doesn't come with it.

23 A foolish person finds pleasure in doing evil things. But a man who has understanding takes delight in wisdom.

24 What sinners are afraid of will catch up with them. But those who do right will get what they want.

25 When the storm is over, sinners are gone. But those who do right stand firm forever.

26 Anyone who doesn't want to work hurts those who send him. He is like vinegar on the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

27 Having respect for the LORD leads to a longer life. But the years of evil people are cut short.

28 Those who do right can expect joy. But the hopes of sinners are bound to fail.

29 The way of the LORD leads to a safe place for those who do right. But it destroys those who do evil.

30 Those who do right will never be removed from the land. But those who do wrong will not remain in it.

31 The mouths of those who do right produce wisdom. But tongues that speak twisted words will be cut out.

32 Those who do right know the proper thing to say. But those who do wrong speak only twisted words.

Proverbs 10 Commentary

Chapter 10

Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.

Verse 1 The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and ( proverbs 10:2-3 ) the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life. Verse 4 . Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works. Verse 5 . Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter. Verse 6 . Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings. Verse 7 . Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference. Verse 8 . The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice. Verse 9 . Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed. Verse 10 . Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity. Verse 11 . The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others. Verse 12 . Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved. Verse 13 . Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves. Verse 14 . Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom. Verse 15 . This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith. Verse 16 . Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour tends to life. Verse 17 . The traveller that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still. Verse 18 . He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better. Verse 19 . Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise ( proverbs 10:20-21 ) the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought. Verse 22 . That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion. Verse 23 . Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin. Verse 24 . The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form, will be granted. Verse 25 . The course of prosperous sinners is like a whirlwind, which soon spends itself, and is gone. Verse 26 . As vinegar sets the teeth on edge, and as the smoke causes the eyes ( proverbs 10:27-28 ) is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other. Verse 29 . The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight. Verse 30 . The wicked would be glad to have this earth their home for ever, but it cannot be so. They must die ( proverbs 10:31-32 ) wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

Chapter Summary

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.