Proverbs 10:17-32

17 Whoever practices discipline is on the way to life, but whoever ignores a warning strays.

18 Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips. Whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19 Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of a righteous person is pure silver. The hearts of wicked people are worthless.

21 The lips of a righteous person feed many, but stubborn fools die because they have no sense.

22 It is the LORD's blessing that makes a person rich, and hard work adds nothing to it.

23 Like the laughter of a fool when he carries out an evil plan, so is wisdom to a person who has understanding.

24 That which wicked people dread happens to them, but [the LORD] grants the desire of righteous people.

25 When the storm has passed, the wicked person has vanished, but the righteous person has an everlasting foundation.

26 Like vinegar to the teeth, like smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy person to those who send him [on a mission].

27 The fear of the LORD lengthens [the number of] days, but the years of wicked people are shortened.

28 The hope of righteous people [leads to] joy, but the eager waiting of wicked people comes to nothing.

29 The way of the LORD is a fortress for an innocent person but a ruin to those who are troublemakers.

30 A righteous person will never be moved, but wicked people will not continue to live in the land.

31 The mouth of a righteous person increases wisdom, but a devious tongue will be cut off.

32 The lips of a righteous person announce good will, but the mouths of wicked people are devious.

Proverbs 10:17-32 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.