Proverbs 10:21-31

21 The lips of a righteous [man] feed many; but fools die for want of understanding.
22 The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow to it.
23 It is as sport to a foolish [man] to do wickedness; but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
24 The fear of a wicked [man], it shall come upon him; but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
25 As a 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.
27 The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous is joy; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
29 The way of Jehovah is strength to the perfect [man], but destruction to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous [man] shall never be moved; but the wicked shall not inhabit the land.
31 The mouth of a righteous [man] putteth forth wisdom; but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

Proverbs 10:21-31 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 4

  • [a]. Or 'toil addeth nothing to it.'
  • [b]. Or 'to commit infamy.'
  • [c]. Or 'dwell on the earth.'
  • [d]. Or 'deceitful,' as ch. 8.13.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.