Proverbs 10:3-13

3 The Lord will not afflict the soul of the just with famine, and he will disappoint the deceitful practices of the wicked.

4 The slothful hand hath wrought poverty: but the hand of the industrious getteth riches. He that trusteth to lies feedeth the winds: and the same runneth after birds, that fly away.

5 He that gathereth in the harvest, is a wise son: but he that snorteth in the summer, is the son of confusion.

6 The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just: but iniquity covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is with praises: and the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise of heart receiveth precepts: a fool is beaten with lips.

9 He that walketh sincerely, walketh confidently: but he that perverteth his ways, shall be manifest.

10 He that winketh with the eye, shall cause sorrow: and the foolish in lips shall be beaten.

11 The mouth of the just is a vein of life: and the mouth of the wicked covereth iniquity.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: and charity covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of the wise is wisdom found: and a rod on the back of him that wanteth sense.

Proverbs 10:3-13 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.