Proverbs 10
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1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. 2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. 3Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked. 4He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. 5He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. 6Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 7The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. 9He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. 10One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall. 11The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs. 13Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding. 14Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin. 15The rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin. 17He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray. 18He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool. 19In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely. 20The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. 22Yahweh’s blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. 23It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure. 24What the wicked fear, will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever. 26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 27The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish. 29The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 30The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. 31The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
World English Bible (public domain)
“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”
Proverbs 10:22
Summary
Proverbs chapter 10 marks the beginning of the proverbs ascribed directly to Solomon. This chapter primarily contrasts the behavior and outcomes of the righteous versus the wicked, the wise versus the foolish. The proverbs extol virtues such as diligence, humility, and integrity, while warning against laziness, deceit, and arrogance. Practical wisdom is shown to have tangible benefits in life, including security, happiness, and honor. A recurring theme throughout the chapter is the power and consequences of one's speech. The words of the righteous are depicted as fountains of life, full of wisdom and a source of healing and instruction, while the words of the wicked are destructive, feeding strife and leading to ruin. Moreover, the chapter explores the relationship between wealth and character, suggesting that material possessions gained through righteous means bring joy, whereas those obtained through sin cause turmoil. The closing proverbs highlight the enduring legacy of righteousness, contrasting it with the impermanence of wickedness. The righteous are assured that their hopes will stand firm, and their path is illuminated with joy and strength, in contrast to the gloom and instability that beset the wicked. This section of Proverbs illustrates the central biblical teaching that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and leads to a blessed life.
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Chapter outline
How Proverbs 10 unfolds
Proverbs 10:1–5 Contrast of Sons and Their Actions
Solomon describes the differences between wise and foolish sons, emphasizing how a wise son brings joy while a foolish son causes grief. This establishes the foundational theme of contrasting behaviors and their outcomes.
Proverbs 10:6–12 The Value of Righteousness
The chapter highlights the blessings that come from righteousness and the difficulties faced by the wicked. It shows how love and wisdom lead to peace, while hatred and foolishness bring conflict.
Proverbs 10:13–20 Wisdom and Speech
Solomon discusses the importance of wise speech versus the folly of the foolish. The mouth of the righteous is depicted as life-giving, while the words of the wicked lead to ruin.
Proverbs 10:21–28 Wealth and Security
Wealth is portrayed as a strong city for the rich, contrasted with the destruction faced by the poor. The righteous are promised joy and security, while the wicked face instability.
Proverbs 10:29–32 Enduring Legacy of the Righteous
The final verses affirm that the righteous will endure while the wicked will ultimately perish. This reinforces the chapter's central theme of the lasting impact of one's character and choices.
Key verses
Proverbs 10:22Proverbs 10:22 highlights the role of divine blessing in true wealth, encapsulating the chapter's core message about the consequences of righteousness.
Main themes in Proverbs 10
Righteousness vs. Wickedness
The theme of righteousness versus wickedness is prevalent in Proverbs 10, especially in verses 2-6 and 24-25. These verses highlight the stark contrasts between the rewards of the righteous, who experience security and blessings, and the fate of the wicked, who ultimately face destruction and fear. This theme is central to the chapter's movement, illustrating how individual character and choices can lead to vastly different outcomes in life.
The Power of Speech
The impact of speech is highlighted in verses 11-12 and 18-21, where the words of the righteous are described as life-giving. In contrast, the mouth of the wicked is linked to violence and folly, demonstrating how speech reflects one's character. This theme underscores the broader message about the consequences of our words.
Diligence and Wealth
Verses 4-5 and 15-16 address the relationship between work and wealth, illustrating that diligence leads to prosperity while laziness results in poverty. This theme shows how righteousness in labor can provide not only material wealth but also a secure life. The chapter emphasizes that ethical labor leads to a blessed existence.
Eternal Legacy
The enduring legacy of the righteous is emphasized in verses 7 and 30, where their memory is portrayed as blessed. In contrast, the wicked's legacy is fleeting and brings shame, reinforcing the idea that moral choices have lasting effects. This theme connects to the overall message about the importance of character in shaping one’s legacy.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Proverbs 10
- Proverbs 18This chapter echoes the theme of the power of speech, illustrating how words can bring life or destruction.
- Psalm 37Psalm 37 connects to the promises of security for the righteous, echoing the assurance found in this chapter.
- Deuteronomy 8Deuteronomy 8 develops the idea of God’s provision, connecting the blessings of the righteous with their reliance on Him.
- Proverbs 15Proverbs 15 echoes the theme of righteous speech, contrasting wise words with the folly of the wicked.
- Proverbs 17Proverbs 17 connects in its focus on wisdom and the consequences of foolishness, reinforcing similar themes.
- James 1James 1 develops the importance of wise living and the need for righteousness, reflecting themes in Proverbs 10.
Study questions
Questions for studying Proverbs 10
- What does Proverbs 10 say about the relationship between a wise son and his father?
- How does the chapter describe the outcomes of righteousness versus wickedness?
- What role does speech play in the depiction of the righteous and the wicked?
- How are diligence and laziness contrasted in this chapter?
- What promises does Proverbs 10 make regarding the fate of the righteous?
- How does the imagery of wealth serve to illustrate deeper moral truths?
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