Proverbs 10

¹ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

² Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

³ The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

⁴ He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

⁵ He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame.

⁶ Blessings [are] upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

⁷ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

⁸ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

⁹ He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

¹⁰ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

¹¹ The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

¹² Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

¹³ In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding.

¹⁴ Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction.

¹⁵ The rich man’s wealth [is] his strong city: the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty.

¹⁶ The labour of the righteous [tendeth] to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

¹⁷ He [is in] the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

¹⁸ He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool.

¹⁹ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.

²⁰ The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth.

²¹ The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

²² The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

²³ [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

²⁴ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

²⁵ As the 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 the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

²⁸ The hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

²⁹ The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.

³⁰ The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

³¹ The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

³² The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness.

Overview of Proverbs Chapter 10

Proverbs Chapter 10 serves as a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon, illustrating the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This chapter emphasizes moral and ethical living, providing practical advice for daily life. The proverbs within this chapter are concise and poignant, encapsulating fundamental truths about human behavior and its consequences.

Structure and Themes

The chapter consists of a series of individual proverbs, each focusing on different aspects of life, morality, and wisdom. The primary themes include:

• Righteousness vs. Wickedness: The chapter frequently contrasts the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked.
• Wisdom and Foolishness: It highlights the importance of wisdom and the folly of ignorance.
• Speech and Conduct: The impact of words and actions on one’s life and relationships is a recurring theme.
• Wealth and Poverty: The chapter addresses the relationship between wealth, hard work, and moral integrity.

Key Verses and Analysis

1. Verse 1: “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.”

   This verse introduces the theme of familial relationships and the impact of a child’s behavior on parental emotions. It underscores the value of wisdom in parenting and the consequences of foolishness.

2. Verse 2: “Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”

   This proverb contrasts ill-gotten gains with the benefits of living righteously, emphasizing that true wealth comes from moral integrity rather than unethical behavior.

3. Verse 4: “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

   This verse highlights the importance of hard work and diligence in achieving success, suggesting that laziness leads to poverty.

4. Verse 12: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”

   This proverb reflects on the power of love and forgiveness, contrasting it with the divisive nature of hatred. It encourages a spirit of reconciliation over conflict.

5. Verse 19: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

   This verse warns against excessive speech, suggesting that it can lead to sin. It advocates for wisdom in communication and the value of restraint.

6. Verse 22: “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”

   This proverb emphasizes that true prosperity comes from God’s blessings, which are accompanied by peace and fulfillment, unlike wealth gained through unethical means.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Proverbs Chapter 10 can be applied in various aspects of life:

• Family Dynamics: Encouraging wise behavior in children can lead to stronger family relationships.
• Work Ethic: Emphasizing diligence and hard work can lead to personal and professional success.
• Conflict Resolution: Promoting love and forgiveness can help resolve conflicts and foster harmony in relationships.
• Communication Skills: Practicing restraint in speech can enhance interpersonal interactions and prevent misunderstandings.
• Financial Integrity: Seeking wealth through righteous means can lead to lasting prosperity and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Proverbs Chapter 10 encapsulates timeless wisdom relevant to various aspects of life, from personal conduct to family relationships. The contrasts drawn between the righteous and the wicked serve as a guide for ethical living, encouraging readers to pursue wisdom, diligence, and integrity in all endeavors.