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.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon, known for his great wisdom. Chapter 10 is the first chapter of the second section of the book, known as the "Proverbs of Solomon." This chapter contains a series of short, pithy sayings that provide practical guidance for living a wise and righteous life. The main themes of this chapter include the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the importance of diligence and hard work, the power of words, and the blessings of wisdom. This essay will explore these themes and their relevance to our lives today.
The opening verse of Proverbs 10 sets the tone for the rest of the chapter: "The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." This verse highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, using the relationship between a wise son and a foolish son as an example. Throughout the chapter, we see this contrast play out in various ways.
Verse 2 states, "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death." This verse highlights the futility of pursuing wealth through dishonest means. The righteous, who live according to God's principles, will ultimately be delivered from the consequences of their actions. On the other hand, the wicked, who seek to gain wealth through deceit and injustice, will ultimately face destruction and death.
Verse 3 states, "The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked." This verse emphasizes God's care and provision for the righteous, while the wicked will ultimately lose everything they have gained through their wickedness. This is a reminder that true wealth and security come from living a righteous life, not from pursuing worldly gain at any cost.
Verse 7 states, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot." This verse highlights the lasting impact of a person's character and actions. The righteous will be remembered and honored, while the wicked will be forgotten and their memory will fade away. This serves as a reminder to live a life of righteousness and integrity, as it will have a lasting impact and bring blessings.
Proverbs 10 also emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in achieving success and prosperity. Verse 4 states, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." This verse reminds us that laziness and slothfulness will lead to poverty, but diligence and hard work will lead to prosperity. This principle is further reinforced in verses 5 and 26, which warn against being lazy and idle, as it will ultimately lead to poverty and ruin.
Verse 16 states, "The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin." This verse emphasizes the importance of using our time and energy wisely. The labor of the righteous, who work diligently and with integrity, will lead to a fulfilling and fruitful life. On the other hand, the fruit of the wicked, who are focused on selfish gain and sinful pursuits, will ultimately lead to destruction and death.
Verse 22 states, "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." This verse serves as a reminder that true wealth and prosperity come from God and are not gained through dishonest or sinful means. The blessings of the Lord bring joy and fulfillment, without any added sorrow or guilt.
Another important theme in Proverbs 10 is the power of words. This chapter highlights the impact of our speech and the importance of using our words wisely. Verse 11 states, "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked." This verse reminds us that the words of the righteous bring life and blessings, while the words of the wicked bring destruction and violence.
Verse 18 states, "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool." This verse highlights the danger of using our words to deceive and spread hatred. It is a foolish and harmful act that will ultimately lead to negative consequences.
Verse 19 states, "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." This verse serves as a reminder to think before we speak and to use our words wisely. Speaking too much can lead to saying things we regret and can lead to sin. It is wise to exercise self-control and refrain from speaking when necessary.
The final theme in Proverbs 10 is the blessings of wisdom. Throughout the chapter, we see the contrast between the wise and the foolish, highlighting the importance of seeking and living by God's wisdom. Verse 8 states, "The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall." This verse emphasizes the importance of being open to instruction and correction, which comes from a wise and humble heart.
Verse 13 states, "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." This verse highlights the power of wise words and the consequences of foolish speech. Wisdom is found in the words of those who have understanding, while the foolish will ultimately face punishment for their lack of wisdom.
Verse 21 states, "The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom." This verse reaffirms the importance of wise words and the impact they can have on others. The righteous, who speak words of wisdom and life, will bring nourishment and blessings to those around them. On the other hand, the foolish will suffer and ultimately die for their lack of wisdom.
The book of Proverbs is filled with practical wisdom and guidance for living a righteous and wise life. Chapter 10 serves as an introduction to the second section of the book, focusing on the proverbs of Solomon. This chapter highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the importance of diligence and hard work, the power of words, and the blessings of wisdom.
The contrast between the righteous and the wicked serves as a reminder that our actions and character have consequences. Pursuing righteousness and living according to God's principles will ultimately lead to blessings and life, while pursuing wickedness and selfish gain will lead to destruction and death.
The emphasis on diligence and hard work reminds us of the importance of using our time and energy wisely. Laziness and slothfulness will lead to poverty and ruin, while diligence and hard work will lead to prosperity and fulfillment.
The power of words is also highlighted in this chapter, serving as a reminder to use our speech wisely. Our words have the power to bring life or death, blessings or destruction. It is important to exercise self-control and speak words of wisdom and truth.
Finally, the blessings of wisdom are emphasized throughout this chapter. Seeking and living by God's wisdom will lead to a fulfilling and blessed life. The contrast between the wise and the foolish serves as a reminder to pursue wisdom and use it in our words and actions.
In conclusion, chapter 10 of Proverbs provides valuable guidance and wisdom for living a wise and righteous life. It reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom, using our time and words wisely, and living according to God's principles. These lessons are just as relevant today as they were when they were written, and we can apply them to our lives to find true fulfillment and blessings.
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