Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Ten
We will now look at Proverbs chapter ten:
From this chapter to chapter twenty five we have a collection of various proverbial sentences. There seems to be no apparent connection or coherence with each other – they describe righteous men and wicked men. They set forth different temper, conduct, actions, fruit and effects of these men.
In the preceding chapters two persons are represented as women – one goes by the name of "Wisdom" – the other is called the "Foolish". One is a "harlot" – the other is pure. This section continues that theme. There are only two ways in the world – the way of Christ or the way of foolishness. There is wisdom, righteousness and goodness. There is also wickedness, foolishness and death. We as humans are given a choice as to which way we will follow. Proverbs are written to give us warning – they are also written to guide us down the right path.
THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED COMPARED
1 The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother. Proverbs 10:1 (NKJV)
Family relationships are ever important. What our children do – affects us. When they are successful – we are well pleased. But when they are foolish – how our hearts break. Gladness and grief come as a response to our children’s actions.
Scofield has said of this verse:
A "fool" in Scripture is never a mentally deficient person, but rather one arrogant and self-sufficient; one who orders his life as if there were no God. See, for illustration, (Luk_12:16-20). The rich man was not mentally deficient, but he was a "fool" because he supposed that his soul could live on the things in the barn, giving no thought to his eternal wellbeing.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 10:2 (NKJV)
It matters much on how we make a living. Is it honest? If it is not – it is a treasure of “wickedness”. How can one have a pure heart if their wealth is obtained through dishonest means? Their pockets may be full – but their hearts should find no peace.
Many people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing tainted wealth, ill-gotten gain. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness, because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked. Proverbs 10:3 (NKJV)
Found in this verse is a promise. God will not allow the righteous to starve. Our righteousness is found in Jesus. He has always promised that He will care for His people.
This verse reminds me that – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1 (NASB) He will supply all my needs.
4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV)
Here is a warning – every day has 24 hours filled with opportunities to grow, serve, and be productive. Yet it is so easy to waste time – letting life slip from our grasp. Time is God’s gift to us. We need to seize the opportunities to live diligently for him.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 10:5 (NKJV)
The season only comes at harvest time. If you sleep during that time you have lost the opportunity. It is a sad thing because the crop has been planted, watered, cultivated and now is lost because the harvester has slept through the harvest. A real shame indeed!
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:6 (NKJV)
Two words are in contrast here: Blessings and Violence. The righteous receive blessings while the wicked finds violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. Proverbs 10:7 (NKJV)
Names of people from my past bring up different emotions within me. Some have been a blessing – others a curse. The memories of the righteous are a blessing. The memories of the wicked are bitter.
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall. Proverbs 10:8 (NKJV)
A wise person is teachable – a fool not so. Those who think they know it all – have much to learn.
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. Proverbs 10:9 (NKJV)
A person who has a character of integrity does not have remember the lies he has told. The person who has told lies has to remember what he has said and to whom. He will be found out (becomes known).
10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall. Proverbs 10:10 (NKJV)
Have you ever had someone tell you a half truth and right after they are done – wink at you? I know that I have. This can cause all kinds of trouble. Do you know what a half-truth is? It is a lie because it is not a whole truth.
It reminds me of the story of the man who took a pound of hamburger out of the freezer and started tossing it up in the air. He then called his boss and told him he could not report to work that day because he was throwing up his dinner. It was true – but it was not true. Don’t wink at sin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:11 (NKJV)
Like a fountain of living water – running – flowing – refreshing is the mouth of the righteous man. It shows what is in his heart for out the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. But not so the mouth of the wicked. Violence covers the mouth of the wicked. There is nothing but lying, deceit and cursing for out the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins. Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV)
A man whose heart is full of hatred will stir up all kinds of trouble. There are those who walk around with a chip on their shoulder just looking for a fight. But there are others who walk around showing love and kindness. Love does not glory in evil but covers it. Love puts it on the side rather than exposing it – then forgives and then forgets.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV)
The one who has understanding has wisdom on his lips. He speaks things that are true and honorable. But those who lack understanding need correction.
14 Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14 (NKJV)
Wise people keep some things secret – they don’t let out everything they know. But a fool just blabs away. Here is some good advice: Think much, speak little, and always think before you speak.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty. Proverbs 10:15 (NKJV)
This makes it sound like our security is in our bank accounts – but we all know that is not the case. Our security is in God who provides for our needs. Matthew Henry says:
“This (verse) refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people’s wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.”
There is no doubt that we should store up some resources from times of “slim resources” – but God is always our provider – not our bank accounts.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin. Proverbs 10:16 (NKJV)
He who walks in the path of righteous walks the road of life. He who walks the road of the wicked walks the road of sin and destruction.
17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. Proverbs 10:17 (NKJV)
It is a great quality to be “teachable”. God is constantly giving us instruction if we are listening – but so often our ears are not open. If we do not accept correction how will we improve? But it is a humble thing to accept correction.
18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 10:18 (NKJV)
This is more common than we would like to let on. How many of us – when full of resentment – have pretended that there was nothing wrong. Yet when we are asked about the other person we spread slander. How foolish is that?
By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool. If you try to conceal your hatred, you end up lying. If you slander the other person and are proven wrong, you are a fool. The only way out is to admit your hateful feelings to God. Ask him to change your heart, to help you love instead of hate.
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV)
Have you ever met a person to talks a lot – yet has nothing to say? A wise person uses his words wisely. They may be few – but they are powerful.
We are in an information age – but notice how much information is given for your edification.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. Proverbs 10:20 (NKJV)
Words from a righteous person are valuable. They are like “choice silver”. A lot of poor advice is worth less than a little good advice. It is easy to get opinions from people. Everyone has an opinion. But is it wise? Is it helpful? We should seek out wise counsel. We should look for those who will speak the truth, even when it hurts. Think about the people to whom you go for advice. Is it wise counsel?
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom. Proverbs 10:21 (NKJV)
Good men are good for something for they are full of the word of God. They feed us with the bread of life – which they themselves have received from the Father. Souls hunger for spiritual food which only God can supply.
Bad men are good for nothing for they give bad advice. The advice that leads away from the throne of God – leads to death. Wisdom comes from God and is available for the asking. James tells us:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NASB)
22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV)
God supplies our needs and if used properly – there is no sorrow associated with it.
23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom. Proverbs 10:23 (NKJV)
If you consider doing “evil” as a “sport” – when the game is over – you will have lost.
24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted. Proverbs 10:24 (NKJV)
This is a matter of sowing and reaping. What the wicked person fears most will come to them. The wicked person dreads death. Those who do not believe in God usually fear death, and with good reason. By contrast, believers desire eternal life and God’s salvation – their hopes will be rewarded. This verse offers a choice: You can have either your fears or your hopes come true. You make that choice by rejecting God and living your own way or by accepting God and following him.
25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. Proverbs 10:25 (NKJV)
Those things that we think are permanent here on earth can be swept away in an instant. A tornado can wipe out a lifetime of worldly possessions. But the righteous have an everlasting foundation. This is a fact and a promise.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him. Proverbs 10:26 (NKJV)
If you employ a lazy person you are in trouble. It will be nothing but an irritant to you. The Message Bible says it this way:
“A lazy employee will give you nothing but trouble; it’s vinegar in the mouth, smoke in the eyes.” Proverbs 10:26 (MSG)
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 10:27 (NKJV)
Fear the Lord and follow His ways and you will have a long life. Live in rebellion of Him who knows your name and your days will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28 (NKJV)
Not only will the righteous have a long life but there “will be gladness”. It is one thing to have life – it is another to have a quality life. God can provide both.
29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 10:29 (NKJV)
The way of the Lord gives strength – those who are workers of iniquity will be met with destruction.
30 The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth. Proverbs 10:30 (NKJV)
The righteous can depend on a permanent home. The Bible tells us:
“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NASB)
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out. Proverbs 10:31 (NKJV)
Wisdom is in the words of the righteous for they practice and follow the Word of God.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Proverbs 10:32 (NKJV)
Words speak what is in the heart. I pray for a clean heart – I hope you do too. A warning is given to us in Matthew chapter twelve – it says:
"By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:37 (NASB)
What words are you saying? One of the greatest promises found in the Bible is found in the book of Romans which says:
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)
These verses show plainly that the words that we speak and the attitude of our heart has a definite impact on where you and I will spend eternity. Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? Do you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead? These are the conditions for salvation. What you do – is up to you.
