Proverbs 10 - The Righteous And The Wicked Compared Series

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).