Proverbs 10
Proverbs 10 is the chapter where Solomon’s proverbs begin in earnest. If the first half (Chapters 1–9) was an invitation to the themes of the proverbs and wisdom, Chapter 10 presents a series of short sayings (aphorisms) that compare and contrast wisdom and foolishness, and the righteous and the wicked. Each verse is mainly composed of two lines, and through contrasting content, it emphasizes a single lesson. This chapter includes various topics that we should practice in everyday life, such as proper conduct, speech habits, attitudes toward work, views on material things, and relationships with others.
1verseThe proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2verseTreasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
3verseThe LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
4verseHe becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
5verseHe who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
6verseBlessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7verseThe memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8verseThe wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall.
9verseHe who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10verseOne who winks with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall.
11verseThe mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
12verseHatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
13verseWisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
14verseWise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
15verseThe rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16verseThe labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
17verseHe is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
18verseHe who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
19verseIn the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
20verseThe tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21verseThe lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
22verseThe LORD’s blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
23verseIt is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure.
24verseWhat the wicked fear will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25verseWhen the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever.
26verseAs vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27verseThe fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28verseThe prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish.
29verseThe way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
30verseThe righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31verseThe mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32verseThe lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Key Themes
- The righteous and the wicked: The most noticeable contrast is between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous receive blessings and enjoy peace, but the wicked ultimately suffer harm—this repeating message appears again and again (e.g., verses 6, 7, 16, and 25).
- Using your words: The power and importance of the tongue, the lips, and speech are emphasized. Words that are virtuous and kind bring blessings, while deceitful or meddling words bring conflict and harm (verses 11, 18–21, and 31–32).
- Work and laziness: Diligence leads to abundance, while laziness brings poverty and difficulty (verses 4–5).
- Material possessions and honesty: The value of wealth built up honestly, and the emptiness of riches gained dishonestly, are mentioned (verses 2 and 22).
The Overall Meaning of Proverbs Chapter 10
Proverbs 10 delivers the wisdom and moral principles that form the foundation of life in a concise and clear way. Each passage shows, not just a simple piece of advice, but the difference in outcomes that choices bring. Living a righteous life ultimately leads to true blessing and peace, and the evil path brings punishment upon oneself—this is repeatedly brought to mind in various situations. Through continuous comparisons and contrasts, this chapter sets a direction for our lives.
Points for Reflection
- Take a quiet moment to think about how the words and actions I use affect me and those around me
- Consider carefully which parts it is difficult for me to practice righteousness and honesty
- Think back on whether, in daily life, you have experienced the fruits of laziness and diligence, and the fruits of words and actions
Put It into Practice in My Life
- Let’s consciously choose our words and actions today and put righteousness and honesty into practice.
- In places in my life such as my home, my workplace, and relationships with friends, let’s choose one concrete practice that can have a positive and good influence, and put it into practice.
