Proverbs 10 CONTRASTS AND COMPARISONS Wisdom for young people is the emphasis in the first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is the truth that is applied to the situations of life in which we are found. Those who are more mature in life and have experienced failures as well as blessings, need to pass on what they have learned by experience to those who are younger. The next chapters contain practical wisdom for all ages to make their own in order to live godly lives “in Christ Jesus.”
That will not be accidental, but is the result of wise decisions when choices have to be made. There are a great number of topics covered in these proverbs given by Solomon. Some were his own and some were gathered by him from other sources and included in the whole collection.
The value of wisdom is one thing, but it is not true wisdom until it is carried out in life’s experiences. Then a person really knows what is taught really works when the results show by being applied. To accomplish this, the first group of proverbs from chapter ten through fifteen are, for the most part, contrasts between wise and foolish behavior. To be forewarned is to be forearmed when it comes to all of the aspects and incidents of life. Proverbs 16:4 is a summary of the Lord’s sovereignty over everything we think and do that is taught in this collection of wisdom.
The first contrast is a simple one between wise parents and their children who need to be taught and corrected. Joy and/or sorrow follow the response of the son who is hopefully listening to the counsel given by parents. Our Heavenly Father said of His Son, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” The Son said, “I do always those things that please the Father.” What a wonderful example of what parent-child relationships should be.
Wickedness and righteousness are contrasted by teaching that getting money dishonestly will not bring security nor stop death because everything is then left behind. Honesty, righteousness and integrity in a life lived for God removes the fear of death and separation from God, and is treasure laid up for the future. The Lord makes sure the righteous will have satisfaction in what He provides. “They shall be filled.” He will also make sure the wicked do not get that for which they crave. A poor workman who does as little as possible will come to poverty because a poor reputation will bring poor results. No boss will want him around. On the other hand, a man who strives for excellence in his work and in his service for the Lord, will be successful because he is doing all he does “as to the Lord.”
When a harvest is ripe, it has to be brought in or all the previous labor is in vain. A wise son works until the job is done, and he does it with diligence. Diligence in one thing usually means he will be diligent in everything he does. The disgraceful son doesn’t care whether the harvest is in or not because he only cares for himself, not even his family. He feels he is entitled to do or not do as he decides. Fairness in one’s mind produces righteousness in one’s actions which the Lord will bless. Big and bold words, evil speech and innuendo from the mind and mouth of the wicked are easily seen in the face that tries to hide sin. The words may be spoken behind the hand or not heard at all, but facial expressions including the eyes express the thoughts.
When a servant of God has gone to be with the Lord, if he or she was fair, honorable and righteous in life, even to think about them is a blessing to us. We remember their words, instruction and correction with fondness and are blessed by those things still. The very mention of those who were noted for wickedness causes a stinking scent in our minds when we are reminded of the evil they have done. A wise person will be glad someone has been spiritual enough to care for them, to instruct and correct them. He knows they have a true interest in their well-being and growth. The person who “runs off at the mouth” will stumble and fall because he will “trip over his own words.”
Integrity is a characteristic of one who is maturing spiritually, morally and personally. Such a person will be secure in how they conduct themselves in all aspects of life. A person who wants to try out every sinful attraction will have a bad reputation and will be exposed for who he really is. “Be sure your sin will find you out.” The “wink” in this context is a malicious gesture that deceives and indicates an attitude of, “I will get you.” It can also mean he is sending a signal to others in order to stir up trouble. The foolish talk of a troublemaker will bring him down some day. He will be exposed for what he really is as a troublemaker. But the warning is clear to everyone – be careful what you say.
When a godly person speaks, it can be a positive help that brings blessing to those who hear what is said. In contrast, a wicked person hides his mouth when he is secretly planning something bad that will lead to violence. Whatever we allow to come out of our mouths in words can be good if the motive is good, or can be bad if it promotes evil intent. Hatred creates conflict. It is unforgiving, implacable, insatiable. Love is completely opposite in that it calms the spirit, promotes forgiveness, brings reconciliation and peace. Wisdom and understanding are bound together. Lack of understanding and the rod of correction go together in the hope that punishment may awaken a fool to change. A wise righteous person grows in understanding, and they are thoughtful and guarded when they speak. A fool, babbles without thinking ahead about what he says and brings ruin down on his head.
A rich man may think his money will be his security, but at the best it is only temporary. Moral strength is what lasts. Poverty leaves people without security and basically helpless unless one knows the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Savior. Then they trust Him knowing that He is able to do what is needed according to His will. Righteous people use the results of their labor to sustain life and to give help and hope to others. That also means they will be practicing eternal life here and now. The wicked squander what they have, to finance the sins they want to commit. When one knows and practices biblical principles of living, they are on the right road. Those who refuse those principles and forsake wisdom, go astray and lead others astray.
Hating another person who they profess to like, makes them a liar, a hypocrite and a fool. Concealing hatred is deception that leads to lies. To slander another person and then be proven wrong is an act of a fool. A person who gossips and promotes false rumors is a fool. Words of slander are malicious gossip which is intended to bring someone down. The more a person talks, the more of what is in their heart is exposed. Tale-bearing, off-color stories, too much talk leads to sin. As wise person knows when to be quiet and when to speak. In that way they won’t be embarrassed and won’t have to retract what they said. Edifying words come from one who is just, fair and righteous. Thoughtful words spoken by a wise person can be treasured because of the value placed on the person and the information and wisdom given. The heart of a wicked person is open to all to see and hear by the bad words he uses, the time he takes to say all his hurtful things, and the results that harm those who listen to him.
Righteous people build up others by their words of care and concern. A shepherd heart is revealed by his words and the tone of voice he uses. Those who don’t use good judgment may bring death on themselves. The Lord gives the kind of riches that have no regrets. Salvation and all the blessings that come with it are spiritual and lasting. Our work doesn’t add to God’s blessings in any way. He freely gives the riches that are real. He is the source. How I use those spiritual riches is my responsibility, and I must give full diligence to use them wisely. Evil actions are like a game to fools. They want to see what they can get away with. A wise person’s desire is to use wisdom and all that come with it to full advantage for himself and others.
Fear of the future and fear of justice being done is in the heart of the ungodly. By contrast a wise person wants to please the Lord in all they do for their own sake and for God’s glory. “The wise man built his house on a rock,” is more than just a Sunday School song. The sayings of the word of God are sure and lasting. They are a solid foundation for living. “The foolish man built his house on the sand” is how the wicked hurriedly build for a vain empty show. All they have and hope for is quickly gone and they have nothing to show for living. The taste of vinegar is so sour that one is anxious to get rid of it. Smoke in the eyes burns and irritates so much we can’t wait to wash our eyes out to get rid of the irritants quickly. A lazy man is like vinegar and smoke to his boss who soon gets rid of him.
Respect, reverence and trust in the Lord is good for us spiritually, emotionally and physically. That kind of life helps us have a longer life than those who live in sin. Practicing sin shortens life. A believer’s hope and confidence are in the Lord and they base their lives on biblical principles, and practice what the Bible teaches. All the wicked can hope for after they have gained all they can get, is disappointment. Walking in the ways of the Lord gives purpose in life, goals to strive for, strength from the Lord to go forward, and grace to give us what we can’t do for ourselves. All the unsaved have to look forward to is a lost eternity which is much worse than what they already have.
The foundation on which a child of God builds their life is the solid unmovable word of God. The God of our salvation never fails. The faith and full confidence of those who trust Him is sure and steadfast. Those who do not know Him are “without Christ… having no hope, and without God in the world.” Righteous living makes the word of wisdom from a person who is wise, worth paying attention to. People will want his advice that can be applied to their own lives. The “forward tongue” speaks evil words that are destructive and worthless. There is no value at all in what a “forward” person says. Appropriate words spoken in an appropriate way at the appropriate time will always be acceptable and appreciated. For some reason one who is wicked seems to find satisfaction in unclean, vulgar and unkind talk that is perverse. The wise person can generate interest and lift a conversation to what is acceptable, enjoyable and builds up those who hear and pay attention to his wisdom.