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Proverbs 10

32 verses

TL;DR

Proverbs 10 contrasts the outcomes of wisdom versus folly, emphasizing that righteous conduct leads to blessings and longevity while wickedness results in loss and destruction.

Summary

This chapter presents paired sayings that juxtapose the consequences of wise versus foolish behavior. It highlights that the wise son brings joy to his parents, while a foolish son burdens his mother. Righteousness protects against hunger and death, whereas wickedness yields empty treasures and eventual ruin. Diligence yields prosperity; laziness leads to poverty. Good speech nourishes life, whereas violent or deceitful words destroy relationships. The chapter repeatedly stresses that fear of the LORD prolongs life, while fear of the wicked brings harm. It concludes by declaring that the righteous will endure, while the wicked will not remain in the world.

Outline
  1. Wisdom vs. Folly: Consequences for individuals and families
  2. Righteousness and Speech: Blessings for the just and harm for the wicked
  3. Longevity and Faithfulness: The enduring presence of the righteous
Themes
The value of wisdomThe perils of wickednessThe enduring favor of God
Keywords
wisdomfoolrighteouswickedspeechfear of the Lordprosperitypovertylong lifeblessingfear
People
Solomonthe Lord
Places
Things
wisdomfoolishnessrighteousnesswickednessspeechfear of the Lordwealthpoverty
Key Verses
  • Proverbs 10:12: Illustrates how love and hate directly shape relationships, a core ethical principle.
  • Proverbs 10:27: Emphasizes the moral contrast between fear of the LORD and fear of the wicked, linking divine favor with human conduct.
  • Proverbs 10:29: Summarizes the chapter’s main promise: the righteous endure, the wicked are erased.
Questions
  • What are the practical steps one can take today to embody the wisdom described in this chapter?
  • How does the contrast between the wicked’s fear and the righteous’s fear reflect a deeper theological truth?
  • In what ways do these proverbs apply to modern family dynamics?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter promotes positive values like wisdom and righteousness while warning against negative traits such as wickedness and folly.