What does Proverbs 10 mean?
Chapter Commentary:
Prior chapters in the book of Proverbs established the importance of wisdom and its basic definition: humble, submissive reverence and obedience to God (Proverbs 1:7). Chapter 10 begins a long series of individual statements, each of these is a "proverb" in and of itself.
The proverbs of chapter 10 are mostly aimed at comparing the consequences one can expect from leading a righteous life as opposed to leading a wicked life. The comparison term "but" is repeated in almost every verse.
These wise comments begin with a summary of how righteousness and evil result in different reputations (Proverbs 10:1–7).
Those who participate in godly wisdom have a better likelihood of success. They are less likely to invite revenge, punishment, or judgment because of their actions (Proverbs 10:8–19).
Those who learn godliness, and pass it along to others, can give valuable advice. In contrast, those who sneer at truth lead other people into disaster (Proverbs 10:20–32).
Chapter 11 continues this long list of common-sense remarks, with an emphasis on personal integrity.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 10:1–5 describes two kinds of sons and how they affect their parents. It also discusses the Lord's blessings on those who are diligent as well as the result of being lazy.
Proverbs 10:6–10 contrasts the blessings of righteousness with the crooked lifestyle of the wicked. The righteous person is wise, whereas the wicked person is a fool. The righteous person blesses others, whereas the wicked person conceals violence and causes trouble.
Proverbs 10:11–32 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, focusing on their different speech patterns, their different lifestyles, their different attitudes, and their different destinies. Verses 21 through 27 are especially focused on the different results which can be expected from pursuing godliness, versus pursuing sin.
Chapter Summary:
This chapter begins 375 "proverbs," which are general-case lessons or observations. These wise remarks continue the discussion of wisdom and wickedness begun in chapters 1—9. Most of the verses in chapter 10 contain a sharp contrast, with the conjunction "but" separating the lines. Often, the subject changes from verse to verse. The contrasting subjects include sons, treasure, work ethic, reputation, relationships, success, and speech.
Chapter Context:
In Proverbs 7—9 Solomon contrasts wisdom and wickedness in the symbolic persons of Lady Wisdom and Woman Folly. He calls upon his sons, or students, to choose wisdom, and he points out the benefits of choosing wisdom and the disastrous results of choosing wickedness. Chapter 10 presents vivid contrasts between wisdom and wickedness in many of life's settings. These comparisons continue into chapter 11.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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