When Not to Speak
When Not to Speak Proverbs 10:19–21 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for …
The Road to Fellowship
The Road to Fellowship Proverbs 10:16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin. Insight This proverb makes me think of Cain and Abel. “The labour of the righteous leads to life.” Abel raised sheep, and he brought a little lamb for his …
Blessed Love
Blessed Love Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Insight Here is a simple but forceful contrast. Hatred, however disguised by a smooth exterior, is the selfish principle of man. Like an underground fire, it constantly stirs up mischief and creates or keeps alive envy and …
Integrity
Integrity Proverbs 10:9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. Insight An honest person is secure in his walk (his conduct) but a person whose paths are crooked (lit., “twisted”), whose conduct is wicked, in contrast with a person of integrity, …
A Wise Response
A Wise Response Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. Insight The heart is the seat of true wisdom, and a teachable spirit is the best proof of its influence. For whoever knows himself is grateful for further light. As soon as …
Saved to Serve
Saved to Serve Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Insight The wise son … gathers his blessing at the appropriate time. Look again at the large harvest of opportunity in working for God. Galatians …
Blessed Diligence
Blessed Diligence Proverbs 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. Insight Daily observation confirms the fact that lazy hands bring poverty, while diligent hands bring wealth, the reward of the harvest. Industry was the law of paradise (Genesis 2:15), and …
A Happy Father
A Happy Father Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father. Insight The previous chapters form a striking introduction to the book. The glorious description of the great Counselor (chapters 1 and 8) commends to us his gracious instruction concerning the principles of true happiness …
Godly Contentment
Godly Contentment Proverbs 9:17–18 “Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell. Insight Folly called for guests by intentionally using the same words as Lady Wisdom. Since drinking …
Holy Fear
Holy Fear Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Insight Perhaps you are saying, We’ve had this verse before. Yes, when the little fellow was in the home, the first lesson he was given was the …