Proverbs 10 - The Righteous and the Wicked Compared

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Ten

We will now look at Proverbs chapter ten:

From this chapter to chapter twenty five we have a collection of various proverbial sentences. There seems to be no apparent connection or coherence with each other – they describe righteous men and wicked men. They set forth different temper, conduct, actions, fruit and effects of these men.

In the preceding chapters two persons are represented as women – one goes by the name of "Wisdom" – the other is called the "Foolish". One is a "harlot" – the other is pure. This section continues that theme. There are only two ways in the world – the way of Christ or the way of foolishness. There is wisdom, righteousness and goodness. There is also wickedness, foolishness and death. We as humans are given a choice as to which way we will follow. Proverbs are written to give us warning – they are also written to guide us down the right path.

THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED COMPARED

1 The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother. Proverbs 10:1 (NKJV)

Family relationships are ever important. What our children do – affects us. When they are successful – we are well pleased. But when they are foolish – how our hearts break. Gladness and grief come as a response to our children’s actions.

Scofield has said of this verse:

A "fool" in Scripture is never a mentally deficient person, but rather one arrogant and self-sufficient; one who orders his life as if there were no God. See, for illustration, (Luk_12:16-20). The rich man was not mentally deficient, but he was a "fool" because he supposed that his soul could live on the things in the barn, giving no thought to his eternal wellbeing.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 10:2 (NKJV)

It matters much on how we make a living. Is it honest? If it is not – it is a treasure of “wickedness”. How can one have a pure heart if their wealth is obtained through dishonest means? Their pockets may be full – but their hearts should find no peace.

Many people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing tainted wealth, ill-gotten gain. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness, because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.

3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked. Proverbs 10:3 (NKJV)

Found in this verse is a promise. God will not allow the righteous to starve. Our righteousness is found in Jesus. He has always promised that He will care for His people.

This verse reminds me that – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1 (NASB) He will supply all my needs.

4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV)

Here is a warning – every day has 24 hours filled with opportunities to grow, serve, and be productive. Yet it is so easy to waste time – letting life slip from our grasp. Time is God’s gift to us. We need to seize the opportunities to live diligently for him.

5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 10:5 (NKJV)

The season only comes at harvest time. If you sleep during that time you have lost the opportunity. It is a