Proverbs 10:1-32

There is a clear contrast that is drawn in the book of Proverbs between the way of wisdom and the way of wickedness.  We have seen this over and over again in this book and will continue to do so throughout.  It is difficult to come up with an adequate outline for this chapter as there are so many subjects treated in contrasting couplets, but here is an attempt to summarize the major themes that come up repeatedly.

WISDOM IN OUR WORK: The way of wisdom is a way that brings great joy and pride to all of our family while the way of wickedness brings great sorrow.  The wicked are lazy so they seek to become rich through dishonest means; in the end, this method of amassing wealth leads to poverty and sorrow.  The wise man will work hard, reject the get rich schemes of the wicked and follow the paths of righteousness.  Wealth may take much longer to accumulate using this formula, but it will certainly be more secure.  Diligence, honesty and persistence are all traits of wisdom that will lead us to a blessed harvest from God who honors those who are willing to work and be honest in their dealings.

WISDOM IN OUR WORDS: The way of wisdom is marked by prudence in the use of our words while the way of wickedness uses words to destroy others or simply to reveal foolishness through and abundance of words.  Foolish men do not listen to instruction in righteousness; instead they are unteachable and love nothing more than the sound of their own voice.  Solomon calls him the babbling fool.  The words of a wise man will bring life to all who hear.  Wicked men use their words to inflict pain on others, lash out in violence and stir up lies about other people.  The wise man uses his words to communicate love, truth and health.  The foolish will not listen to the words of others while the wise man loves the wise words that instruct him so that he can gain even more wisdom.  The foolish man uses words constantly without giving any thought to them while a wise man uses few words but they are all of very great value.


WISDOM IN OUR WALK: The way of the wicked leads down a path of dread and fear while the way of wisdom brings pleasure, peace and joy.  Wickedness will eventually cause all of our worst nightmares to take place in our lives.  Wisdom will see his most pleasant dreams come true.  Those who fear the Lord and obey His commandments experience a long life that is marked by hope and prosperity.  Those who have no fear of God will die young in torment and poverty.  God will grant stability and security to those who follow Him but those who reject Him will be castaways and find only destruction.  The path on which we must walk is very clear!  May God grant us the wisdom to walk according to His Word.

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