Proverbs 10

Read Proverbs 10:1 – 5. This chapter begins a new section of Proverbs. In it, we shift from parents personally warning their sons to a community expressing interrelated ideas and themes about wise living. Each two-line proverb can stand alone and is worthy of individual reflection and consideration, yet each is also influenced by its context, the proverbs which come before and after it, guiding the pathway of our thoughts. These five proverbs each contain a stark contrast, focusing not on immediate consequences, but on end results. As human beings, we tend to ignore our own foolishness or sin and focus instead on those of others. Which proverb catches your attention most? Why? Which one, if you were honest, is most directly applicable to your own life today?

Read Proverbs 10:6 – 21. Verse 10 contains the first proverb in this chapter which speaks not of a contrast between the wise and the fool, but uses both lines to reinforce the warning about foolish behavior. The fact that the second line in this proverb is identical to the second line in Verse Eight suggests that we should pay close attention. A person who “winks maliciously” is engaged in secret and deceptive behavior, known only to his inner circle. He is confident that he is succeeding in his deception and brings grief not only to those he deceives, but to those like family and friends who inadvertently become collateral damage. The connection to a “chattering fool” becomes obvious when we realize that those who are hiding deceptive behavior often talk profusely to cover their nervousness or distract others from the real issue. What issues do you find yourself inclined to “wink” and cover up? What makes you chatter nervously?

Read Proverbs 10:22 – 32. Like Verse 6 in the previous section, Verse 22 promises blessing to those who live by God’s wisdom. Verse 24 states, “What the wicked dread will overtake them.” Is this true? We know people who ignore God and live peaceful lives. The wicked do often have resources for more desirable living conditions, greater entertainment, better health, and fewer financial worries. Yet, underneath the creature comforts is a nagging question, often ignored but still present, “What if this isn’t all there is? What if I have to answer for my choices?” Do you find it hard to believe that the outcomes promised for wisdom and foolishness will really happen? Which warnings do you find hardest to believe, ones about dishonest gain vs. honest wealth, laziness vs. diligence, deception vs. truth, or wholesome vs. unwholesome talk?

Choose one proverb from this chapter, which fits your life today. Memorize it. Read it aloud several times, emphasizing a different word each time. Close your eyes and recite it. Repeat this process several times until you are confident you know it. Pray and ask God to bring it to mind several times today. Recite it mentally each time it occurs to you. At the end of the day, take a moment to consider how it has applied to your life.