Proverbs 10

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Introduction

Here begins the second part of the book, Pro. 10:1-22:16, which, with the third, Pro. 22:16-25:28, contains series of proverbs whose sense is complete in one or two verses, and which, having no logical connection, admit of no analysis. The parallelisms of Pro. 10:1-15:33 are mostly antithetic; and those of Pro. 16:1-22:16, synthetic. The evidences of art in the structure are very clear, and indicate, probably, a purpose of facilitating the labor of memorizing. (Pro. 10:1-32) wise [and] foolish--as they follow or reject the precepts of wisdom. maketh . . . father--or, "gladdens a father." heaviness--or, "grief."

Verse 2

Treasures . . . nothing--that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Pro 4:17; Mat 6:19). righteousness--especially beneficence (Psa 112:9). death--the greatest of all evils.

Verse 3

(Compare Psa 37:16-20). The last clause is better: "He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked."

Verse 4

slack--literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Hos 7:16). maketh rich--(compare Pro 10:22).

Verse 5

son--as Pro 1:8, Pro 1:10, and often. sleepeth--in indolence, and not for rest. causeth shame--literally, "is base" (compare Pro 14:35; Pro 17:2).

Verse 6

Blessings--literally, "Praises." The last clause is better: "The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)" to be executed in due time (Psa 5:9; Psa 10:7; Rom 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Pro 10:11).

Verse 7

blessed--literally, "for a blessing," or praise. shall rot--literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.

Verse 8

wise, &c.--(compare Pro 9:8-9, Pro 9:16), opposed to prating fool--or, "fool of lips of wicked language." fall--headlong, suddenly.

Verse 9

perverteth his ways--acts deceitfully. known--discovered and punished.

Verse 10

Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pro 6:13; Psa 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.

Verse 11

a well--or, "source" of good to himself and others (Joh 7:37-38). On last clause, see on Pro 10:6.

Verse 12

strifes--or, "litigations." covereth--by forgiveness and forbearance.

Verse 13

In the lips . . . found--hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool. void of understanding-- (Pro 6:32; Pro 7:7).

Verse 14

lay up knowledge--that is, as treasures for good use. mouth . . . destruction--or, "as to the mouth," &c., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.

Verse 15

Both by trusting in "uncertain riches" (Ti1 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Pro 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.

Verse 16

The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.

Verse 17

keepeth--observes (Pro 3:18; Pro 4:22). refuseth--or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.

Verse 18

Both vices must one day be known and punished, and hence their folly.

Verse 19

Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jam 1:26).

Verse 20

Right speech is the fruit of a good heart, but the wicked show theirs to be useless.

Verse 21

Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Pro 10:11, Pro 10:17; Hos 4:6).

Verse 22

it maketh, &c.--"it" is emphatic. Riches from God are without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth (compare Ecc 2:21-23; Ti1 6:9-10, Ti1 6:17).

Verse 23

Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.

Verse 24

it--the very thing. The wicked get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good.

Verse 25

(Compare Psa 1:4; Psa 37:9-10, Psa 37:36). righteous . . . foundation--well laid and firm (Mat 7:24-25).

Verse 26

that is, causes vexation.

Verse 27

(Compare Pro 9:11; Psa 55:23).

Verse 28

gladness--in confidence of realizing it. expectation . . . perish--in disappointment.

Verse 29

The way, &c.--that is, God's providence sustains the righteous and overthrows the wicked (Hos 14:9).

Verse 30

(Compare Pro 12:3; Psa 37:9-11; Psa 102:28). earth--or, "land of promise."

Verse 31

bringeth forth--literally, "germinates" as a plant. froward--(Compare Pro 2:12, Pro 2:14). cut off--as an unproductive plant.

Verse 32

know--regard and provide for (Psa 1:6). frowardness--all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural. Next: Proverbs Chapter 11