The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted

101 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[1]

7 The name of the righteous is used in blessings,[2] but the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

10 Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

16 The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.

19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. 21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.

22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.

Other Translations of Proverbs 10:1-22

King James Version

The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted

101 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance the substance...: or, the wicked for their wickedness of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating a prating...: Heb. a fool of lips fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. fall: Heb. be beaten

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. of understanding: Heb. of heart

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. erreth: or, causeth to err

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. of wisdom: Heb. of heart

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

English Standard Version

The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted

101 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

14 The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

15 A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

16 The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.

17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.

22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.Or and toil adds nothing to it

The Message

The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted

101 Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.

2 Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal. 3 God won't starve an honest soul, but he frustrates the appetites of the wicked.

4 Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth.

5 Make hay while the sun shines - that's smart; go fishing during harvest - that's stupid.

6 Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.

7 A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench.

8 A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued.

9 Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed.

10 An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace.

11 The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.

12 Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.

13 You'll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face.

14 The wise accumulate knowledge - a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much - a sheer waste. The Road to Life Is a Disciplined Life

15 The wealth of the rich is their bastion; the poverty of the indigent is their ruin.

16 The wage of a good person is exuberant life; an evil person ends up with nothing but sin.

17 The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good.

18 Liars secretly hoard hatred; fools openly spread slander.

19 The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.

20 The speech of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless. 21 The talk of a good person is rich fare for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart. Fear-of-God Expands Your Life

22 God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.

New King James Version

The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted

101 The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.

10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

14 Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin.

17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.

18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

New Living Translation

The Upright and the Wicked Contrasted

101 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. 3 The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.

4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

5 A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.

6 The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

7 We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.

8 The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.

10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.

11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.

17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.

19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. 21 The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

22 The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 10:1-22

Commentary on Proverbs 10:1

(Read Proverbs 10:1)

The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both, motives to their duties.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:2-3

(Read Proverbs 10:2-3)

Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:4

(Read Proverbs 10:4)

Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:5

(Read Proverbs 10:5)

Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:6

(Read Proverbs 10:6)

Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:7

(Read Proverbs 10:7)

Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:8

(Read Proverbs 10:8)

The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:9

(Read Proverbs 10:9)

Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:10

(Read Proverbs 10:10)

Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:11

(Read Proverbs 10:11)

The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:12

(Read Proverbs 10:12)

Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:13

(Read Proverbs 10:13)

Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:14

(Read Proverbs 10:14)

Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:15

(Read Proverbs 10:15)

This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:16

(Read Proverbs 10:16)

Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour tends to life.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:17

(Read Proverbs 10:17)

The traveller that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:18

(Read Proverbs 10:18)

He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:19

(Read Proverbs 10:19)

Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:20-21

(Read Proverbs 10:20-21)

The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:22

(Read Proverbs 10:22)

That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.