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.