Proverbs Ten
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
proverbs of Solomon. See note on Proverbs 1:1. The first nine chapters of Proverbs may represent instructions for Solomon, perhaps written by David. Beginning at Proverbs 10:1, however, the proverbs were either written by Solomon or collected by him.
Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
delivereth from death. The second section of Proverbs, called “the proverbs of Solomon,” extends from Proverbs 10:1-22:17, where a new section attributed to “the words of the wise” begins. The collected “proverbs of Solomon” each stand independently, with no continuity from verse to verse. The earlier section, however (Proverbs 1:1-9:18), and also the section from Proverbs 22:17-24:34, attributed to “the wise” (Proverbs 24:23), do exhibit such continuity.
substance of the wicked. These individual proverbs should be understood in many cases to be generalizations rather than rigid laws of nature. As in this verse, these are no doubt some righteous people who have starved and some wicked people who have prospered. The stated principles, however, are usually valid here on earth. In heaven, they will become invariable truths forever.
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
a prating fool shall fall. This colorful assessment is repeated in Proverbs 10:10, the Lord (through Solomon) evidently considering it important to issue a double warning against “profane and vain babblings” (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16). Compare Proverbs 10:18, 19.
Proverbs 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
Proverbs 10:16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.