The Linked Word Project

Introduction to chapter 10

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."

Proverbs 10:2

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.

Proverbs 10:3

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

Proverbs 10:4

slack — literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Hos 7:16).

maketh rich — (compare Pro 10:22).

Proverbs 10:5

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).

Proverbs 10:6

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).

Proverbs 10:7

blessed — literally, "for a blessing," or praise.

shall rot — literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.

Proverbs 10:8

wise, &c. — (compare Pro 9:8-9, Pro 9:16), opposed to

prating fool — or, "fool of lips of wicked language."

fall — headlong, suddenly.

Proverbs 10:9

perverteth his ways — acts deceitfully.

known — discovered and punished.

Proverbs 10:10

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.

Proverbs 10:11

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

Proverbs 10:12

strifes — or, "litigations."

covereth — by forgiveness and forbearance.

Proverbs 10:13

In the lips . . . found — hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool.

void of understanding — (Pro 6:32; Pro 7:7).

Proverbs 10:14

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.

Proverbs 10:15

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.

Proverbs 10:16

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

Proverbs 10:17

keepeth — observes (Pro 3:18; Pro 4:22).

refuseth — or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.

Proverbs 10:18

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

Proverbs 10:19

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

Proverbs 10:20

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

Proverbs 10:21

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).

Proverbs 10:22

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).

Proverbs 10:23

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

Proverbs 10:24

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

Proverbs 10:25

(Compare Psa 1:4; Psa 37:9-10, Psa 37:36).

righteous . . . foundation — well laid and firm (Mat 7:24-25).

Proverbs 10:26

that is, causes vexation.

Proverbs 10:27

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

Proverbs 10:28

gladness — in confidence of realizing it.

expectation . . . perish — in disappointment.

Proverbs 10:29

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

Proverbs 10:30

(Compare Pro 12:3; Psa 37:9-11; Psa 102:28).

earth — or, "land of promise."

Proverbs 10:31

bringeth forth — literally, "germinates" as a plant.

froward — (Compare Pro 2:12, Pro 2:14).

cut off — as an unproductive plant.

Proverbs 10:32

know — regard and provide for (Psa 1:6).

frowardness — all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural.