Proverbs Chapter 10

Contrasting Lives, Contrasting Destinies
Proverbs 10:1
“The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”

This verse marks the beginning of a new section in the Book of Proverbs. The first nine chapters serve as an introduction, laying the theological and moral groundwork for what follows. Here begins the actual collection of Solomon’s concise, two-line proverbs that continue through Proverbs 22:16. Each verse generally stands alone as a complete expression of practical wisdom, though some appear to be thematically arranged in small clusters. For example, Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 10:5 both address diligence and sloth. Nevertheless, any consistent order or design is difficult to determine, and commentators often differ in their assessments. Therefore, each proverb should be examined individually, recognizing that together they provide a composite picture of godly living. As G. Campbell Morgan aptly stated, “No exposition is possible save to take each proverb and consider it in its separate value. In the majority of instances this is unnecessary, because they are self-evident expositions of one abiding truth.”

Solomon introduces his teaching with a proverb about family and character: “A wise son maketh a glad father.” The wise son here represents one who has embraced instruction, who fears the Lord, and who lives according to divine principles. Solomon himself once embodied this, asking God for wisdom above all else. In 1 Kings 3:9–10, Solomon prayed, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” When David saw this heart of humility and discernment in his son, it surely brought him joy, for wisdom in children reflects the godliness of parental instruction and the fear of God in the home.

By contrast, “a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” The contrast illustrates that foolishness not only harms the individual but also brings grief to those who love him most. The mother’s sorrow is highlighted because Scripture often recognizes the deep emotional bond between mother and child. As Matthew Poole observed, “The occasion of her great sorrow, which is decently ascribed to the mothers rather than to the fathers, because their passions are most vehement, and make deepest impression in them.” Folly is never contained; it radiates pain outward into the family and community. Ironically, Solomon himself, though once the model of wisdom, became a tragic example of this proverb later in life when he turned from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:4 records, “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.” His wisdom, once a blessing, became clouded by compromise and sin.

This verse teaches a simple but profound truth: wisdom blesses not only the individual but everyone connected to him, while folly spreads grief like a contagion. The way of wisdom brings joy and honor, whereas the way of folly brings shame and heartache.

Proverbs 10:2
“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.”

Solomon now contrasts two opposing pursuits—ill-gotten gain versus righteousness. “Treasures of wickedness” refers to wealth obtained through deceit, oppression, or any form of sin. Such treasures may seem valuable for a time but are ultimately worthless before God. As Jesus taught in Luke 12:16–21, the rich fool stored up earthly wealth but neglected his soul. The passage reads, “The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Wealth gained by unrighteous means offers no eternal profit, for it cannot redeem the soul or avert divine judgment.

In contrast, “righteousness delivereth from death.” The righteousness Solomon speaks of is not merely moral conduct but a right standing with God. True righteousness delivers a person from spiritual death because it aligns one with God’s eternal standards. In Romans 6:23, Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The righteous man, therefore, possesses something far greater than treasure—he possesses life itself. Wealth can purchase comfort in this world, but righteousness secures life beyond it. The riches of wickedness perish with the body, but righteousness endures forever, delivering from the ultimate consequence of sin.

Proverbs 10:3
“The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.”

This proverb assures the reader of God’s faithful care and the sustaining power He provides to those who live righteously. “The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish” speaks not primarily of physical hunger, but of the deeper nourishment and preservation of the inner man. The righteous soul will never be abandoned by God, even in times of material lack or adversity. As David declared in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” The promise does not mean the righteous will never experience trials, but that God will sustain their spiritual life and ensure that their needs, both temporal and eternal, are ultimately met. The soul that trusts in God finds its satisfaction not in abundance, but in fellowship with Him. As Matthew 4:4 teaches, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

In contrast, “He casteth away the substance of the wicked.” The Hebrew term implies that God repels or thwarts the cravings and desires of those who live in rebellion against Him. The wicked often seek fulfillment through wealth, pleasure, or power, yet none of these desires bring lasting satisfaction. God frustrates their pursuits, ensuring that the wicked can never truly be content. As Proverbs 11:6 later affirms, “The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” The ungodly are left empty because their desires are rooted in sin and self. Their hunger is for what perishes, and their pursuits end in frustration and loss. The righteous, though they may have little, are content and well-nourished in soul; the wicked, though they may have everything, are starved of peace.

Thus, this proverb reveals a divine paradox: worldly plenty cannot fill the starving soul, but godly righteousness ensures eternal satisfaction. God Himself is the sustainer of His people, while He allows the cravings of the ungodly to turn to dust.

Proverbs 10:4
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

Here Solomon turns to the moral and practical issue of diligence versus laziness. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand” describes the one who neglects effort and discipline. A “slack hand” implies looseness, carelessness, and a lack of earnest labor. Laziness, in Solomon’s view, is a moral failing that leads naturally to poverty. The lazy man desires results but refuses exertion. This echoes Proverbs 13:4, which says, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” The Word of God consistently teaches that diligence is both a moral duty and a divine blessing.

In contrast, “the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Diligence, meaning persistent, focused effort, brings prosperity and honor under God’s providence. The reward may not always be immediate or purely financial, but diligence produces fruit in every realm of life—spiritual, relational, and practical. The Apostle Paul echoed this principle in Colossians 3:23–24: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Work done with diligence and integrity honors God, and He ensures that such labor is never in vain.

As Charles Bridges observed, “Industry was the law of paradise (Genesis 2:15), and although it now bears the stamp of the Fall (Genesis 3:19), it is still a blessing and under God’s providence brings wealth.” Before sin entered the world, Adam was commanded to work and keep the garden. Labor, therefore, is not a curse but part of God’s design for human fulfillment. The Fall made labor difficult and toilsome, yet diligent work remains a noble duty that reflects God’s order and character.

In summary, laziness leads to poverty of both body and soul, while diligence brings increase and blessing. God honors those who labor faithfully, for work done with a sincere heart is not merely economic—it is worship.

Proverbs 10:5
“He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”

This proverb continues Solomon’s theme of wisdom expressed through diligence and discipline. “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son” portrays one who understands both the value of time and the necessity of seizing opportunity. In the ancient agrarian world, gathering in summer was the critical period when crops were reaped and stored for the coming seasons. A son who labors diligently in this time proves himself prudent, industrious, and mindful of his responsibility to his family. Wisdom is not merely intellectual; it is practical, applying foresight and effort in the right season.

This same principle is taught earlier in Proverbs 6:6–8: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” The wise person, like the ant, takes advantage of opportunity, preparing today for the needs of tomorrow. As John Trapp observed, “A well-chosen season is the greatest advantage of any action, which, as it is seldom found in haste, so it is too often lost in delay. The men of Issachar were in great account with David, because they had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). True wisdom perceives both what must be done and when it must be done.

Joseph exemplified this principle when he prepared Egypt for the famine during the years of plenty. Genesis 41:47–49 records, “And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities… and Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.” His foresight not only preserved his nation but saved countless lives. Jesus likewise echoed this urgency in John 9:4: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

In contrast, “he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” To sleep when the fields are ripe is the height of foolishness and negligence. Laziness at the moment of opportunity leads to loss and disgrace. As Adam Clarke remarked, “All the work of the field should be done in the season suitable to it. If summer and harvest be neglected, in vain does a man expect the fruits of autumn.” Likewise, Charles Bridges insightfully wrote, “It is as much the will of God that the young should gather knowledge as that the farmer should gather his harvest.” Spiritual negligence bears the same shameful outcome as physical idleness. The man who wastes the season of opportunity—whether in youth, labor, or spiritual growth—will one day awake to an empty harvest.

Proverbs 10:6
“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”

Here Solomon contrasts the outward favor that rests upon the righteous with the corruption that consumes the wicked. “Blessings are upon the head of the just” recalls the visible favor of God that accompanies those who walk uprightly. In the Mosaic covenant, God promised tangible blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as laid out in Deuteronomy 28:1–2: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.” Blessings upon the head symbolize divine approval and the abundance of life that flows from righteousness—peace, honor, provision, and joy.

In contrast, “violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Instead of blessing, the wicked are engulfed by the violence they have sown. Their cruelty, deceit, and malice consume them. Derek Kidner notes that this phrase may also mean that the violence of the wicked is so apparent that it covers their face—“the man’s evil, written, as we say, all over his face.” Their corruption cannot be hidden; their words and deeds betray them. The righteous are crowned with blessing, but the wicked are masked by their own sin.

Proverbs 10:7
“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”

The proverb moves from present consequences to enduring legacy. “The memory of the just is blessed” means that the righteous are not only honored in life but remembered with reverence in death. Their influence continues to bear fruit long after they are gone. As Hebrews 11 testifies, the heroes of faith—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others—are remembered as models of trust and obedience. Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” The lives of the righteous speak beyond the grave; their names become a source of encouragement and glory to God.

Conversely, “the name of the wicked shall rot.” The imagery is striking. Whereas the memory of the righteous is fragrant and enduring, the reputation of the wicked decays like a corpse. Even when remembered, their names are spoken with contempt. Their deeds, rooted in sin, become their epitaph. Clarke aptly observed, “The very name of the wicked is as offensive as putrid carrion.” This decay of memory reflects God’s moral order—righteousness preserves, wickedness corrupts.

Ultimately, every man and woman determines their legacy by the path they choose. To live in righteousness is to build a memory that blesses generations; to live in wickedness is to guarantee that one’s name becomes a warning and not a model. The fear of the Lord gives a man not only peace in life but honor in remembrance.

Proverbs 10:8
“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.”

This proverb draws a sharp contrast between teachability and arrogance. “The wise in heart will receive commandments” shows that true wisdom begins with humility and obedience. The wise person is not merely knowledgeable, but submissive to instruction—especially divine instruction. A wise heart understands that God’s commands are not burdensome but life-giving, as Deuteronomy 32:46–47 declares, “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day… For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” The wise heart reverently accepts correction, knowing that learning and growth depend on a willing spirit.

As John Trapp noted, “Submit to God’s holy word without replies and cavils. This is a check to the brave gallants of our age, which exercise their ripe heads and fresh wits in wrestling with the truth of God, and take it for a glory to give it a foil.” The pride of the fool resists divine and human authority, but the wise in heart delights in it, understanding that obedience to God brings freedom rather than bondage.

In contrast, “a prating fool shall fall.” The fool, full of words but empty of wisdom, exposes himself through constant chatter and self-confidence. Poole explains that the “fool of lips” either reveals his inner folly by his speech or speaks rashly without any reflection. Such a person disregards instruction, mocks correction, and eventually brings ruin upon himself. Ecclesiastes 10:12–14 reinforces this truth: “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words.” The more the fool speaks, the clearer his downfall becomes.

The wise heart is silent enough to listen, while the foolish mouth is too loud to learn. One grows in grace; the other collapses under the weight of his own pride.

Proverbs 10:9
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”

This verse emphasizes the security and peace that come from integrity. “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely” means that the one who lives honestly and transparently has nothing to fear. To walk uprightly is to live without deceit, with one’s actions and motives aligned before God. The upright person can face scrutiny without anxiety, because his conscience is clear. Psalm 25:21 declares, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” The integrity of the righteous acts as both shield and guide, producing confidence even in uncertain times.

This is beautifully illustrated in a story often attributed to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who reportedly sent an anonymous note to five businessmen in London reading only, “All is discovered; flee at once.” Every one of them fled the country immediately. The story, whether true or apocryphal, reveals the torment of a guilty conscience. The upright man, however, lives securely because he has nothing to hide. His peace of mind is his fortress.

In contrast, “he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” Crooked paths cannot remain hidden forever. Deception may conceal sin for a time, but the truth inevitably surfaces. Numbers 32:23 warns, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Jesus echoed the same in Matthew 10:26: “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.” The sinner spends his life constructing a false image, but time and truth always dismantle it. The upright walks freely in the light; the perverse stumbles in the dark until he is exposed.

Integrity is the believer’s safeguard. It may not always bring worldly advantage, but it always secures divine favor and peace of soul.

Proverbs 10:10
“He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.”

Here Solomon warns against deceitful and frivolous behavior. “He that winketh with the eye” refers to one who signals or schemes with secret gestures—a subtle manipulator who hides malice behind humor or charm. Such deceitful conduct causes strife and pain. Psalm 35:19 uses the same imagery: “Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.” Similarly, Proverbs 6:12–13 says, “A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers.” The “wink” here is not harmless jesting but a covert expression of wicked intent. Poole notes that it describes one “that secretly and cunningly designs mischiefs against others.”

The second half repeats a familiar refrain: “but a prating fool shall fall.” The fool’s downfall is certain because he cannot control his tongue. The same thought appears in Proverbs 10:8, underscoring that foolish talk, arrogance, and deceit are sure paths to destruction. The fool’s empty words multiply his trouble; his speech, meant to display wit or superiority, instead brings his own ruin.

This proverb warns believers against both deceitful cunning and reckless speech. Whether through subtle manipulation or loud folly, sin in the mouth reveals sin in the heart. The wise man guards his lips and intentions, for both are mirrors of the soul.

Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”

Here Solomon draws a striking contrast between the speech of the righteous and that of the wicked. “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life” pictures the righteous as a source of refreshing and sustaining words. In the ancient Near East, wells were vital; they meant survival in an arid land. So too, the righteous person brings refreshment, encouragement, and guidance through godly speech. Their words strengthen, comfort, and edify those around them. As Proverbs 18:4 declares, “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”

The righteous person’s speech does not drain life from others but replenishes it, for he draws from the wisdom of God and the truth of His Word. Waltke notes, “The dependence of life on water is experienced existentially all over the earth… Flowing well water is particularly precious… The open, benevolent speech of the righteous is just as necessary for a community, offering everyone abundant life—temporal, intellectual, moral, and spiritual.” The imagery beautifully suggests that godly speech becomes a spiritual oasis for weary souls.

In contrast, “violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” The wicked use their mouths not to give life but to harm. Their words become instruments of destruction, deceit, and cruelty. Proverbs 12:18 warns, “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” The speech of the wicked reveals the corruption of their heart and spreads moral ruin wherever it goes.

Thus, while the righteous man’s words bring healing and renewal, the wicked man’s mouth brings violence and ruin. The difference lies in the heart’s source—one flows from the Spirit of God, the other from the poison of sin.

Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”

This verse summarizes a fundamental law of human relationships: hatred divides, love unites. “Hatred stirreth up strifes” refers to those who constantly provoke conflict and suspicion. Hatred cannot remain idle; it feeds on discord. As Poole explains, hatred stirs up trouble “upon every slight occasion, by filling men with suspicions and surmises, whereby they imagine faults where there are none, and aggravate every small offence.” The hateful person continually resurrects old wrongs, refusing peace or forgiveness.

In contrast, “love covereth all sins.” Love seeks reconciliation rather than contention. It does not deny sin but responds to it with mercy. This proverb finds a New Testament echo in 1 Peter 4:8: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Love covers in two ways: it forgives the sins of others, and it protects the one who loves from committing further sins.

However, this truth must be balanced with other scriptural teachings. Kidner rightly observes, “This stress on reconciliation is balanced by other passages warning us against hushing up our own sins (Proverbs 28:13) or shirking the giving of a rebuke (Proverbs 27:5–6).” Love does not excuse wickedness, but it refuses to let bitterness or vengeance dominate the heart. Garrett clarifies that in this context “to conceal” is used in a good sense—“forgiving or not finding fault,” rather than maliciously hiding wrongdoing.

As Clarke wrote, “Love conciliates; removes aggravations; puts the best construction on everything; and pours water, not oil, upon the flame.” Likewise, Bridges adds, “Love covers, overlooks, speedily forgives, and forgets. Full of candor and inventiveness, it puts the best construction on doubtful matters and does not expose the faults of a brother. Oh, let us put on the Lord Jesus in His spirit of forbearing, sacrificial love, and let us forgive as we have been forgiven by Christ.”

Hatred spreads fire, but love quenches it. The mark of true godliness is not vengeance but mercy, not accusation but grace.

Proverbs 10:13
“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.”

This proverb reinforces the idea that the mouth reveals the heart. “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found” teaches that a person’s speech exposes their spiritual condition. The one who possesses understanding will naturally speak words of wisdom, for wisdom and understanding overflow into communication. Jesus expressed this in Matthew 12:34: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

The wise person’s speech will edify, teach, and bring clarity. His lips are guided by discernment, and others recognize that his words carry the fragrance of truth. The fool, on the other hand, cannot restrain himself, and his lack of understanding soon manifests in speech that is rash, corrupt, and destructive.

“But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.” Those who refuse instruction and correction must learn through discipline and pain. The “rod” here represents necessary chastisement—whether physical, moral, or divine. Waltke notes, “A rod (sebet) denotes a part of a tree from which a staff or weapon could be made.” Clarke adds, “He that can learn, and will not learn, should be made to learn. The rod is a most powerful instrument of knowledge. Judiciously applied, there is a lesson of profound wisdom in every twig.”

God Himself disciplines those He loves, as Proverbs 3:11–12 declares, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” The fool who rejects wisdom’s instruction must therefore learn the hard way, for correction is the only teacher left to him.

Proverbs 10:14
“Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.”

This proverb highlights the contrast between the foresight of the wise and the recklessness of the foolish. “Wise men lay up knowledge” means that those who possess wisdom know how to preserve and store knowledge for future use. They are not careless with truth or experience but treasure it, adding continually to their understanding. As Proverbs 2:1 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee.” The wise treat truth as a valuable possession to be guarded and used wisely.

To “lay up” knowledge also implies preparation. The wise anticipate future need and store truth as one would store grain in a famine-prone land. This principle can be applied in practical ways—memorizing Scripture, taking notes, and applying lessons learned through life’s trials. Wisdom is never passive; it is always accumulating and ready to act when needed.

By contrast, “the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” The fool does not store wisdom because he despises it. His speech betrays his ignorance, and his words lead him into ruin. The fool’s tongue is his downfall, as Proverbs 18:7 declares, “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.” His nearness to destruction means that danger is not far off; his very speech hastens it. The wise safeguard knowledge in their heart, but the fool squanders it with his mouth.

Proverbs 10:15
“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.”

This proverb reflects an observation about the realities of life rather than a moral judgment. “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city” means that riches often serve as a kind of defense in this fallen world. Wealth provides security, stability, and influence that can protect one from certain hardships. As Ecclesiastes 7:12 says, “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” Wealth can provide protection from hunger, legal troubles, or oppression, though it cannot shield from spiritual death or divine judgment.

Waltke notes that Solomon teaches both to prize wealth rightly and to distrust it. Half of Solomon’s references commend diligence and stewardship leading to wealth (Proverbs 12:27; 13:7; 19:14; 29:3), while the rest warn against trusting in riches (Proverbs 11:28). The Bible never condemns wealth itself, but the idolatry of wealth.

“The destruction of the poor is their poverty” acknowledges the harshness of life’s realities. Poverty leaves one vulnerable—without resources, protection, or influence. Morgan comments, “This is a plain recognition of the power of wealth, and the paralysis of poverty. It is a wholesome corrective to much nonsense talked today about the blessings of poverty. Wealth may become a curse, but poverty is inherently a destruction.” Poverty itself is not virtuous; sloth, dishonesty, or injustice may lead to it. Yet, even when poverty comes by circumstance, it brings hardship and suffering.

Kidner wisely adds, “You may be called to forgo wealth; you must certainly rate it below honesty. But don’t affect to despise it; don’t embrace poverty out of laziness or romanticism.” Scripture teaches contentment, not complacency. Wealth is a stewardship; poverty, a trial—but both test the heart.

Proverbs 10:16
“The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.”

Here Solomon shows that one’s work and its outcomes reveal the moral nature of the worker. “The labour of the righteous tendeth to life” means that the righteous person’s efforts bring life, both to himself and to others. His work is motivated by faith and performed with integrity. Every task done for the Lord becomes meaningful and fruitful. As 1 Corinthians 3:9 declares, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” To work in righteousness is to participate in God’s life-giving purpose.

The “fruit of the wicked,” however, “tendeth to sin.” Their gains and accomplishments ultimately serve sin’s agenda rather than God’s glory. Even their success becomes a snare. Romans 6:23 warns, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The righteous labor to bless and sustain, while the wicked labor to indulge and corrupt. One’s character determines the ultimate harvest of his toil.

Proverbs 10:17
“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.”

The way of life is not merely found—it must be kept. “He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction” shows that wisdom and obedience must be maintained through continual discipline. To keep instruction means to hold fast to it, to guard it as a treasure that guides every decision. Proverbs 4:13 urges, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Obedience to truth leads to life because it aligns the heart with God’s will.

By contrast, “he that refuseth reproof erreth.” To reject correction is to stray from the path of life. Pride and stubbornness make one blind to error and lead inevitably to ruin. The wise receive rebuke with gratitude, knowing that it is a safeguard to the soul. The fool despises correction and therefore multiplies his own destruction.

This principle is echoed in Proverbs 15:10: “Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” God’s rebuke is an act of mercy, intended to turn His children back to life. To accept it is to live; to refuse it is to perish.

Proverbs 10:18
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”

This proverb exposes the hypocrisy and deceit that accompany hatred. “He that hideth hatred with lying lips” refers to those who conceal malice under the guise of kindness. Hatred is one of the most destructive emotions, yet it often disguises itself through false words, politeness, or feigned affection. In truth, those who hide hatred are not merely deceivers—they are liars before both God and man. As 1 John 3:15 declares, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”

Adam Clarke observes, “This is a common case. How many, when full of resentment, and deadly hatred, meditating revenge and cruelty, and sometimes even murder, have pretended that they thought nothing of the injury they had sustained; had passed by the insult, etc.! Thus lying lips covered the malevolence of a wicked heart.” Such duplicity is an attempt to deceive others and often even to quiet one’s own conscience. But hidden hatred inevitably seeps out through one’s words and actions, for as Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

The second half, “he that uttereth a slander, is a fool,” reveals the fruit of that hatred. Slander—spreading false or malicious reports about another—is a verbal manifestation of inward hatred. It is both foolish and sinful because it presumes that God is not watching and that lies will remain hidden. Yet Scripture warns in Matthew 12:36–37, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Thus, hatred concealed or expressed is equally condemned. Concealed hatred breeds hypocrisy; expressed hatred breeds slander. Both are folly in the sight of God, who judges not only the tongue but the heart behind it.

Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

This proverb teaches the wisdom of restraint in speech. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin” means that the more one speaks, the greater the opportunity to sin through exaggeration, gossip, arrogance, or deceit. The tongue, if not governed by godly wisdom, becomes an instrument of destruction. James 3:5–6 warns, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… and it is set on fire of hell.”

Those who talk excessively often speak without reflection, letting emotion and impulse take control. The wise understand that silence often honors God more than speech. Ecclesiastes 5:2 advises, “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.”

The second clause, “he that refraineth his lips is wise,” reveals the virtue of restraint. The ability to control one’s speech is a mark of spiritual maturity. James 1:26 states, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” To restrain the lips requires humility, patience, and discernment. Those who measure their words demonstrate mastery over their emotions and reverence for truth.

Many sins—strife, gossip, falsehood, and pride—can be avoided simply by speaking less. The wise understand that every word carries moral weight, and that silence is often the better expression of wisdom.

Proverbs 10:20
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.”

This proverb highlights the priceless value of righteous speech and the emptiness of wickedness. “The tongue of the just is as choice silver” portrays the words of the righteous as refined, pure, and precious. Like silver purified of dross, their speech has been refined through godly discipline and moral integrity. Psalm 12:6 similarly says, “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” The righteous, walking in the fear of God, speak words of truth, comfort, and encouragement that enrich those who hear them.

Such speech is a treasure to others, for it strengthens the weak, guides the confused, and uplifts the weary. Many people carry through life the memory of a few words spoken by a godly man or woman—words that became as valuable as “choice silver” in their hearts. The righteous use their tongues to bless, not to curse; to build up, not to tear down.

By contrast, “the heart of the wicked is little worth.” This statement goes deeper than behavior—it speaks to nature. The wicked heart, being corrupt, produces nothing of value. Out of it flow deceit, lust, pride, and cruelty. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Such a heart cannot produce good fruit; therefore, its worth is minimal in God’s sight.

Yet even here, the grace of God shines. Though the wicked heart is “little worth,” it is not beyond redemption. God delights in transforming it. Ezekiel 36:26 declares, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

Thus, this proverb reminds us that speech reveals substance. The righteous speak with value because their hearts have been refined by truth, while the wicked’s emptiness is exposed through the vanity of their words.

Proverbs 10:21
“The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.”

This proverb contrasts the nourishing power of godly speech with the self-destruction of folly. “The lips of the righteous feed many” means that the words of a godly person sustain, strengthen, and guide others. Just as food nourishes the body, so righteous words nourish the soul. The righteous person speaks truth seasoned with grace, offering counsel, encouragement, and correction that bring life to those who hear. Proverbs 15:7 echoes this truth: “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.”

Solomon likely uses the term “feed” in a symbolic sense, referring to the moral and spiritual benefit that flows from wise counsel. A righteous man or woman feeds others by speaking truth grounded in Scripture, pointing them to righteousness and eternal life. Such words are spiritual nourishment, not empty talk. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Likewise, the words of the righteous mirror the life-giving words of God.

In contrast, “fools die for want of wisdom.” The fool rejects the very nourishment he needs—the instruction of truth. His spiritual starvation leads to death because he refuses correction and despises understanding. Proverbs 1:32 warns, “For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” The fool perishes not for lack of opportunity but for lack of humility. The righteous feed others with wisdom; the fool starves himself to death with pride.

Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

This verse teaches that true prosperity comes only from the hand of God. “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich” acknowledges that all genuine success, provision, and prosperity flow from God’s sovereign favor. Human effort alone cannot guarantee abundance; it is the Lord who gives increase. Deuteronomy 8:18 affirms this: “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

The righteous recognize that every gift, whether material or spiritual, comes from the Lord. James 1:17 declares, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Wealth becomes a blessing when received with gratitude and used in righteousness. Bridges insightfully noted that this proverb complements Proverbs 10:4: “The one notes the primary source of wealth; the other points to the instrumental source of wealth. Neither can be effective without the other. The sluggard looks for prosperity without diligence; the atheist looks for prosperity only from being diligent.” Both divine favor and responsible effort are necessary.

The second half, “and he addeth no sorrow with it,” highlights a rare and beautiful promise. The wealth that comes from God’s blessing brings peace, not pain. Many who gain riches apart from God are tormented by anxiety, greed, or guilt. The ungodly may be rich in goods but poor in spirit, burdened by care and restlessness. Trapp described this vividly: “Those three vultures shall be driven away that constantly feed on the wealthy worldling’s heart—care in getting, fear in keeping, grief in losing the things of this life. God giveth to his, wealth without woe, store without sore, gold without guilt.”

Scripture gives sobering examples of those who sought wealth without God’s blessing and reaped sorrow instead. Lot’s covetous choice of the well-watered plains of Jordan brought bitterness and destruction (Genesis 13:10–11; 19:15; 2 Peter 2:8). Ahab wore a crown but lay sick with discontent over Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:4). The rich young ruler walked away from Christ in grief because his possessions owned him (Luke 18:23–25). But when riches are bestowed by the Lord, they are accompanied by joy, contentment, and divine favor.

Proverbs 10:23
“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.”

Here Solomon exposes the moral perversity of the fool. “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief” means that sin is his entertainment. What should bring shame brings him pleasure; what should cause remorse brings him laughter. Evil has become his amusement and pastime. He delights in wickedness as others delight in games. As Proverbs 14:9 states, “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” The fool’s heart is so hardened that he treats transgression as a joke.

Ross observes that “Evil conduct to the fool is ‘like sport,’ literally, like a laugh; like child’s play, it is so easy.” There is a competitive dimension to this kind of sin; fools often boast of their wickedness and attempt to outdo one another in their evil. Sin becomes not only habitual but celebratory. The modern world reflects this same spirit—wickedness is glamorized, entertainment is filled with corruption, and immorality is marketed as amusement. Such behavior shows not courage or cleverness, but profound spiritual blindness.

In contrast, “a man of understanding hath wisdom.” To the godly, righteousness—not sin—is the true joy and reward. As Morgan aptly notes, “A man of understanding finds sport in wisdom. That is, he gets out of wisdom the same satisfaction that a fool gets out of wickedness.” The wise man delights in what is pure, edifying, and beneficial. Waltke adds, “As strong people delight in performing feats of strength and musicians find joy in their virtuosity, the competent person finds delight in constructive work.” The wise find joy in living according to God’s design, discovering fulfillment in what is holy rather than what is corrupt.

The fool laughs his way toward destruction; the wise rejoices his way toward eternal life.

Proverbs 10:24
“The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.”

This proverb contrasts the dreadful expectations of the wicked with the blessed assurance of the righteous. “The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him” means that the very thing the ungodly dread will eventually happen. The wicked live with an underlying sense of guilt and impending judgment. Deep within, they know that all is not right between themselves and God, and they fear the inevitable reckoning. That which they anxiously imagine—loss, exposure, and destruction—will ultimately overtake them. As Job 3:25 says, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

The wicked often try to silence their conscience, but fear remains their unseen companion. Whether they fear death, judgment, or the collapse of their worldly securities, their fears are well founded. God’s justice ensures that those who reject righteousness will face the very terrors they sought to escape. Psalm 73:19 states, “How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.”

In contrast, “the desire of the righteous shall be granted.” The righteous also look toward the future, but with confidence and expectation. Their desires are shaped by godly hope, not selfish ambition. They seek the kingdom of God, and their prayers are heard. Psalm 37:4 beautifully declares, “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Because the righteous align their desires with God’s will, He delights to fulfill them.

Thus, where the wicked’s fear becomes their fate, the righteous man’s hope becomes his blessing. Fear anticipates judgment; faith anticipates reward. One lives in dread of what is coming; the other rejoices in the certainty of God’s promises.

Proverbs 10:25
“As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.”

This verse extends the contrast by describing the ultimate outcomes of the wicked and the righteous. “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more” portrays the sudden and complete destruction of the ungodly. A whirlwind, or tempest, appears swiftly and violently, leaving devastation in its wake. So is the end of those who build their lives apart from God—temporary strength, followed by utter ruin. Clarke writes, “As tornadoes that sweep everything away before them; so shall the wrath of God sweep away the wicked; it shall leave him neither branch nor root.” This echoes Malachi 4:1: “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble.”

Trouble comes to all, but the difference lies in the foundation. The wicked, having built upon sand, cannot withstand the storm. Their security—whether wealth, power, or reputation—is swept away in the tempest of divine judgment.

“But the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” The imagery here calls to mind the parable of the wise builder in Matthew 7:24–27, where Jesus said, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock… and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” The righteous man’s stability comes from his rootedness in God’s truth. When trials and adversity come, he stands firm because his life is anchored in eternal realities. His faith does not collapse when tested, and even death cannot shake his foundation.

The whirlwind of judgment removes the wicked from the earth, but it only strengthens the testimony of the righteous, who endure by God’s sustaining grace.

Proverbs 10:26
“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.”

This proverb vividly depicts the frustration caused by a lazy worker. “As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes” describes constant irritation and disappointment. Vinegar erodes and stings the teeth, while smoke burns and waters the eyes—both are unpleasant and unproductive experiences. Waltke explains, “The drinker expected sweet wine but instead received sour vinegar. As smoke to the eyes infers the same points of comparison. A person preparing food expected a constructive fire to prepare the meal but received smoke and tears instead.”

“So is the sluggard to them that send him.” The lazy man is like that sour vinegar and that blinding smoke—irritating, unreliable, and exasperating to those who depend on him. His negligence wastes time and resources, and his lack of urgency turns every task into a burden. Ross comments, “This little proverb portrays the aggravation in sending a lazy servant on a mission—it could be a confusing, unpleasant ordeal.”

In spiritual terms, this proverb rebukes those who profess to serve God yet approach their service with apathy. Bridges aptly warns, “The sluggard can disappoint and provoke his earthly master. So we must ensure that we are not sluggards to our heavenly Master. The slothful minister is accountable to the one who sends him. When he hears the Master’s call to go into his vineyard, he disobeys at his peril.” Matthew 20:7 describes the Lord’s rebuke to idlers: “They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard.” Likewise, Matthew 25:30 warns of the fate of the unprofitable servant: “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Laziness, whether in secular work or spiritual calling, brings dishonor to the one who sends. The diligent worker, on the other hand, reflects the character of his Master and turns labor into worship.

Proverbs 10:27
“The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”

This proverb teaches that a life lived in reverence and obedience to God brings stability and longevity, while wickedness shortens one’s days. “The fear of the Lord prolongeth days” affirms that those who live with a continual awareness of God’s holiness and authority often enjoy a longer and more peaceful life. This truth is both moral and practical. The one who fears God avoids the destructive consequences of sin—violence, immorality, addiction, deceit, and rebellion—all of which erode both the body and soul.

Proverbs 9:10–11 echoes this same promise: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” Those who walk uprightly tend to live lives of discipline, moderation, and peace, which in turn promote health and longevity. Moreover, the one who fears the Lord enjoys divine favor and protection until God, in His sovereignty, calls them home.

In contrast, “the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” Sin shortens life, both through its inherent dangers and through divine judgment. Wicked living leads to ruin, disease, conflict, and early death. Even when the wicked seem to prosper, their days are fleeting. Psalm 37:35–36 declares, “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.” The wicked die not only physically, but spiritually—they lose the eternal life promised to the righteous.

The fear of the Lord lengthens life with peace and purpose; sin shortens it with turmoil and destruction. The difference lies in whose authority one lives under—God’s or one’s own.

Proverbs 10:28
“The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”

This verse contrasts the ultimate outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the reliability of hope rooted in God. “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness” means that those who trust in the Lord have a secure and joyful expectation for the future. Their hope is not dependent on the world’s circumstances but on God’s unchanging promises. Even in trial, they look forward to eternal gladness in His presence. Psalm 16:9–11 beautifully captures this truth: “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope… thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

The righteous person can live and die with peace because his hope is eternal. His expectation is grounded not in what he earns but in what God graciously gives. Romans 5:5 affirms this: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

In contrast, “the expectation of the wicked shall perish.” The wicked may have hopes—of pleasure, success, or mercy—but their expectations are delusions. Clarke remarks, “A wicked man is always imposing on himself by the hope of God's mercy and final happiness; and he continues hoping, till he dies without receiving that mercy which alone would entitle him to that glory.” The sinner builds castles in the air, but his foundation is sand.

Trapp illustrates this with the story of Esau: “As Esau came from hunting, with his head full of hopes, but went away with his heart full of blanks, and his face full of blushing.” The wicked die disappointed because their hopes are misplaced—in themselves, in their wealth, or in a false sense of security. Job 8:13–14 declares, “So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web.”

The righteous rejoice because their hope is in the Lord who cannot fail; the wicked despair because their hope is in themselves, and they cannot stand.

Proverbs 10:29
“The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”

This proverb reveals that the same divine order that blesses the righteous brings ruin to the wicked. “The way of the Lord is strength to the upright” means that God’s ways—His commandments, His will, and His providence—fortify those who walk in them. Living according to God’s design does not weaken but strengthens the believer. Obedience produces moral and spiritual resilience, equipping the upright to endure trials with courage and faith. Isaiah 40:31 promises, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Walking in the way of the Lord gives purpose, stability, and confidence. God’s commandments are not a burden but a source of protection and blessing. Psalm 119:32 says, “I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” The upright draw strength from the very path of obedience that the wicked despise.

“But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” The same moral order that empowers the righteous destroys the rebellious. Those who defy God’s ways eventually find that their path leads only to ruin. Their actions work against them, bringing judgment and decay. Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The contrast is stark: the way of the Lord is a place of strength, safety, and renewal for the obedient, but it is a wall of judgment and collapse for the disobedient. Those who walk with God are built up; those who resist Him are broken down.

Proverbs 10:30
“The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.”

This verse concludes with a contrast between permanence and instability, between those who are established by righteousness and those who are uprooted by wickedness. “The righteous shall never be removed” speaks of security and endurance that come from living in harmony with God’s will. The righteous are like trees planted by rivers of water—deeply rooted and nourished by the Lord. Psalm 1:3 says, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” The righteous may be shaken by trials but will never be uprooted, for their foundation is eternal.

This permanence also points beyond earthly life. The righteous have an everlasting inheritance that cannot be taken away. John 10:28 records the words of Christ: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Their security is not in circumstances, wealth, or worldly status, but in the unchanging faithfulness of God.

In contrast, “the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.” Their power and possessions are temporary; their dominion will end in judgment. Though they may prosper for a time, their roots are shallow. Psalm 37:9–10 affirms, “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” Jesus reiterated this same truth in Matthew 5:5, saying, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The inheritance of the world belongs to the righteous, not the wicked.

The righteous endure because they are anchored in God’s truth; the wicked vanish because they build upon sand.

Proverbs 10:31
“The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.”

Here Solomon again contrasts the fruit of righteous speech with the fate of corrupt speech. “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom” means that the words of a righteous man flow naturally from a heart grounded in truth and discernment. His words edify, instruct, and reflect divine insight. As Proverbs 15:7 states, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.” The righteous are known by the wisdom that comes from their lips, because wisdom dwells abundantly within them.

The speech of the righteous is not only true but fruitful—it brings life and direction to others. Their words act as channels through which God’s truth nourishes those who hear. This aligns with Proverbs 10:11: “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.” What fills the heart inevitably flows from the mouth, and thus the righteous, filled with wisdom, cannot help but speak that which blesses others.

In contrast, “the froward tongue shall be cut out.” The “froward” or perverse tongue refers to speech that twists truth, spreads corruption, and blasphemes the holy. Such speech will not last; God will silence it in judgment. Clarke notes, “This probably alludes to the punishment of cutting out the tongue for blasphemy, treasonable speeches, profane swearing, or such like…. Were the tongue of every shrew or scold to be extracted, we should soon have much less noise in the world.” While his statement is partly humorous, the principle is serious: the misuse of the tongue leads to divine retribution.

Ultimately, those who use their speech to harm others, to deceive, or to mock righteousness will be silenced. God will not allow wicked words to stand forever. The tongue that once spoke arrogance will one day confess Christ as Lord (Philippians 2:11). The words of the righteous endure; the speech of the wicked is cut off and forgotten.

Proverbs 10:32
“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”

This closing verse of the chapter summarizes the theme of wisdom in speech. “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable” describes discernment—the ability to speak rightly and in due season. The righteous understand not only what to say, but when and how to say it. Their words are guided by grace and truth. Colossians 4:6 exhorts believers, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Righteous speech is acceptable to both God and man because it is grounded in sincerity, kindness, and truth. The wise person speaks thoughtfully, avoiding extremes of harshness or flattery. Their words minister grace and healing, as Proverbs 25:11 describes: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

In contrast, “the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” The wicked person speaks what is twisted, deceitful, and corrupt. Their speech reflects their inner character—crooked in heart, crooked in word. Clarke observes, “The wicked man knows as well what is perverse, and that he speaketh forth. As the love of God is not in his heart, so the law of kindness is not on his lips.” Their words reveal rebellion and contempt for truth, and their speech spreads poison rather than peace.

Ultimately, the righteous use their lips to glorify God and edify others; the wicked use theirs to destroy. Speech, therefore, is a moral barometer—what the lips say exposes what the heart contains. As Jesus declared in Matthew 12:35–36, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”