Proverbs 10:1-32

Lessons about wisdom

Proverbs

Keith Simons

Chapter 10

The Proverbs (wise words) of Solomon

(Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 22:16)

The second major section in the Book of Proverbs is Proverbs 10:1, to Proverbs 22:16. This section contains 375 short poems. Most poems have two lines, and each poem is one verse long. Each poem is called a ‘proverb’.

The structure of this section is unusual. Solomon did not separate the proverbs into groups. The proverbs change from one subject to another. However, their order does matter. Solomon uses an ‘organic’ (that is, ‘natural’) order. This order is similar to a conversation. For example, one proverb might explain the previous one. Another proverb might contrast with the previous one.

Together, these proverbs are like a conversation. Imagine that a group of wise people are talking about wisdom. Each person in the group speaks briefly. They all listen to each other. Then, each person tells his thoughts or ideas to the other people. The conversation would be similar to this section of the Book of Proverbs.

Because of this structure, you cannot split these proverbs into smaller sections. Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 22:16 belong together. To help us to understand their meaning, I have separated the proverbs into smaller groups. (The chapter numbers are not part of the original book. Sometimes, they are in the wrong positions. Proverbs 22:17 should really start a new chapter.)

The proverbs describe our lives. Often, they describe good things in our lives, for example, wisdom. Sometimes they describe bad things. They do not always explain whether something is good or bad. You need to use your own wisdom to decide. For example, Proverbs 10:15 says, ‘Great wealth protects a rich man. Lack of wealth ruins a poor man.’ This does not mean that we should try to get great wealth. Proverbs 8:10 told us that wisdom was better than wealth. Proverbs 10:15 describes our lives. We should want wisdom more than we want wealth.

These proverbs discuss many different subjects. However, all these subjects start with the first proverb. This proverb is about the difference between a wise son and a foolish son. The difference is (of course) wisdom.

Chapter 10

v1 A wise son brings joy to his father.

A foolish son causes pain to his mother.

v2 If you steal money, then it has no value.

If you do the right things, then your actions can save you from death.

v3 God provides for good people.

If you do evil things, he will not satisfy your desires.

v4 The lazy person becomes poor.

The busy person becomes rich.

v5 The wise son harvests crops in summer.

The son that sleeps during the harvest is stupid.

v6 God gives wonderful things to the good man.

Whatever the evil man speaks causes trouble.

v7 With joy we remember the good man.

We forget the evil man.