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Proverbs 10:17-32 (ESV)
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. 18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. 19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. 22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. 24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. 26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. 28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. 30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Solomon continues yesterday’s teaching, with further instruction on using our words in a godly way (vv. 18–21, 31-32). Note in particular 10:19, which teaches how important it is to not say everything we want to say. We should only say what builds others up (Ephesians 4:29). This is followed by many sayings about the blessings which come to the righteous, and the difficulties which go to the wicked. Keep in mind that this isn’t a guarantee, but rather a general observation. The person who drives carefully will have fewer accidents than the person who drives recklessly. However, the careful driver can get unlucky and suffer a crash, and the careless driver can be fortunate and never pay for his recklessness. However, the odds are with the righteous. Furthermore, doing right is its own reward (Prov. 10:28-30), bringing joy and confidence in every circumstance.