Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Proverbs 10:1-16 (ESV)
10 The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. 2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. 4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. 9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. 10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. 13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. 14 The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. 15 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. 16 The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.
This week we begin the main section of Proverbs, which is titled “The Proverbs of Solomon.” This is in two parts. Chapters 10 to 15 teach the kind of wisdom that applies most of the time. Later, beginning in chapter 16, we will learn about the exceptions to the rules. In today’s reading, pay attention to verses 10:4-5. This is one of many sayings which teach the importance of work. The “slack” hand is not merely lazy — it can also refer to being very busy with things which are not important. We also have several sayings regarding our speech (vv. 8, 10, 12 – 14). God wants to emphasize that we can serve him with well-chosen words; or we will harm others if our words are hateful or even just empty babbling. As you seek to speak wisely, remember how it is God’s words which created us and God’s promises which renew us.