101 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 Wealth which comes from sin is of no profit, but righteousness gives salvation from death. 3 The Lord will not let the upright be in need of food, but he puts far from him the desire of the evil-doers.
4 He who is slow in his work becomes poor, but the hand of the ready worker gets in wealth.
5 He who in summer gets together his store is a son who does wisely; but he who takes his rest when the grain is being cut is a son causing shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the upright, but the face of sinners will be covered with sorrow.
7 The memory of the upright is a blessing, but the name of the evil-doer will be turned to dust.
8 The wise-hearted man will let himself be ruled, but the man whose talk is foolish will have a fall.
9 He whose ways are upright will go safely, but he whose ways are twisted will be made low.
10 He who makes signs with his eyes is a cause of trouble, but he who makes a man see his errors is a cause of peace.
11 The mouth of the upright man is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the evil-doer is a bitter cup.
12 Hate is a cause of violent acts, but all errors are covered up by love.
13 In the lips of him who has knowledge wisdom is seen; but a rod is ready for the back of him who is without sense.
14 Knowledge is stored up by the wise, but the mouth of the foolish man is a destruction which is near.
15 The property of the man of wealth is his strong town: the poor man's need is his destruction.
16 The work of the upright gives life: the increase of the evil-doer is a cause of sin.
17 He who takes note of teaching is a way of life, but he who gives up training is a cause of error.
18 Hate is covered up by the lips of the upright man, but he who lets out evil about another is foolish.
19 Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.
20 The tongue of the upright man is like tested silver: the heart of the evil-doer is of little value. 21 The lips of the upright man give food to men, but the foolish come to death for need of sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord gives wealth: hard work makes it no greater.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 10:1-22
Commentary on Proverbs 10:1
(Read Proverbs 10:1)
The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both, motives to their duties.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:2-3
(Read Proverbs 10:2-3)
Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
(Read Proverbs 10:4)
Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:5
(Read Proverbs 10:5)
Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:6
(Read Proverbs 10:6)
Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:7
(Read Proverbs 10:7)
Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:8
(Read Proverbs 10:8)
The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:9
(Read Proverbs 10:9)
Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:10
(Read Proverbs 10:10)
Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:11
(Read Proverbs 10:11)
The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
(Read Proverbs 10:12)
Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:13
(Read Proverbs 10:13)
Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:14
(Read Proverbs 10:14)
Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
(Read Proverbs 10:15)
This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
(Read Proverbs 10:16)
Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour tends to life.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
(Read Proverbs 10:17)
The traveller that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
(Read Proverbs 10:18)
He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
(Read Proverbs 10:19)
Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:20-21
(Read Proverbs 10:20-21)
The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:22
(Read Proverbs 10:22)
That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.