ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Proverbs 10

Prov. 10:1–22:16 Proverbs of Solomon. Here begins what may be called the “proverbs proper.” They are short, individual sayings, in contrast to the longer wisdom poems of chs. 1–9. Often, however, individual proverbs are grouped together into small collections which give the reader a more complete understanding of a given topic.

Prov. 10:1–5 These proverbs encourage working in a righteous way. They discourage acquiring treasures by unjust means (v. 2a) or wasting one’s wealth by sloth (vv. 4–5). God’s people can live in this way because the Lord does not let the righteous go hungry. They trust God to provide for them, and they do not waste his resources (v. 3; see note on v. 4).

Prov. 10:1 This verse introduces the proverbs of 10:1–22:16 by echoing the previous chapters’ appeals of a father and mother to be a wise son. This should remind the reader that the instruction of 1:1–9:18 is essential for a proper understanding of the proverbs that will follow.

Prov. 10:4 makes rich. See v. 22a. The diligent is another name applied to the wise (see Introduction: Reading Proverbs). The gift of persistence is the Lord’s primary means of providing for his people’s material needs (see v. 3). The contrasts of vv. 6–32 further indicate that an attitude of diligence comes from “the fear of the Lord” (v. 27).

Prov. 10:6–11 Neither the blessings . . . on the head of the righteous nor the violence that is hidden by the mouth of the wicked are necessarily obvious to an observer who sees only external facts (v. 6). However, the one who is wise of heart (v. 8a) will walk securely (v. 9a), whereas the fool (vv. 8b, 10) who makes his ways crooked (v. 9b) will come to ruin (vv. 8b, 10b).

Prov. 10:12 The wicked are described as concealing violence (vv. 6b, 11b) or hatred (vv. 12a, 18a). They deceive others for their own sinful purposes. The one who is wise seeks the good of others even when he or she is the offended party: love covers all offenses (the Hebrew verb translated here as “covers” is translated “conceal” in vv. 6b, 11b, 18a). Compare Matt. 5:44; 1 Pet. 4:8.

Prov. 10:15 The proverb reflects on the benefit of wealth and the harmful effect of poverty. Wealth can be like a strong city, providing safety, resources, and protection against misfortune. Poverty leads to difficulty and thus should not be embraced out of laziness or romanticism.

Prov. 10:22 This verse, at the center of vv. 12–32, teaches an important truth about both the source and the nature of wealth. Since it is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, one must seek wealth through righteous means. A person’s hope should come not from material things but from the Lord who provides (see vv. 23–30). he adds no sorrow with it. When the Lord gives material blessing, he gives it freely and with joy.

Prov. 10:27 As a general rule, the fear of the Lord prolongs life because of the Lord’s blessing (compare 9:11; Deut. 5:16). Likewise, as a general rule, the years of the wicked will be short, whether because the Lord brings about premature death as a judgment or because sinful patterns destroy physical health and peace of mind.

Prov. 10:30 The phrases will never be removed and will not dwell indicate that the land here refers to the promised end of the righteous path (see note on 2:21–22).

Prov. 10:31–32 The repetition of the mouth of the righteous (see v. 11a) and the mouth of the wicked (see vv. 6b, 11b) acts as a frame around vv. 6–32. Verses 31–32 conclude the chapter by drawing the contrast into focus: The perverse tongue shows the state of the person’s heart (see the related contrast of v. 20). The fact that it will be cut off indicates that what the wicked have hidden in their speech (violence, vv. 6b, 11b; hatred, v. 18a) has ruined them from the inside out. By contrast, the mouth and lips of the righteous reveal a heart that brings forth wisdom, which is a blessing to themselves and others (see vv. 11a, 21a).