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10:1–22:16 10:1–22:16 is a collection of short sayings that are often clustered together to treat particular topics, such as wealth and poverty (vv. 12–18), speech (11:9–12), diligence and sloth (12:24–28), and pride and humility (15:25–33).

10:1 The proverbs of Solomon See note on 1:1.

A wise child makes a father glad A recurring theme in Proverbs (15:20; 17:21; 23:15). A person’s wisdom or folly affects their parents. The wise son pursues righteousness and keeps the law (23:24; 28:7), while the foolish son engages in immorality and violence (19:26; 29:3).

Wisdom and Related Terms

10:2–3 These two proverbs uphold the value of righteousness over wickedness. The first proverb states that while the wicked may obtain wealth, it ultimately does not profit them. Instead, righteousness—not earthly wealth—protects a person’s life. The second proverb asserts that Yahweh protects the righteous.

10:2 righteousness delivers from death See note on 3:2.

10:3 he will thwart The Hebrew word used here indicates pushing (Deut 6:19). Yahweh pushes away the things desired by the wicked.

10:5 he who sleeps at the harvest Indicates laziness. Like the foolish son (Prov 10:1), the lazy son also brings shame to his parents.

10:8 A heart of wisdom will heed commandments Describes obedience, a characteristic of the wise.

a babbling fool The Hebrew expression used here literally means “foolish lips.” The fool’s lips (speech) are depicted as the cause of the fool’s trouble throughout Proverbs (14:3; 18:6).

The Fool in Proverbs

10:9 integrity The Hebrew word used here, tom, indicates purity or innocence (2 Sam 22:24).

Those who walk with integrity do what is right both outwardly and inwardly (compare Psa 15:2 and note). Walking with integrity is to be preferred over riches (Prov 19:1; 28:6). Those who walk with integrity walk securely because Yahweh protects them (2:7). This does not mean they will never encounter trouble; Job, a man of integrity, experienced much suffering (see Job 1:1 and note). Instead, this statement expresses confidence that God protects those who walk blamelessly (see note on Prov 3:2).

10:10 The winking of an eye The exact meaning of this gesture is unknown. It is likely an indication of deceitfulness. See note on 6:13.

10:12 love covers over all offenses The Hebrew word used here, kasah, indicates covering (Gen 7:19) or concealing (Prov 10:11). It can also refer to forgiving (Psa 32:1; 85:2).

10:14 lay up knowledge The Hebrew word used here, tsaphan, means “to store” (Prov 2:7), indicating the wise have an abundance of knowledge (da'ath, see note on 1:4).

Wisdom and Related Terms

10:18 He who conceals hatred In v. 12, the Hebrew word used here, kasah, was used with the sense of “to forgive.” Here, it is used with the more deceptive sense of “to conceal.” The person described here tries to hide hatred.

10:19 In many words Restraint in speech is advocated throughout Proverbs. While a fool’s speech leads to ruin (18:6–7), keeping quiet can help avoid trouble (21:23). A fool’s silence may even make the fool seem wise (17:28).

10:22 The blessing of Yahweh makes one rich This does not mean that wealth always accompanies wise or righteous people, or that possessing wealth always indicates wisdom and righteousness. Elsewhere, Proverbs warns against seeking wealth (23:4; 28:20). Here, riches represent a blessing from God because God serves as the source of all things—both good and bad (1 Sam 2:7; Job 2:10). See note on Prov 3:2.

10:23 a sport for a fool The Hebrew word used here, sechoq, indicates laughter (Job 8:21; Psa 126:2). The fool finds enjoyment in doing wrong. In contrast, the wise person finds pleasure in wisdom.

The Fool in Proverbs

10:27 The fear of Yahweh adds life Proverbs consistently holds up long life as a blessing for those who have reverence for Yahweh. See note on Prov 1:7; and see note on 3:2.

10:30 the land Can refer to Israel specifically or the earth in general. See 2:21–22 and note.

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