From Proverbs 10-12
Today’s section of proverbs is attributed to Solomon. He speaks about the benefits of righteous living comparing it to the foolish, the wicked and the slack. Walking as God would have us obviously requires wisdom and understanding, restraint, integrity, compassion and hard work. Blessings are on the head of the righteous. Jesus in the gospel deals out a number of blessings for those who follow his instructions.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Today’s section of proverbs is attributed to Solomon.
10 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. (Pr 10:1)
Fathers and Sons. When sons follow the wisdom of their fathers and succeed, they make their fathers happy. Sons who reject their fathers wisdom by comparison make them sad.
What have you learnt and applied from your father?
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. (Pr 10:2-3)
Wealth and Hunger. In the long term, wicked gain never lasts. Its better to be honest, to make our living through respectful means. Eventually all evildoers will be judged and put to death. So pursue righteousness.
The LORD looks after his people. Hunger abounds in this world and the LORD notices it all. He cares.
The righteous of course hunger for the LORD.
The LORD will satisfy them with himself. He feeds people as well.
The wicked by way of comparison go hungry. Always wanting more their desires are constantly thwarted. God won’t let them be satisfied.
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. (Pr 10:4-6)
Work. The sluggard does more than simply harm himself. He afflicts those around him. The diligent and hard working promote the wellbeing of those around them. Again Solomon commends the wise son to their fathers.
How have you seen the hard work of one profit many others?
The righteous are blessed with worldly and spiritual blessings. Their blessings are recognised by others around them. The wicked on the other hand flatter and deceive. They hide their true intent and desires. Solomon is commending honesty. First we need to be honest with ourselves and God.
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. (Pr 10:7-9)
The righteous are remembered and spoken well of by others because they are grateful for their service. The wicked are remembered as well. Their named goes down in infamy. An example to be remembered and scorned.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Honesty and integrity make life easier. You dont have to remember as much if you don’t lie. There is only one answer. The truth. There is only one way to go. God’s way. Don’t go any other way, because eventually you will be found out. God knows what we think and do.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin. (Pr 10:10)
Winking in the OT was a sign of craft, malice, and complicity with other wicked comrades. (Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Ed.). (1909). Proverbs (p. 196). London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.) What else than trouble could come from this.
Sometimes people should remain silent and think about what they are saying.
Story of Jesus
In the gospel Jesus adds a series of other commands and instructions. Wisdom from Jesus for righteous living. Reflect on these enough and you will understand what things to avoid as well.
5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:1–12)
Blessings are on the head of the righteous.
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