Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
CHAPTER 10
Pro 10:1-32. Here begins the second part of the book, Pro 10:1-22:16, which, with the third, Pro 22:16-25:28, contains series of proverbs whose sense is complete in one or two verses, and which, having no logical connection, admit of no analysis. The parallelisms of Pro 10:1-15:33 are mostly antithetic; and those of Pro 16:1-22:16 , synthetic. The evidences of art in the structure are very clear, and indicate, probably, a purpose of facilitating the labor of memorizing.
1. wise [and] foolish—as they follow or reject the precepts of wisdom.
maketh...father—or, "gladdens a father."
heaviness—or, "grief."
2. Treasures...nothing—that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Pro 4:17; Mat 6:19).
righteousness—especially beneficence (Psa 112:9).
death—the greatest of all evils.
3. (Compare Psa 37:16-20). The last clause is better: "He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked."
4. slack—literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Hsa 7:16).
maketh rich—(compare Pro 10:22).
5. son—as Pro 1:8, 10, and often.
sleepeth—in indolence, and not for rest.
causeth shame—literally, "is base" (compare Pro 14:35; 17:2).
6. Blessings—literally, "Praises." The last clause is better: "The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)" to be executed in due time (Psa 5:9; 10:7; Rom 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Pro 10:11).
7. blessed—literally, "for a blessing," or praise.
shall rot—literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.
8. wise, etc.—(compare Pro 9:8-9, 16), opposed to
prating fool—or, "fool of lips of wicked language."
fall—headlong, suddenly.
9. perverteth his ways—acts deceitfully.
known—discovered and punished.
10. Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pro 6:13; Psa 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.
11. a well—or, "source" of good to himself and others (Jhn 7:37-38). On last clause, see on JFB for Pro 10:6.
12. strifes—or, "litigations."
covereth—by forgiveness and forbearance.
13. In the lips...found—hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool.
void of understanding— (Pro 6:32; 7:7).
14. lay up knowledge—that is, as treasures for good use.
mouth...destruction—or, "as to the mouth," etc., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.
15. Both by trusting in "uncertain riches" (1Ti 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Pro 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.
16. The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.
17. keepeth—observes (Pro 3:18; 4:22).
refuseth—or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.
18. Both vices must one day be known and punished, and hence their folly.
19. Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jam 1:26).
20. Right speech is the fruit of a good heart, but the wicked show theirs to be useless.
21. Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Pro 10:11, 17; Hsa 4:6).
22. it maketh, etc.—"it" is emphatic. Riches from God are without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth (compare Ecc 2:21-23; 1Ti 6:9-10, 17).
23. Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.
24. it—the very thing. The wicked get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good.
25. (Compare Psa 1:4; 37:9-10, 36).
righteous...foundation—well laid and firm (Mat 7:24-25).
26. that is, causes vexation.
27. (Compare Pro 9:11; Psa 55:23).
28. gladness—in confidence of realizing it.
expectation...perish—in disappointment.
29. The way, etc.—that is, God's providence sustains the righteous and overthrows the wicked (Hsa 14:9).
30. (Compare Pro 12:3; Psa 37:9-11; 102:28).
earth—or, "land of promise."
31. bringeth forth—literally, "germinates" as a plant.
froward—(Compare Pro 2:12, 14).
cut off—as an unproductive plant.
32. know—regard and provide for (Psa 1:6).
frowardness—all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural.