Thoughts On A Proverb #10
Thinking with the wise. Proverbs 10:10
Sorry guys, it’s been awhile since I’ve worked on another Thoughts On A Proverb! For those who are new to Everyday Theology, this is a project I started awhile back. I wanted to think through the Proverbs and try to pull as much wisdom as I could for my life. This is number 10 and there are many more to go! So, I hope they encourage and help you! Here we go!
Proverbs 10:10
”Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin..”
Points To Remember
Main Point: The speech of the righteous brings life and benefit to others, while the speech of the wicked hides harm and destructive intent in a man’s heart. This continues the chapter’s theme of contrasting the fruits of righteousness versus wickedness, mainly through our words.
Observation 1: The righteous person’s speech, if I think of the other side of this verse and the chapter as a whole, is life-giving, and like a fountain: it refreshes, builds up, and nurtures others. Righteousness doesn’t produce trouble or ruin, because it works through love.
Observation 2: The wicked person’s mouth hides violence and beneath their words lies harm, deception, or intent to damage. This is pulled from the idea of “ruin.”
Observation 3: Righteous speech, on the other hand, doesn’t just avoid harm, but it is actively nourishing and beneficial, but wicked speech may sound neutral on the surface but harbors destruction. This is the idea of “winking.” It’s covering up the true intentions of a person.
Observation 4: Cross-references such as Proverbs 13:14: the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life and Proverbs 15:4: a gentle tongue is a tree of life emphasize how righteous words bring life, while Proverbs 12:18 warns that reckless words pierce like a sword. These additional verses add more color and depth to 10:10.
For The Job
I think that focusing on righteous speech is important at work. We see the verse pointing out a life of deception and carelessness. This kind of living produces trouble and ruin. These are things that are harmful for our work. We must see that righteousness is better and should be sought in light of these things. Righteous living brings life, encouragement, constructive feedback, and right leadership. While wicked speech at work conceals harm, gossip, hidden agendas, or backstabbing with polite words. This Proverb warns against such things. Integrity at work means being a source of encouragement and honesty, and growth. Being a blessing. This is found in continual rest and enjoyment of Christ. Setting our minds and hearts on him and letting that steer our words and attitudes throughout the day.
For The Family
Again, righteous words are life-giving, full of kindness, care, and wisdom that build families rather than destroy them. Wicked words, again, hide harm (wink), offer subtle cutting remarks or insincere flattery, and create tension. They are without control. A big part in a marriage is being able to control our tongue and seek to edify our spouse. What other goal would we want to pursue? Integrity in family speech means being a source of love and guidance, fostering a healthy household. As a dad and husband I seek after this. I can do significant damage if I’m careless in this area.
For The Young
As a young person, I encourage you to consider your speech and motives. This will either enrich or kill every area of life. Righteous speech among youth is uplifting, encouraging peers, standing up for what’s right, building friendships, so seek these things. Because wicked speech hides harm, has sarcastic insults, fake compliments, or bullying disguised as jokes. This has caused many young people to commit suicide. Seriously consider such things. Integrity means using words to build others up, and becoming a positive atmosphere for others to rest in. This will be a great goal from day to day as you go to school and interact with your friends. Seek the Lord and pray for such a life.
Related Verses
Proverbs 13:14: The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 15:4: A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 12:18: There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
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