Proverbs 10:17-32 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

Bible Comments

the Blessing of the Lord Maketh Rich

Proverbs 10:17-32

Let us specially avoid talking too much. Silence is golden. See Proverbs 10:19. Yet the tongue of the just is as choice silver and the lips of the righteous feed many, Proverbs 10:20-21. When we speak, let us say something and let the people to whom we speak feel that their heart is lighter and that the heavenly horizons are nearer and clearer. Whatever you do, beware of uttering slander, Proverbs 10:18. You know, by your own experience, what is acceptable; see to it that your mouth brings forth wisdom and grace, Proverbs 10:31-32.

But this portion of Scripture deals, not only with the speech of the good man, but with his stability. The blessing of God is upon him, enriching him in all manner of ways; and there is no alloy in this gold, no bitterness in God's love, Proverbs 10:22. The desire of the righteous is granted, because it is begotten of the divine Spirit. He is built on the Everlasting Rock, Proverbs 10:25; Proverbs 10:30. His hope is gladness, Proverbs 10:28. As he walks in God's way, he gathers strength, Proverbs 10:29. Though he fall he is not utterly cast down; for God succors him with His saving strength, Psalms 37:24.

Proverbs 10:17-32

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.e

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.f

22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

27 The fear of the LORD prolongethg days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.h