Preface: Proverbs 10 begins a new section of Proverbs, where this chapter and those which follow are made up of what we traditionally know as proverbs (short, independent wisdom sayings). Throughout this chapter, we see a contrast between the wise and the foolish, the hard-working and the slacker, and the righteous and unrighteous.

Ironside introduces this chapter in almost proverbial form: Happy the man who refuses Folly and, attracted by Wisdom, conscientiously seeks to follow her words. This is particularly true of the young man, for this is the book for the direction and guidance of youth.

Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge: From this chapter [forward]...are sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices.

James Rickard: This new section [Prov. 10–22:16]...includes various principles and precepts for everyday living by comparing wise living to foolish behavior.

Gary North: The tenth chapter of Proverbs begins with a series of contrasts: wise sons vs. foolish sons (v. 1), ill-gotten wealth vs. righteousness (v. 2), righteous people vs. wicked people (v. 3), lazy people vs. industrious people (v. 4). These are not contrasts between people’s capacities for work, or obtaining capital, or their basic intelligence. These contrasts are ethical.

This should be the most extensive examination of Proverbs 10 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Outline of Chapter 10:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–8           Wisdom Versus Foolishness; Righteousness Versus Evil

         vv.     9–21         The Righteous Walk with Integrity

         vv.     10–13              Control of the Tongue

         vv.     14–16              True Wealth Versus Poverty

         vv.     17–21              Speech and Silence

         vv.    22–32         The Blessings of the Lord to the Righteous/Cutting off the Life of the Wicked

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         College Press on Noticeable Groupings in Proverbs 10

         Introduction         Commentators on the Disjointed Feel of Proverbs 10 and Forward

         Introduction         Peter Pett Begs to Differ

         Introduction         Antithetic Parallelism in Proverbs

         Introduction         The Principals of Proverbs 10

         Introduction         The Prequel of Proverbs 10

         Introduction         Peter Pett’s Synopsis of Proverbs 10

         Introduction         Bridgeway Bible Commentary’s Synopsis of Proverbs 10

         Introduction         James Rickard’s Division of Proverbs 10

         Introduction         Peter Pett’s Division of Proverbs 10

         Introduction         Proverbs 10–22 and the Laws of Divine Establishment

         Introduction         Advising the Pastor-Teacher on Teaching Proverbs

         v.       1              The Chiasmos of Proverbs 10:1–8

         v.       1              Various Commentators on the Fool (or on Foolishness)

         v.       1              C. Wadsworth on the Defective Character of the Young Man

         v.       1              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:1

         v.       2              Various Commentators on Treasures of Wickedness (Proverbs 10:2a)

         v.       2              Swinnock on the Problems and Complications of Wealth

         v.       2              Various Commentators on, Righteous will deliver [one] from death (Proverbs 10:2b)

         v.       2              Proverbs 10:2 (NLT) Graphic

         v.       2              Wealth is Ineffectual (from The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary)

         v.       2              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:2

         v.       2              Proverbs 10:2 (NIV) Graphic

         v.       2              The Believer the Unbeliever and Wealth

         v.       2              L. G. Merritt’s Doctrine of Wealth (edited)

         v.       3              Y^ehowah will not allow the righteous to go hungry (Commentators on Prov. 10:3a)

         v.       3              God Sees to the Needs of His People (The Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary)

         v.       3              God drives out the cravings of the lawless ones (Commentators on Proverbs 10:3b)

         v.       3              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:3

         v.       4              Proverbs 10:4 (Tree of Life Version) Graphic

         v.       4              Various Commentators on the lazy (or, deceitful) hand (Proverbs 10:4a)

         v.       4              Gary North on the Slack Hand Versus Hard Work

         v.       4              The Pulpit Commentary on Work

         v.       4              Johnny Sanders on the Work Ethic

         v.       4              Zollikofer on the Advantages of Hard Work in the Right Job

         v.       4              J. Everitt on Diligence and prosperity

         v.       4              Don Robinson “Choose Productivity” (Proverbs 10:4)

         v.       4              What life in socialist Europe is actually like, by Robert Moon

         v.       4              Socialism and Young People

         v.       4              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:4

         v.       5              James Rickard on the Key Words of Proverbs 10:5b

         v.       5              Why Sleeping During the Harvest is Foolish, from the Pulpit Commentary

         v.       5              Peter Pett: The Wise Son Versus the Foolish Son (Proverbs 10:5)

         v.       5              Redeeming the Time

         v.       5              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:5

         v.       5              Proverbs 10:5 (ESV) Graphic

         v.       5              Laziness and Television, by Today in the Word

         v.       6              Explaining, Violence covers the mouth of the wicked (Various Commentators)

         v.       6              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:6

         v.       7              Proverbs 10:7 (NIV) Graphic

         v.       7              How people remember a righteous man (Commentators on Proverbs 10:7a)

         v.       7              The Memory of the Just, by the Pulpit Commentary

         v.       7              Various Commentators on the Reputation of the Wicked After They Die

         v.       7              The Astrodome (photo)

         v.       7              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:7

         v.       8              James Rickard on the Hebrew of Proverbs 10:8a

         v.       8              Various Commentators on the Foolish Man of Proverbs 10:8

         v.       8              Proverbs 10:8 (ESV) Graphic

         v.       8              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:8

         v.       9              Peter Pett’s Chiasmic Organization of Proverbs 10:9–21

         v.       9              William Arnot on Integrity

         v.       9              The Doctrine of Walking (from Bible Doctrine Resource)

         v.       9              Various Commentators on the Upright Man (Proverbs 10:9a)

         v.       9              R. Price on the Walk of the Upright Man

         v.       9              Our Daily Bread on Personal Integrity

         v.       9              J. Jortin on the Upright Man

         v.       9              The Man Who Perverts His Ways Will Become Known (Comments on Prov. 10:9b)

         v.       9              Proverbs 10:9 (NLT) Graphic

         v.       9              Integrity Versus Perversity in the Proverbs

         v.       9              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:9

         v.      10              The Meaning of Winking the Eye (Several Commentators)

         v.      10              “Winks the Eye” as Found in the Scriptures

         v.      10              Proverbs 10:10b Text from the Greek Septuagint

         v.      10              Gay Marriage and the Believer

         v.      10              Dealing with Sin in Your Home and Around the Church

         v.      10              The Variety of Spiritual gifts

         v.      10              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:10

         v.      10              Contrasting the Wise Man and the Fool (from the Pulpit Commentary)

         v.      11              Various Commentators on a Wellspring of Life (Proverbs 10:11a)

         v.      11              Commentators on, the Mouth of Criminals Conceals Violence (Proverbs 10:11b)

         v.      11              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:11

         v.      12              Various Commentators on Hatred

         v.      12              The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary on Hatred

         v.      12              Various Commentators on, Love Conceals All Transgressions (Proverbs 10:12b)

         v.      12              The Pulpit Commentary on How Love Covers All Sins

         v.      12              The Preachers’ Commentary on How Love Covers All Sin (Proverbs 10:12)

         v.      12              “My family likes trump. What.” (a graphic)

         v.      12              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:12

         v.      12              Proverbs 10:12 (NLT) Graphic

         v.      13              “Wisdom is found on the lips of the prudent [man]...” (Various Commentators)

         v.      13              Various Commentators on True Knowledge

         v.      13              Learning Through Discipline (Various Commentators on Proverbs 10:13b)

         v.      13              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:13

         v.      13              Proverbs 10:12–13 (NIV) Graphic

         v.      14              “Wise men laying up knowledge...” (Proverbs 10:14a by Various Commentators)

         v.      14              William Arnot on Wisdom and Laying up Knowledge

         v.      14              The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary on Laying Up Knowledge

         v.      14              Our Daily Bread on Remembering lessons from a long time ago

         v.      14              “...but the mouth of a fool [lays up] imminent destruction.” (Proverbs 10:14b)

         v.      14              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:14

         v.      14              Proverbs 10:11–14: The Speech that Edifies Versus the Speech that Destroys

         v.      15              Various Commentators on Material Wealth (Proverbs 10:15a)

         v.      15              Robert Dean on the Proper Use of Wealth

         v.      15              Wesleyan S. S. Magazine on the Destruction of the Poor (Proverbs 10:15b)

         v.      15              William Arnot on Money and Power

         v.      15              Peter Pett on the Odd Nature of Proverbs 10:15

         v.      15              James Rickard on Wealth and Poverty

         v.      15              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:15

         v.      15              Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Being Rich versus Being Poor

         v.      15              Proverbs 10:14–15 placed together

         v.      16              Life comes with rules

         v.      16              Various Commentators on the Gain of the Wicked Man (Proverbs 10:16b)

         v.      16              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:16

         v.      17              Various Commentators on Heeding Instruction (or discipline) (Proverbs 10:17a)

         v.      17              Various Commentators on Rejecting Reproof (Proverbs 10:17b)

         v.      17              Proverbs 10:17 (NKJV) Graphic

         v.      17              The Doctrine of Authority, from Grace Notes

         v.      17              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:17

         v.      18              Various Commentators on Lying Lips Conceal Hatred (Proverbs 10:18a)

         v.      18              James Rickard on the Foolish Slanderer (Proverbs 10:18b)

         v.      18              Why the Slanderer is a Fool (from the Bible Illustrator)

         v.      18              Proverbs 10:18 (KJV) Graphic

         v.      18              Sins of the Tongue (from Bible Doctrine Resource)

         v.      18              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:18

         v.      19              Commentators on the Use (or Misuse) of the Tongue by Believers

         v.      19              Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) Graphic

         v.      19              Various Commentators Discuss a Multitude of Words (Proverbs 10:19a)

         v.      19              Commentators on the Prudence of Restraining One’s Speech (Proverbs 10:19b)

         v.      19              Why talking too much is problematic (from the Bible Illustrator)

         v.      19              When Silence is the Right Approach (The Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary)

         v.      19              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:19

         v.      19              Our Daily Bread on Words—Do they matter?

         v.      20              There is Little Value in the Heart of the Wicked (Commentators on Proverbs 10:20b)

         v.      20              Proverbs 10:20 as an Antithetical Distich

         v.      20              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:20

         v.      21              Commentators on Fools Who Lack Sense (Proverbs 10:21b)

         v.      21              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:21

         v.      21              You Talk too Much (Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary)

         v.      21              Proverbs 10:15–21; A Sevenfold Strain of Experience (The Pulpit Commentary)

         v.      22              Peter Pett’s Chiasmic Organization of Proverbs 10:22–27

         v.      22              Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) Graphic

         v.      22              Commentators on God Does Not Multiply Pain and Toil with Blessing (v. 22b)

         v.      22              Proverbs 10:22 (NLT) Graphic

         v.      22              William Arnot on the Blessing of God

         v.      22              The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary on Proverbs 10:22

         v.      22              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:22

         v.      22              Gary North on the Hostility Toward Wealth

         v.      23              Various Commentators on, Doing wrong [is] like sport to a fool

         v.      23              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:23

         v.      23              Proverbs 10:23 (NIV) Graphic

         v.      24              Proverbs 10:24 (NIV) Graphic

         v.      24              The Wicked and His Fears (Various Commentators on Proverbs 10:24a)

         v.      24              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:24

         v.      25              Proverbs 10:25 (NLT) Graphic

         v.      25              Proverbs 10:25 (translation unknown) Graphic

         v.      25              Various Commentators on the Passing of the Tempest (Proverbs 10:25a)

         v.      25              One Lone House in Gilchrist, Texas after Hurricane Ike (a picture)

         v.      25              The Whirlwind and the Sure Foundation (from Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary)

         v.      25              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:25

         v.      25              Combining Proverbs 10:24–25

         v.      26              Various Commentators on Sending the Sluggard (Proverbs 10:26)

         v.      26              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:26

         v.      26              Proverbs 10:26 (NLT) Graphic

         v.      27              Introducing Proverbs 10:27–30

         v.      27              Various Commentators on Adding Days to a Man’s Life (Proverbs 10:27a)

         v.      27              Gary North on the Lengthened and Shortened Lives

         v.      27              Various Commentators on Proverbs 10:27b: Evil Lives Cut Short

         v.      27              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:27

         v.      27              Proverbs 10:27 (KJV) Graphic

         v.      28              Peter Pett’s Chiasmic Organization of Proverbs 10:28–11:3

         v.      28              Commentators Prepare us for Proverbs 10:28

         v.      28              Hugh Blair on the Expectations of Life

         v.      28              G. H. Morss on the Hopes of the Righteous

         v.      28              The Hope or Expectation of the Righteous (Commentators on Proverbs 10:28a)

         v.      28              Commentators on the Expectations of the Wicked (Proverbs 10:28b)

         v.      28              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:28

         v.      28              Proverbs 10:28 (KJV) Graphic

         v.      29              The Abbreviated Doctrine of The Way of God

         v.      29              Rickard Channeling R. B. Thieme, Jr. on the Flotline of the Soul

         v.      29              A Mini-Lesson on the 11 Problem Solving Devices

         v.      29              Proverbs 10:29 (KJV) Graphic

         v.      29              A. Maclaren on The Two-fold Aspect of the Divine Working

         v.      29              God’s Way Destruction and Salvation (Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary)

         v.      29              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:29

         v.      29              Zollikofer on the Effects of Sin

         v.      30              Proverbs 10:30a (NIV) Graphic

         v.      30              Various Commentators on The Righteous Man will not be Shaken (Proverbs 10:30a)

         v.      30              Commentators on God’s Plan for the Malevolent (Proverbs 10:30b)

         v.      30              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:30

         v.      31              Closing out Proverbs 10 with Verses 31–32

         v.      31              The Speech of the Righteous and the Wicked (from The Bible Illustrator)

         v.      31              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:31

         v.      32              Various Commentators on The Righteous Man Knows What to Say (Prov. 10:32a)

         v.      32              The Words of the Righteous Man (from the Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary)

         v.      32              Translations of and Commentaries on Proverbs 10:32

         v.      32              Proverbs 10:32 (NAB) Graphic

         Addendum          Why Proverbs 10 is in the Word of God

         Addendum          What We Learn from Proverbs 10

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Proverbs 10

         Addendum          Word Cloud from a Reasonably Literal Paraphrase of Proverbs 10

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Proverbs 10

——————————

An Introduction to Proverbs 10

I ntroduction: The next increment of proverbs extends from Prov. 10:1–22:16, and they are called, in the Hebrew text, the Proverbs of Solomon. These are the pithy, self-contained wise sayings. Each one stands on its own and has a separate meaning, which stands on its own, apart from the surrounding text. For this reason, tackling the next few chapters of Proverbs right in a row can get quite intense and mentally exhausting.

Someone who teaches these proverbs (a pastor-teacher, a Sunday school teacher) would be best advised to take them one chapter at a time, and teach other things instead in between each chapter. Or, take a topic or several topics and explore how they are handled in the book of Proverbs. Whereas, it may make sense to tackle the entire book of 1Samuel in a series, or the entire book of Joshua in a series, I would never suggest covering the entire book of Proverbs in a series (apart from chapters 1–9). It would be like going on a diet of all bell peppers or all chocolate chips.

Proverbs 10 brings back many of the characters who we have met in the previous 9 chapters: the son of the teacher, however, is not addressed, and it is not clear that it is he who is spoken of in vv. 1 and 5, as these verses speak more of applicable principles. The righteous man and the wicked are found throughout this chapter, often contrasted with one another, in vv. 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28–32. The wise and the foolish are found in vv. 1, 8, 10, 13, 14, 17–19, 21 and 23. You will note that there is some overlap here, as those who are foolish are associated with being sinful (vv. 18, 23, 32); and those who are wise are associated with being righteous (vv. 19, 31, 32). Also in contrast, the industrious and the slacker (vv. 4, 5). Interestingly enough, the industrious life with regards to righteousness is honored whereas the activity of the wicked leads to naught (v. 16). Throughout, we have one category (generally the righteous) with a longer or better life, as over against the wicked with fewer years (vv. 2, 7–10, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 25, 27–31). In short, although we have several themes running throughout this chapter, it does not appear as if there is a common theme (except the contrast of two types) or an easily discernable organization.

James Rickard: Chapter 10 begins the format usually associated with Proverbs, as we had a glimpse of in Prov 9:7-12, that is, short capsules of wisdom that address a particular behavior or attitude of life. The prologue’s extended poems now give way to the short, pithy, one-verse sayings composed almost entirely of two verse proverbs.

James Burton Coffman: The grand emphasis throughout Proverbs is altogether worldly, material, and economic. Riches and poverty are viewed as the opposite poles of successful and unsuccessful lives. Practical and usable in the every-day affairs of life, these proverbs surely are; but they fall far short of the ideals of Him "Who for our sakes became poor" (2Corinthians 8:9). Here and there in Proverbs there are fleeting glimpses of truth that points to the higher ideals of the New Testament. For example, Proverbs 18:11 has this, "The rich man's wealth is his strong city ... IN HIS OWN IMAGINATIONS"! 

G. Campbell Morgan takes this one step further, suggesting that commentary is almost superfluous: Here begin the proverbs proper. In this collection they are antithetical, They present a sharp contrast between wisdom and folly in the outworking of such in practical life. Seeing that this is indeed a collection of proverbs, there is no direct connection or system save this underlying purpose of contrast. No exposition is possible save to take each proverb and consider it in its separate value. In the majority of instances this is unnecessary, because they are self-evident expositions of one abiding truth. Morgan does offer some commentary, but it is sparse and only on 4 verses in this chapter.

Chuck Smith says basically the same thing: Now in chapter 10 we have individual proverbs. Most of these individual proverbs are in contrast, where they are contrasting the wise with the foolish, or the wicked with the righteous. Or the diligent with the slothful. I mean, you"ll see in each of them a contrast, and there is really not any kind of a tie between the proverb. Each one is a separate little, neat little truth all packaged by itself. Each one is self-explanatory. Thus, there isn"t really much that you can say without being redundant. Smith only adds a small amount of commentary to most of the verses.

William Arnot: Here we touch the edge of a vast miscellaneous treasure, contrived or collected by Solomon, and transmitted in safe keeping down to our own day. It is like a heap of wheat; the grains are small, but they are many; they lie close together, and yet each is a separate whole; they are fair to look upon, and good for food.

On the other hand, let me offer two things which could be added to each verse: (1) an illustration from Scripture (J. Vernon McGee approached this chapter that way); or (2) a contemporary illustration could be added. Obviously, almost any verse benefits by additional accurate commentary or even a simple restatement. And certainly, if a concept is obscure, then the exegete needs to scure it.

Whereas, Prov. 1–9 seemed very personal, from a father to a son (even though it has wide application), these proverbs are more general, less personal, but every bit as important. Whereas Prov. 1–9 seemed to have an organization to it, but with recurring themes; Prov. 10–25 has the recurring themes, but the organization is more difficult to determine.

As Matthew Henry writes: [Prior to this,] we have been in the porch or preface to the proverbs, here they begin. They are short but weighty sentences; most of them are distichs, two sentences in one verse, illustrating each other; but it is seldom that there is any coherence between the verses, much less any thread of discourse, and therefore in these chapters we need not attempt to reduce the contents to their proper heads, the several sentences will appear best in their own places. The scope of them all is to set before us good and evil, the blessing and the curse. Many of the proverbs in this chapter relate to the good government of the tongue, without which men's religion is vain.

Throughout Proverbs, there is the talk of wisdom, and wisdom comes in 3 categories: (1) salvation wisdom (you understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and you have believed in Him. (2) Bible doctrine wisdom, which is the spiritual wisdom needed to continue the spiritual life. This is the only means by which we are able to grow. When filled with the Holy Spirit, we take in Bible doctrine, and we grow spiritually. There is no other way to spiritual growth. (3) The wisdom of divine establishment thinking. God has designed things on this earth to function in a certain way, and the closer we are to adhering to His way, the better our lives are. For instance, it is far better for a child to be raised by his biological parents than by a single mother, a remarried mother, a gay couple, or in an orphanage. Even though this ought to be filed under the heading of duh, there is actually push back on this natural arrangement. Guaranteed, if you post on a debate page about how natural parents are better for children than any other configuration, you will get all manner of arguments, as well as a citing of scientific studies, and be called a sexist and a homophobe (because, somehow, if you believe that natural parents are best for children, somehow, that makes you frightened of homosexuals).

There is certainly overlap with #2 and #3 above. The laws of divine establishment are designed for believers and unbelievers alike, and the more that a society adheres to those laws and principals, the better that society will be. The less similar a society is to the principles found in the Bible, the worse that society will be. The United States in the 1950's, modern-day Israel, and Great Britain in the 1700's would be nations which adhere to the laws of divine establishment. Modern-day nations like Iran, North Korea, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia are examples of nations who are, to one degree or another, in conflict with the laws of divine establishment. More on the Laws of Divine Establishment: (HTML) (PDF) (WPD).

Regarding the slacker above: the Bible is as up-to-date as any book available on Amazon; this is why it remains the best selling book this month (and every month). The slacker is not just lazy, but he is a devotee of the get rich schemes. He wants to find the easy way. Even though it is possible for many people to become millionaires (which is really not that much money), the slacker wants to do this without effort.

Although several translations made various chapter divisions (at most, one or two); there was little consistency in this.

H. Murai, who has written thousands of organizational chiasmi for the Bible, explains Prov. 10:1–22:16 with one line: Wise Sayings of Solomon.

The Third Millennial Bible divides up what is to follow in this way: By means of a series of proverbs, most of which are antithetical (contrasting) parallels, moral rectitude or righteousness is connected with Wisdom. These chapters divide into relatively independent sections that touch on various subjects: (1) wealth (Prov 10:1-5), (2) effects of speech (Prov 10:6-14), (3) wealth and security (Prov 10:15-16), (4) deeds and destinies (Prov 10:17-11:31), (5) speech and deeds (Prov 12:1-28), (6) good teaching and ethical living (Prov 13:1-25), (7) living in Wisdom (Prov 14:1-32), (8) the gentle tongue (Prov 14:33-15:4), (9) the importance of instruction (Prov 15:5-19), and (10) the consequences of righteousness and wickedness (Prov 15:20-29).

You may notice that there is not a lot of agreement in the chapter divisions.

Although I divided this chapter into two sections, this was half-arbitrary.

There are a number of words used in this chapter which Solomon did not use in the previous 9 chapters.

In narrative and in the previous 9 chapters of Proverbs, there were many times when we might combine 2 or more verses. At this point in our study, we are dealing with actual proverbs, which are self-contained units. Now, one proverb might lead to the next or be related to the next proverb, but, for the most part, they are discreet entities.

Also, with this change of format, I have changed the explanation for these verses. Now, a box will be used to enclose 6 or so translations followed by the interpretation of 3 or more commentators. So each verse has one place to go where most of the information is gotten quickly. This is where you can get the quick and dirty on any verse in Proverbs (this approach is quite suitable to individual proverbs—I may have to think about a similar approach to other books).

James Rickard: these proverbs are general principles and guidelines which may have exceptions. They are true as general precepts and rules of life according to our Lord.

There are proverbs throughout this chapter which are coupled together in Young’s translation (and others): vv. 2–3, 20–21, 24–25, 27–28, 29–30, and 31–32. Although in this first chapter of proverbs, I kept the verses separate, when appropriate, I will look at them pair-wise as well.

I have probably gone overboard on the commentary from others, and much of it probably overlaps. At some point in time, it would be good for me to edit the commentary down somewhat. I have pulled a great many quotes from Peter Pett (who is an outstanding writer of commentary); from James Rickard (who did an incredible job teaching the book of Proverbs); and have included many comments from many commentaries, including one written by Gary Everett for all verses. I also came across the College Press Bible Study Textbook Series, which combines the works of several people, and has some very straightforward interpretations of these proverbs. This was very different from the previous chapters of Proverbs, and this study could probably stand to be heavily edited.

A pastor would never want to spend the amount of time in this chapter as I have. J. Vernon McGee had a marvelous approach to this chapter—he found illustrations for each verse somewhere else in the Word of God. Most of them are included herein.

Because these are proverbs, all of the graphics will either emphasize one verse (or even a half-verse).

I may have gotten out of the habit of occasionally prefacing some remarks with the word application, as most of this chapter is application.

——————————

Wisdom Versus Foolishness; Righteousness Versus Evil

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       Note: I compare the Hebrew text to English translations of the Latin, Syriac and Greek texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation ; George Lamsa’s translation, and Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton’s translation as revised and edited by Paul W. Esposito, respectively. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.). I often use the text of the Complete Apostles’ Bible instead of Brenton’s translation, because it updates the English text.

The Septuagint was the earliest known translation of a book (circa 200 b.c.). Since this translation was made before the textual criticism had been developed into a science and because different books appear to be translated by different men, the Greek translation can sometimes be very uneven.

When there are serious disparities between my translation and Brenton’s (or the text of the Complete Apostles’ Bible), I look at the Greek text of the Septuagint (the LXX) to see if a substantive difference actually exists (and I reflect these changes in the English rendering of the Greek text). I use the Greek LXX with Strong’s numbers and morphology available for e-sword. The only problem with this resource (which is a problem for similar resources) is, there is no way to further explore Greek verbs which are not found in the New Testament. Although I usually quote the Complete Apostles’ Bible here, I have begun to make changes in the translation when their translation conflicts with the Greek and note what those changes are.

The Masoretic text is the Hebrew text with all of the vowels (vowel points) inserted (the original Hebrew text lacked vowels). We take the Masoretic text to be the text closest to the original. However, differences between the Masoretic text and the Greek, Latin and Syriac are worth noting and, once in a great while, represent a more accurate text possessed by those other ancient translators.

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Bracketed portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls are words, letters and phrases lost in the scroll due to various types of damage. Underlined words or phrases are those in the Dead Sea Scrolls but not in the Masoretic text.

I will only list the translation from the Dead Sea Scrolls if it exists and if it is different from the Masoretic text.

These Bibles often fall into more than one category; I placed them where I believed them to have the best fit.

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text (Hebrew)        Proverbs of Solomon. A son wise makes joyful a father and a son foolish a sorrow of his mother.

Revised Douay-Rheims         Chapter 10. The Parables of Solomon

A wise son makes the father glad: but a foolish son is the sorrow of his mother.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   A wise son gladdens his father, and a son deficient in mind shames his mother.

Peshitta (Syriac)                    A WISE son makes his father glad, but a foolish son brings shame to his mother.

Septuagint (Greek)                A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

Significant differences:           For whatever reason, the Syriac and the Greek appear to be lacking the Proverbs of Solomon. I am not sure if that is actually accurate.

Limited Vocabulary Bibles:

Easy English                          A wise son brings joy to his father.

A foolish son causes pain to his mother.

Easy-to-Read Version–2006  Solomon’s Proverbs

These are the proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son makes his father happy; a foolish one makes his mother sad.

God’s Word™                         The proverbs of Solomon:

A Wise Son Is Righteous

A wise son makes his father happy,

but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Solomon's Proverbs

These are Solomon's proverbs:

Wise children make their fathers proud of them; foolish ones bring their mothers grief.

The Message                         The Wise Sayings of Solomon

An Honest Life Is Immortal

Wise son, glad father;

stupid son, sad mother.

New Simplified Bible              A wise son makes a father glad: but a foolish son is sorrow (depression) (grief) for his mother.

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

College Press Paraphrase     These are the proverbs of Solomon. Happy is the man with a level-headed son; sad the mother of a rebel.

Contemporary English V.       Here are some proverbs of Solomon: Children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children make them sad.

The Living Bible                     Happy is the man with a level-headed son; sad the mother of a rebel.

New Century Version             The Wise Words of Solomon

These are the wise words of Solomon:

Wise children make their father happy,

but foolish children make their mother sad.

New Life Bible                        The sayings of Solomon:

A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          A wise son gladdens a father, but foolish sons bring their mothers distress.

Beck’s American Translation The Proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son makes his father happy,

but a foolish son makes his mother sad.

International Standard V        Solomon’s Sayings

The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish son grieves his mother.

New Advent (Knox)Bible        A father’s smile, a mother’s tears, tell of a son well schooled or ill.

Translation for Translators                        Wise sayings from Solomon

These are more proverbs/wise sayings from Solomon:

If children are wise, they cause their parents to be happy;

but if children are foolish, they cause their parents to be very sad.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                         THE PROVERBS OF S O L O M O N .

——————————

BOOK THE SECOND.

The Maxims of Solomon

A wise son makes his father glad, A foolish son his mother grieves.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)                                       The Parables of Solomon

The 10th Chapter

A wise son makes a glad father, but an indiscreet son is the heaviness of his mother.

Jubilee Bible 2000                  A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is sadness unto his mother.

Lexham English Bible            Proverbs of Solomon

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father glad, but a foolish child grieves his mother.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  Second Part: the Proverbs of Solomon

A wise son is his father’s joy, a foolish one his mother’s heartbreak.

The Heritage Bible                 The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son causes a father to rejoice, and a morally stupid son is the grief of his mother.

New American Bible (2011)              The Proverbs of Solomon:

[10:1–22:16] The Proverbs of Solomon are a collection of three hundred and seventy-five proverbs on a wide variety of subjects. No overall arrangement is discernible, but there are many clusters of sayings related by vocabulary and theme. One thread running through the whole is the relationship of the “son,” the disciple, to the parents, and its effect upon the house(hold). In chaps. 10–14 almost all the proverbs are antithetical; “the righteous” and “the wicked” (ethical), “the wise” and “the foolish” (sapiential), and “the devout, the pious” and “the irreverent” (religious). Chapters 15–22 have fewer sharp antitheses. The sayings are generally witty, often indirect, and are rich in irony and paradox.

A wise son gives his father joy,

but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Prv 1:1; 15:20; 17:25; 19:13; 25:1; 29:15.

[10:1] The opening saying ties the whole collection to the first section, for “son,” “father,” and “mother” evoke the opening line of the first instruction, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and reject not your mother’s teaching.” The son is the subject of parental exhortation throughout chaps. 1–9. This is the first of many sayings on domestic happiness or unhappiness, between parents and children (e.g., 15:20; 17:21) and between husband and wife (e.g., 12:4; 14:1). Founding or maintaining a household is an important metaphor in the book.

Adult children represented the family (headed by the oldest married male) to the outside world. Foolishness, i.e., malicious ignorance, brought dishonor to the parents and the family.

Revised English Bible            A collection of wise sayings

of Solomon: A wise son is his father's joy, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           The proverbs of Shlomo: A wise son is a joy to his father, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

exeGeses companion Bible   The Proverbs of Shelomoh.

A wise son cheers a father;

and a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

JPS (Tanakh—1985)               The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son brings joy to his father;

A dull son is his mother’s sorrow.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           The mishle (proverbs) of Sh’lomo. A ben chacham maketh glad an av, but a ben kesil is the grief of his em.

The Scriptures 1998              Proverbs of Shelomoh: A wise son makes a father rejoice, But a foolish son is his motherʼs sorrow.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked

The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son makes a father glad,

But a foolish [stubborn] son [who refuses to learn] is a grief to his mother.

The Expanded Bible              The Wise Words of Solomon

These are the ·wise words [proverbs] of Solomon:

Wise ·children [sons] make their father happy,

but foolish ·children [sons] make their mother sad.

Kretzmann’s Commentary    From chapter 10 to chapter 25 of the Book of Proverbs there are no connected discourses, but only individual maxims of Solomon, loosely strung together, the sense of each being complete in one or two verses. Any division in this entire section is more or less arbitrary, although it may be said that the parallelism of members in chapters 10 to 15 is generally antithetic and in chapters 16 to 22 synthetic, and there are certain other characteristics and relations of thought which show the transition from one idea to another.

The proverbs, maxims of instruction, of Solomon.”A wise son maketh a glad father, one who follows the precepts of wisdom makes his father glad or happy; but a foolish son, one who rejects the instruction of true wisdom, is the heaviness of his mother, causing her grief and distress.

NET Bible®                             The First Collection of Solomonic Proverbs

Beginning with ch. 10 there is a difference in the form of the material contained in the book of Proverbs. No longer are there long admonitions, but the actual proverbs, short aphorisms dealing with right or wrong choices. Other than a few similar themes grouped together here and there, there is no arrangement to the material as a whole. It is a long collection of approximately 400 proverbs.

The Proverbs of Solomon:

A wise child [Heb “son.”] makes a father rejoice,

but a foolish child [Heb “son.”] is a grief to his mother [Heb “grief of his mother.” The noun “grief” is in construct, and “mother” is an objective genitive. The saying declares that the consequences of wisdom or folly affects the parents.]. When it comes to making an actual material change to the text, the NET Bible® is pretty good about indicating this. Since most of these corrections will be clear in the more literal translations below and within the Hebrew exegesis itself, I will not continue to list every NET Bible® footnote. Language footnotes will be placed in the Hebrew exegesis. Some footnotes will quoted elsewhere in this document.

The Voice                               The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son makes his father glad,

but a foolish one fills his mother with sorrow.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Concordant Literal Version    Proverbs of Solomon:A wise son makes his father rejoice, Yet a stupid son is affliction to his mother."

Context Group Version          The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; But a shameless son is the heaviness of his mother.

Green’s Literal Translation    The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a father rejoice, but the foolish son is his mother's sorrow.

Modern English Version         The Proverbs of Solomon

The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son makes a glad father,

but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

NASB                                     Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked

The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son makes a father glad,

But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

New European Version          The Proverbs of Solomon

The Righteous and the Wicked- Their Attitudes Contrasted

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

New King James Version       Wise Sayings of Solomon

The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise son makes a glad father,

But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

Webster’s Bible Translation  The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

World English Bible                The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; But a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

Young’s Updated LT             Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son causes a father to rejoice, And a foolish son is an affliction to his mother.

The gist of this passage:     When a son is wise, his father rejoices; and when a son is foolish, this grieves his mother.

The Cambridge Bible: It is...significant that the first proverb deals with so fundamental a relation of human society.

This is the most fundamental unit of society. If a society is anti-God, they will make fun of, denigrate, and/or offer alternatives to the family unit. They may suggest it takes a village; they may put the most basic parental tasks in the hands of the state (feeding and educating young children). They will claim that studies prove that gay parents do as good or even a better job of raising children than their natural parents. They speak negatively of natural marriage and the natural family unit while pushing a variety of inferior options, claiming these options to be more compassionate or better.

There are people who claim that God does not belong to this or that political party. In some nations, in some division of parties, that may be true. In the United States, the basic platform of the Democratic party has been in opposition to God throughout much of its history (although their opposition is stronger today than I believe it has ever been before).

Translation: [These are] the Proverbs of Solomon. This is the name of this portion of the book. Prov. 1:1 read: The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel. Here, David is not mentioned at all. This suggests that David had a hand in the writing of chapters 1–9 (some believe that these are Solomon’s notes from his father’s teaching).

From the College Press Bible Study: After 9 chapters in this book called “Proverbs,” aren’t you surprised to see the heading, “The proverbs of Solomon,” here? The explanation: a “proverb” is a wise saying. The first 9 chapters, while exalting and containing “wisdom”, are not “sayings” but are extended topical material. The actual “sayings” begin here and will continue through chapter 29.

There is such a change in the structure, at this point, that it is not unreasonable to think that there is a new author, even though Solomon appears to be called the author in both sections in the same way. However, the expression the proverbs of Solomon suggests ownership; but it does not necessarily designate authorship. Solomon no doubt collected the proverbs and possibly even wrote many of them—but the idea that perhaps David was really the person who wrote the first 9 chapters does not contract Prov. 1:1.

It is not clear if Solomon picked up writing a few years later or even a few decades later. I would guess that there was a time period in here, and it is also possible that Solomon did not necessarily see this portion of Proverbs and the previous 9 chapters as being connected (apart from having a similar name).

After writing this, I read that in some Latin manuscripts, this section begins with: Proverbiorum liber secundus, [which means] The second book of the Proverbs.

Many commentators suggest that Prov. 1–9 is a prologue and introduction to the rest of Proverbs, but that makes for a very long introduction. Furthermore, there are several similarities and themes which are repeated, but not so much that the two sets of writings could not stand on their own.

Gill writes: the preceding chapters are sort of a preface or introduction to what follows, in which Solomon recommends the study of wisdom, shows the profit and advantage of it, gives directions about it, and prepares for the reception of those wise sayings that follow; which are for the most part independent of each other.

Rickard: The purpose of a proverb was to warn against hazardous behavior and to promote wisdom resulting in social harmony among individuals and the community. It could be in the form of a poem, song or quick saying.

Translation: A wise son makes [his] father joyful... It would make sense that this first proverb sets the stage for what comes next. A wise son makes his father happy; it gladdens his father to see his son thinking, being honorable and making good decisions.

Peter Pett on the wise son: [The] ‘wise son’ is one who walks in the fear of YHWH (Prov. 1:7; Prov. 2:5; etc.) and in the wisdom of YHWH (Prov. 2:2–6; Prov. 3:21–22; Prov. 4:5–9; etc.), and who increases in learning (Prov. 1:5) and responds to the call to follow the way of wisdom as depicted in chapters 1–9. Such a son listens to his father and mother (Prov. 1:8; Prov. 6:20), and as a consequence of his obedience to YHWH his father is glad and rejoices. He is proud of him.

William Arnot: Do you hear this, young man? It is in your power to make your father glad, and God expects you to do it. Here is au object for your ambition; here is an investment that will ensure an immediate return. Come now, make your choice. Whether will you try, to please these fools who banter you here, or to gladden your father's heart that is yearning for you there? He loved you in your childhood, and toiled for you all the best of his days. He was proud of you when you promised well, and clings fondly to the hope that you will be something yet. These companions that come between you and him—what have they done for you, and what would they do for you to-morrow, if you were in distress? They would desert you, and mind their own pleasures. They have never lost a night's rest by watching at your sick bed, and never will. But your father—what has he done, and yet will do? The command of God to you is that you gladden that father, and not grieve him. Your conscience countersigns that command now. Obey.

Arnot continues: In former lessons we found out where the root of wisdom lies—in the fear of the Lord: here is one of its sweetest fruits—A son's wisdom is a father's joy! 

Translation: ...but a foolish son [is] a sorrow [to] his mother. The son who is a fool, a simpleton, yet arrogant, this young man is a grief to his mother; he brings sorrow to his mother. In Proverbs, being foolish is not a mental defect but a moral one.

We would expect to find an adjective rather than the noun kêçîyl (כְּסִיל) [pronounced kehss-EEL]. Then we have a noun—tûwgâh (תּוּגָה) [pronounced too-GAW]—where we would expect to find a verb. I am not sure if we are to take anything from that.

James Rickard: “Grief” is the noun TUGAH (tughah), תּוּגָה that means, “grief or sorrow.” Used three times in Proverbs it is always paired in opposition to some form of the word “joy” Prov 14:13; 17:21. Grief in itself is not really a form of mental or physical pain, but it is a way of reacting or responding to the experiences of pain, suffering or affliction.

The College Press Bible Study: .The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) surely brought heavenliness upon his foolish departure and throughout his waywardness and indulgence, but he brought happiness upon his penitent return.

William Arnot: The conception is easy, and the examples manifold; but though it is easy to comprehend, it is hard to express it. It is an almost unutterable thing. A son who breaks his mother's heart—can this earth have any more irksome load to bear! Foolish son, do you ever allow yourself to think that you are bruising the bosom which you lay upon when you were a helpless infant? It is not your mother only with whom you have to deal. God put it into her heart to love you, to watch over you night and day, to bear with all your waywardness, to labour for you to the wasting of her own life. All this is God's law in her being. Her Maker and yours knew that by putting these instincts into her nature for your good, he was laying on her a heavy burden. But He is just. He intended that she should be repaid. His system provides compensation for outlay. There are two frailties—a frailty of infancy, and a frailty of age. God has undertaken, in the constitution of his creatures, to provide for both. Where are his laws of compensation written? 

T. L. Cuyler: When I see young man of considerable self-conceit talking about the scientific scepticism of the day, and pretending to Rationalism and doubts about God’s Book and the Cross of Christ, and scoffing at what the Isaac Newtons and the Luthers and Wesleys and Chalmers bowed down before with overawed spirit—sneering at the faith once delivered to the saints—I predict a career that will be a heaviness to the mother.

This first proverb of the second section of Proverbs ties this section together with the first 9 chapters be reintroducing some familiar themes—the teaching of the son by his parents, his application to life of what they have taught him, and the road which the son takes, whether toward wisdom or foolishness. All of these are familiar themes that run throughout the book of Proverbs.

So v. 1 reads: These are the Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. We first have the title (Proverbs of Solomon) followed by the first proverb. When you are a young man, how do people see you? As wise or as a fool?

In my examination of this verse, of course, it stands out that the father is cited in one place, and the mother in the other. I am not sure if there is some reason to distinguish the mother from the father here. Obviously, if you are a fool, both parents are embarrassed by you. If you are wise, both parents are proud of you. Both parents teach wisdom and both parents try to teach a kid not to be an idiot, with some successes and some failures in both realms.

Perhaps, with the mother, there is an emotional thing that she goes through, if her son turns out to be a jerk or extremely foolish in his life—lazy, addicted to substances or activities, or has made a mess of his life. Perhaps it is easier for the father to write the young man off, thinking, “He’s an adult now; he’s got to stand on his own two feet!” And then letting go of the situation if the kid turns out to be a total jerk. On the other hand, there is perhaps a greater emotional bond with the mother, and knowing that her son is out there, screwing up his life more in one way or another, just has a greater emotional impact upon her.

Peter Pett: There is a sensitivity here which is moving (compare Prov. 4:3 where the mother is seen as more emotionally involved than the father). It is the father who encourages him to walk positively, chastening him where necessary, and proud of his response. But it is the mother who feels most deeply when her son takes the wrong path. On the other hand the father may also be grieved (Prov. 17:21; Prov. 17:25 a), and the mother can also delight in her son (Prov. 23:25).

Along the same lines, when a young man does something that passes for achievement, integrity, and/or wisdom, the father says, “That’s my boy!” I don’t tend to think of a woman saying this.

Paraphrasing the Homilist: The holy character of a child gladdens the heart of the father. He sees in it the best results of his training, as well as rhe best guarantee for his son’s happiness. However, the unholy character of a child saddens the heart of his mother. All her toils, anxieties, have been fruitless. A heavy cloud lies on her soul.

These two phrases may be considered antithetic; [which is] when two lines correspond with each other by an opposition of terms and sentiments. Father contrasted with mother, wise contrasted with foolish, and happy contrasted with sorrow.

When it comes to wise versus foolish, it is simply a matter of those who accept the authority of Bible doctrine as over against those who reject it.

James Rickard: The wise son, by submitting himself to the instruction of his father and mother, (the Word of God), successfully negotiates his way through the temptations of easy money, Prov 1:10-19 and easy sex, Prov 2:16-18, preserves the family’s values and inheritance, Prov 5, and is on his way to becoming a wise father himself, Prov 4:1-9. Yet, on the other hand, the foolish son grieves them, as he cancels out wisdom’s inheritance.

James Rickard (on the flip side of this): Parents then need to realize their responsibility for raising their children, Prov 19:18; 22:15, just as children, who are by nature self-centered, need to realize that their decisions affect everyone touched by their lives, cf. Prov 19:13.