New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Proverbs 10
1
These are the proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother.
Reference
2
Riches that are gained by sinning aren't worth anything. But doing what is right saves you from death.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 21:6
Ezekiel 7:19
Zephaniah 1:18
Righteousness
Proverbs 11:4
Proverbs 12:28
Romans 5:21
Romans 2:5
3
The Lord gives those who do right the food they need. But he lets those who do wrong go hungry.
Reference
Evil
Psalm 37:19
Psalm 112:10
Parallel theme
Psalm 33:19
Job 5:20
Isaiah 33:16
Luke 12:31
Job 20:28
References Lord
Psalm 37:3
Zephaniah 1:18
Righteousness
Psalm 37:25
4
Hands that don't want to work make you poor. But hands that work hard bring wealth to you.
Reference
5
A child who gathers crops in summer is wise. But a child who sleeps at harvest time brings shame.
Reference
6
Blessings are like crowns on the heads of those who do right. But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.
Reference
Parallel theme
Romans 3:19
Righteousness
Proverbs 10:11
Psalm 107:42
Sin
Deuteronomy 28:2
Proverbs 28:20
Job 29:13
Proverbs 24:25
Proverbs 11:26
7
To remember those who do right is a blessing. But the names of those who do wrong will rot.
Reference
Blessing
Luke 1:48
Parallel theme
Psalm 109:13
Mark 14:9
2 Chronicles 24:16
Righteousness
Psalm 112:6
9
Anyone who lives without blame walks safely. But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.
Reference
11
The mouths of those who do right are a fountain of life. But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 13:14
Proverbs 18:4
Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 20:15
Proverbs 15:7
Righteousness
Proverbs 10:6
Psalm 107:42
Proverbs 10:32
12
Hate stirs up fights. But love erases all sins by forgiving them.
Reference
Love
1 Peter 4:8
Proverbs 17:9
Parallel theme
Proverbs 15:18
James 4:1
Proverbs 28:25
Proverbs 16:27
Sin
James 5:20
Proverbs 29:22
13
Wisdom is found on the lips of those who understand what is right. But those who have no sense are punished.
Reference
15
The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. But having nothing destroys those who are poor.
Reference
16
People who do what is right earn life. But what sinners earn causes them to be punished.
Reference
17
Anyone who pays attention to his training is on his way to life. But anyone who refuses to be corrected leads others down the wrong path.
Reference
20
The tongues of those who do right are like fine silver. But the hearts of those who do wrong aren't worth very much.
Reference
21
The words of those who do right benefit many people. But those who are foolish die because they have no sense.
Reference
22
The blessing of the Lord brings wealth. Trouble doesn't come with it.
Reference
Blessing
Psalm 107:38
Genesis 26:12
Genesis 24:35
Psalm 37:22
Proverbs 20:21
Parallel theme
Genesis 13:2
Proverbs 28:22
Genesis 14:23
References Lord
Zechariah 5:4
Sin
Genesis 12:2
23
A foolish person finds pleasure in doing evil things. But a man who has understanding takes delight in wisdom.
Reference
24
What sinners are afraid of will catch up with them. But those who do right will get what they want.
Reference
Evil
Isaiah 66:4
Parallel theme
Psalm 145:19
Job 15:21
Hebrews 10:27
Psalm 21:2
Job 3:25
John 14:18
John 16:24
Psalm 37:4
Righteousness
Matthew 5:6
25
When the storm is over, sinners are gone. But those who do right stand firm forever.
Reference
Eternal Life
1 Timothy 6:19
Parallel theme
Psalm 15:5
Psalm 58:9
Isaiah 40:24
Job 21:18
Proverbs 1:27
Ephesians 2:20
Matthew 16:18
Righteousness
Proverbs 12:3
Proverbs 12:7
26
Anyone who doesn't want to work hurts those who send him. He is like vinegar on the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
Reference
27
Having respect for the Lord leads to a longer life. But the years of evil people are cut short.
Reference
Evil
Ecclesiastes 7:17
Parallel theme
Proverbs 9:11
Proverbs 3:2
Psalm 91:16
Psalm 21:4
Psalm 55:23
Proverbs 3:16
29
The way of the Lord leads to a safe place for those who do right. But it destroys those who do evil.
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 84:7
Philippians 4:13
References Lord
Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 37:20
Zechariah 10:12
Sin
Proverbs 21:15
Psalm 36:12
Psalm 92:7
30
Those who do right will never be removed from the land. But those who do wrong will not remain in it.
Reference
Evil
Matthew 21:41
Parallel theme
Psalm 37:22
Psalm 125:1
Psalm 16:8
Righteousness
Proverbs 10:25
Psalm 112:6
31
The mouths of those who do right produce wisdom. But tongues that speak twisted words will be cut out.
Reference
32
Those who do right know the proper thing to say. But those who do wrong speak only twisted words.
Reference
Evil
Proverbs 12:6
Proverbs 2:12
Proverbs 11:11
Parallel theme
Proverbs 12:18
Righteousness
Proverbs 15:28
Chapter Summary
The first nine chapters largely presented longer teachings about wisdom, while chapter 10 begins a collection of short sayings that contrast two ways of living: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Rather than following one continuous story, the chapter moves through everyday situations involving family, work, wealth, speech, honesty, discipline, and relationships. A recurring picture develops: a wise and righteous person may not always have an easy life, but his choices lead toward stability, life, and a good reputation. The wicked person may appear successful for a time, but dishonest gain, careless speech, laziness, and hatred eventually bring trouble. The chapter repeatedly shows that character matters more than temporary success. Wealth gained through wrongdoing cannot provide lasting security, while wisdom and righteousness have enduring value. The chapter also places special attention on words. A wise person knows when to speak and when to remain silent, while careless or hateful speech can create conflict and expose foolishness. Overall, Proverbs 10 presents everyday life as a series of choices in which wisdom gradually produces a stable and meaningful life, while foolishness gradually produces disorder and destruction.
Proverbs 10 begins a new section of the book. After the long teachings about wisdom in the first nine chapters, the writer now gives a series of short sayings that describe what wisdom looks like in ordinary daily life.
The chapter does not tell one continuous story. Instead, it moves from family relationships to work, money, speech, conflict, honesty, hope, and faithfulness. Yet beneath all these different subjects is one consistent idea:
A person's character eventually shapes the direction and quality of his life.
The chapter begins inside the family. A wise son brings joy to his father, while a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother. From the beginning, Proverbs reminds us that our choices do not affect only ourselves. The way we live can bring encouragement or pain to the people closest to us.
The discussion then moves toward work and wealth.
Proverbs does not condemn wealth. Instead, it distinguishes between wealth gained honestly and wealth gained through wrongdoing. Money obtained through evil cannot provide lasting security. By contrast, diligent work, preparation, and responsible behavior can provide stability.
The example of the harvest makes this especially clear. A wise person recognizes when it is time to work and takes advantage of the opportunity. Someone who sleeps through the harvest loses what cannot simply be recovered later.
The central message of Proverbs 10 is that righteousness and wisdom create a life with greater stability, while foolishness, dishonesty, laziness, hatred, and uncontrolled speech gradually create their own consequences.
In simple terms:
The way you live every day matters. Work diligently, speak carefully, treat people with love, accept correction, avoid dishonest gain, and build your life on wisdom and reverence for God. Temporary success may come from many sources, but lasting stability comes from good character and wise choices.
Proverbs 10 begins a new section of the book. After the long teachings about wisdom in the first nine chapters, the writer now gives a series of short sayings that describe what wisdom looks like in ordinary daily life.
The chapter does not tell one continuous story. Instead, it moves from family relationships to work, money, speech, conflict, honesty, hope, and faithfulness. Yet beneath all these different subjects is one consistent idea:
A person's character eventually shapes the direction and quality of his life.
The chapter begins inside the family. A wise son brings joy to his father, while a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother. From the beginning, Proverbs reminds us that our choices do not affect only ourselves. The way we live can bring encouragement or pain to the people closest to us.
The discussion then moves toward work and wealth.
Proverbs does not condemn wealth. Instead, it distinguishes between wealth gained honestly and wealth gained through wrongdoing. Money obtained through evil cannot provide lasting security. By contrast, diligent work, preparation, and responsible behavior can provide stability.
The example of the harvest makes this especially clear. A wise person recognizes when it is time to work and takes advantage of the opportunity. Someone who sleeps through the harvest loses what cannot simply be recovered later.
The central message of Proverbs 10 is that righteousness and wisdom create a life with greater stability, while foolishness, dishonesty, laziness, hatred, and uncontrolled speech gradually create their own consequences.
In simple terms:
The way you live every day matters. Work diligently, speak carefully, treat people with love, accept correction, avoid dishonest gain, and build your life on wisdom and reverence for God. Temporary success may come from many sources, but lasting stability comes from good character and wise choices.