Contrasting Results Of Right And Wrong

Proverbs 10:13-32

“In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.  Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” (Proverbs 10:13-14)  

People who understand things talk intelligently, and are constantly learning.  Foolish people who don’t care to learn constantly offend people and get themselves into trouble.

“The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.” (Proverbs 10:15)

When trouble comes, the wealthy person has something saved up to enable him to ride out the trouble.  The poor man has nothing saved, and loses everything because he doesn’t.

“The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.   He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” (Proverbs 10:16-17)

The work a good man does tends to improve his life.  The attitude of the wicked tends to sin, and as Romans 6:23 says, “…the wages of sin is death...” A person who learns to do what is right is in the way that leads to life, but a person who refuses to learn is making a serious mistake.

“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:13)

A person who pretends to be friends with people he hates, or one who tells lies about people is stupid.  Sooner or later the truth will come out and he will be caught.  They will be justified in their anger toward him.

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

When people talk a lot, there are always things they have not thought through carefully, that are not quite what they should be.  It is better not to talk so much so you don’t say things you don’t mean or that are not true.

“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.   The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:20-21)

A good and righteous man says things that are encouraging and help a lot of people to have better life.  The wicked person has nothing of value to offer, and those who don’t bother to learn can’t even help themselves.

“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

When God blesses a person, there are lots of benefits and no regrets.  Many times things people have sought are not blessings but curses. 

“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:23)

Fools think it is funny to cause other people trouble.   Vandals and looters never stop to think about the people who they hurt and offend by their behavior, who have to pay for the damage.  A thinking person wisely refrains from doing such things.

“The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.  As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” (Proverbs 10:24-25)

The very thing the wicked person tries to avoid will one day happen to him.  His freedom and pleasure are only momentary, almost as fleeting as a whirlwind.  Those who do right will attain the things they longed for, and their pleasure is founded on eternal principles.

“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.” (Proverbs 10:26)

Sending a lazy person out to do job is as irritating as a drink of vinegar is to your mouth or a puff of smoke is to your eyes.  It is something to be avoided if at all possible. 

“The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.  The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.  The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.  The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.” (Proverbs 10:27-30)

Respectful obedience to God will result in a long, prosperous, and satisfying life, and result in eternal life.  Those who do not obey will find this life unsatisfactory, and hopeless, and ultimately spend eternity in hell. 

“The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.  The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” (Provervs 10:31-32)

Good people speak good and useful things, in a polite and acceptable manner, and people value what they have to say.  Wicked people often make no effort to control their tongue and people look for ways to shut them up.  James 1:26 says, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”  It doesn’t matter how important a position in a religious organization a person may hold, if he cannot or will not control his mouth, he is not a good person.