Actions And Attitudes Define The Person

Proverbs 10:1-12

“The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1)

Having explained the importance and value of wisdom, Solomon is ready to start sharing what he had learned with his readers.  He does so in the form of proverbs or short, easily remembered sayings.  They can be taught to even very small children, but are applicable to every living person. 

Parents can take pride in intelligent and successful children, but even the most doting mother will ultimately be embarrassed by a child who will not make an effort to learn or do anything.  People’s attitudes and actions affect their relationships with those who love them most.

 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.  The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. ” (Proverbs 10:2-3)

Things obtained by fraud and wicked means have no lasting value.   Because they have not been earned they have little meaning to the person who has them, but in addition, God will cause them to lose their value or be taken away.  While he may not have as much, the person who got what he has by legitimate means will enjoy it far more, and God will protect it for them. 

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.  He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” (Proverbs 10:4-5)

A person who applies himself to taking care of business is sure to have more than enough, possibly even becoming rich, but the person who makes no effort becomes progressively poorer.  If he won’t even get out of bed take advantage of easy and readily available opportunities, even his parents will be embarrassed by his lack of initiative. 

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.  The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” (Proverbs 10:6-7)

People appreciate those who do what is right and want to do nice things for the, and they will be remembered with fondness.  A wicked person is hated and people look for an opportunity to hurt him.  They would prefer not to even think of him, but when they do, it is usually with revulsion.

“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” (Proverbs 10:8)

A person with a wise attitude will listen to instructions.  A person who doesn’t think he needs to listen will invariably mess up and get into trouble because he was talking instead of listening. 

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” (Proverbs 10:9)

A person who does what is right doesn’t have to worry about getting caught for something wrong, but sooner or later the person who tries to get by with doing wrong will get caught. 

“He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.  “(Proverbs 10:10)

A person who is always trying to do things behind peoples backs causes trouble, but a person who only listens to himself gets himself into trouble. 

“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:11)

A good or righteous person says things that are helpful and encouraging, but a wicked person says cruel and hateful things.  You can tell what kind of person they are by what comes out of their mouth.  Matthew 12:34 says, ”…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” (Proverbs 10:12)

A person who constantly tries to stir up conflict between a certain person or group and other people, constantly reminding them of past wrongs or accusing them of evil intentions hates that person or group.   A person who loves a person tends to overlook or downplay their wrongs.  Once again, the words and actions indicate what a person is really like.