Proverbs 10:27-32: Positives—a far better outcome!

The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Proverbs 10:27-32

Prolongs days. (add strength = grow stronger)

Will be gladness. (glad result, gleeful issue)

Is Strength. (figurative, of God as refuge)

Never be moved. (secure)

Brings forth wisdom. (bears the fruit of wisdom, prudence)

Know what is acceptable. (assuredly, be aware goodwill, favor)

Each of these positives is followed by a BUT showing the negatives which, sadly are often too common. The positives have a far better outcome than the negatives! 

The Question: Why when we have the opportunity to make a choice that is all positive do we chose to ignore it and follow the ways of fools? 

The Answer: Because of the first 5 words of Proverbs 10:27: "The fear of the Lord." 

Instead of having a reverence for who God is, we would rather declare ourselves god and follow the folly of our own ways leading us to misery and death. We may say we believe in God, but that doesn't mean we fear Him. The devils believe in God too—and they know what God can do! But they don't obey God. 

Belief and reverence for God MUST translate into obedience of His wisdom. We can't expect the positives to happen if we ignore the foundation of fearing God and obeying Him. 

Each attitude and action is based wether we fear God or hate God. If a heart is truly permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then the attitudes and actions will result in the positives listed in Proverbs 10:27-32. 

Positives—a far better outcome! 

Proverbs 10:23-26 Indefinite futurity!

To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him. Proverbs 10:23-26

Evil: wickedness in act

Understanding: the faculty, discernment

Wisdom: skillful, wisely, wit

Fear: terror, affright

Desire: a longing, lusting

Granted: to give, bestow

Whirlwind: that makes an end; judgments

Everlasting: indefinite futurity, with preposition for ever, always

Lazy: indolent, sluggard; (slothful and unprofitable servant)

As I read that first phrase, "to do evil is like a sport to a fool" it made me think of the riots and chaos we've seen in the news lately. Those taking part think stealing, burning down buildings, etc. is a sport. It's great fun. Sadly, they pay no attention to the consequences of their actions—people lose their merchandise, income, buildings, and livelihoods. All that is happening is destroying their very own communities. And soon they are left with nothing. 

The next phrase that caught my attention was, "but the righteous has an everlasting foundation". I like the definition of "everlasting": indefinite futurity. What a great security that is! Wisdom provides a foundation that is not only rock solid—but is indefinite futurity! 

As we look at what is happening in the world. The chaos and killings. No matter what happens, the righteous know that they have an indefinite futurity in Christ. Their foundation is rock solid and will last forever. 

An indefinite futurity foundation begins with a heart permitted with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And as one learns and applies wisdom that foundation only gets stronger! 

Indefinite futurity! 

Proverbs 10:22: Getting!

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

Makes one rich: to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich

Sorrow: pain, hurt

Rich. Money. Things. Accumulation. Getting. 

It's amazing how quickly our eyes focus on that word, "rich". Oh, if we only had more money, our lives would be so much better. Really? How much is enough? 

What does it mean to be "rich"? Who sets the standards for how much is enough? Does being rich only involve money and things? Do money and things really bring happiness and joy? 

When we focus on "getting", rather than God, we never seem to have enough and when we lose what we gained, we become discouraged and suffer loss. 

Yes, we are to work and strive—but not to the point where the "getting" outweighs God and doing what God wants. For when we are acting in accordance with God's will, He blesses us abundantly. And that doesn't mean that we will be rich by man's standards. Rather, we will have peace and contentment in God. 

Whatever we receive in the way of providence, has God's blessing in it, and will do us good. Cares, troubles, and difficulties come with all property not acquired in this way; but God's blessing gives simple enjoyment, and levies no tax upon the comfort. 

Adam Clarke Commentary

On what do I focus? The getting or the Giver? When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then my focus will be on God and obeying His wisdom. 

Proverbs 10:18-21: That simply describes the fool.

Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. Proverbs 10:18-21

Defamation.

Utter rashly and inconsiderately. 

Good for nothing.

Die prematurely, by neglect of wise moral conduct.

That simply describes the fool.

We all know someone who fits that description: one who spreads defamation speaks rashly without thought. And sadly, this is even more common today, due to Facebook, twitter, Instagram, etc. It's easy to click "like", or share, or retweet, etc. and pass along information—without verifying to see if it is true. We'd rather just assume that what is posted is true, and therefore, just pass it along. But that in actuality is the characteristic of a fool. 

How easy it is to look at others and point out which ones are fools. We spot them by their speech, behavior, and attitudes. We are disgusted by their actions! And yet, too often we too are guilty of uttering rashly and being inconsiderate in our speech. Are actions and attitudes display a good for nothing heart. 

Think before you speak. 

Wise advise. For if you stop and think before you speak, you can filter your thoughts and words though the truth wisdom has to offer. 

Think before you like, share, retweet. For if you stop and think before passing along information, you can verify whether it is true. 

A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will provide the filter necessary to analyze thoughts, speech, and conduct. The fear of God, the beginning of wisdom, will prevent one from being a fool!

Proverbs 10:15-17: Keep. Refuse. Two verbs.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin. He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. Proverbs 10:15-17

Destruction: the ruin of the poor (is) their poverty; as consequence of evil-doing

Labor: wages (as earned by work)

Life: as consisting of earthly felicity combined (often) with spiritual blessedness

Wages: income, revenue

Wicked: criminal, guilty of crime

Keep: guard, to protect, attend to

Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction

Life: of mode of living, or of character

Refuses: forsake, fail to follow: obey advice, instruction, wisdom, reproof

Correction: chastisement

Goes astray: physically—cause to wander about; mentally and morally—cause to err

Keeps Instruction. Refuses Correction. 

Two verbs. Keep. Refuse. Powerful verbs which have lasting consequences. 

Keep. Guard. Protect. Attend to.

Wisdom isn't once acquired then forgotten! Wisdom must be guarded and attended to, as one would maintain a garden or home. You keep watch over it, preserve it, tend to it. That means that wisdom must be a part of our daily lives. We cannot neglect wisdom! 

Refuse. Forsake. Fail to follow. 

The results are what you'd expect—wandering about, lost and getting into trouble. Simple. Refuse wisdom as you find yourself in the middle of trouble. 

Keep. Refuse. Two verbs. Two Choices. Two different consequences. 

Keeping begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And then the fear of God, creates the desire to continuing keeping! Do not refuse wisdom—KEEP IT! 

Proverbs 10:14: What am I hoarding?

Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14

Wise: ethically and religiously

Store up: "treasure up" a thing, hoard

Mouth: according to the measure of, in accordance with

Foolish: to be perverse

Knowledge: perception, skill

Near: imminent

Destruction: dismaying, ruin, terror.

Treasure up. Hoard. 

Stuff. We all accumulate stuff. The Castle has a car and a half garage. Which gives us room to store stuff. Some of it is worthy of keeping, some of it really is not. But since we "have the room", it stays on the shelf. 

The other day, we had to move a few boxes around, and as I was reading the content labels, I thought to myself, "Why are we keeping this?" Sometimes I thought of a good answer, "Sentimental value." Other times, I had no reason, except that we have the room, so why not keep it? 

Treasure up. I've discussed the concept of "treasure up" a few times as it relates to wisdom. #TreasureUp

You can read them here: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/search/label/%23TreasureUp

Wise people store up knowledge. Wise people. That is a description that I'd like applied to me. I want to be known as a "wise person". But before others can see wisdom in my attitudes and actions, I must hoard up wisdom. For if it's not stored up, then it cannot be used. 

Wise people. Treasure up. Hoard. The store house must be prepared for the wisdom, and that begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For a heart that fears God is one ready to receive wisdom from God. 

Wise people. Treasure up. Hoard. What am I hoarding? 

Proverbs 10:9-13: Trouble. With a capital "T".

He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. Proverbs 10:9-13

Walks: of moral and religious life

Integrity: (morally) innocence

Securely: assurance, boldly, without care, confidence, hope

Perverts: make crooked, distorts

Ways: of moral action and character

Become known: be revealed, discovered, of person

Winks: blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice)

Trouble: hurt, injury, pain

Fall: ruined, fail

Hatred: exceedingly hateful

Stirs up: awakens

Strife: discord

Covers: conceal

Sins: transgression against individuals

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Understanding: intelligent, discreet, discerning

Rod: staff for smiting

Back: body

Devoid: needy, lacking, in want of

Understanding: the will and even the intellect

Trouble. With a capital "T". And I'm not talking about "pool" (The Music Man). 

Yes, TROUBLE! Where does trouble begin? It begins in the heart. When one ignores and has a hatred for wisdom, trouble takes root and begins to fester and grow. And then that leads to attitudes and those attitudes are then put into action. 

We see it and hear about it each and every day in the news. We see the results of ignoring God's moral laws and what happens when everyone is left to do what is right in their own eyes. Sin and lawlessness becomes the norm and with it the strife, discontentment, destruction and death. 

Wisdom and understanding will followed brings security and hope. What a contrast to the aftermath that foolishness leaves behind. 

Trouble. With a capital "T". It all begins in the heart! When a heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then wisdom will reign and bring security and hope!

Proverbs 10:8: Full in Heart (wisdom) or Full of Tongue

The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. Proverbs 10:8

Wise: ethically and religiously

Heart: mind, knowledge

Receive: take possession of, as preliminary to further action

Commands: human or divine (collectively, the Law), law, ordinance,

Prating: babbling, talkative

Fool: who despises wisdom & discipline

Fall: ruined, thrown away

Here is, 1. The honour and happiness of the obedient. They will receive commandments; they will take it as a privilege, and really an ease to them, to be under government, which saves them the labour of deliberating and choosing for themselves; and they will take it as a favour to be told their duty and admonished concerning it. And this is their wisdom; those are wise in heart who are tractable, and those who thus bend, thus stoop, shall stand and be established, shall prosper, being well advised.

2. The shame and ruin of the disobedient, that will not be governed, nor endure any yoke, that will not be taught, nor take any advice. They are fools, for they act against themselves and their own interest; they are commonly prating fools, fools of lips, full of talk, but full of nonsense, boasting of themselves, prating spitefully against those that admonish them (3 John 1:10), and pretending to give counsel and law to others. Of all fools, none more troublesome than the prating fools, nor that more expose themselves; but they shall fall into sin, into hell, because they received not commandments. Those that are full of tongue seldom look well to their feet, and therefore stumble and fall. 

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Full in Heart (wisdom) or Full of Tongue. 

When one is talking, they can't be listening. 

Great knowledge, if it be without vanity, is the most severe bridle of the tongue. For so have I heard, that all the noises and prating of the pool, the croaking of frogs and toads, are hushed and appeased upon the bringing upon them the light of a candle or torch. Every beam of reason and ray of knowledge checks the dissolution of the tongue. Jeremy Taylor

A holy life is a voice; it speaks when the tongue is silent, and is either a constant attraction or a perpetual reproof. Robert Leighton 

God has given us two ears, but one tongue, to show that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak. God has set a double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with our tongue. Thomas Watson 

Remember that the tongue speaks only what is in the heart. Theodore Epp 

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26 

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. James 3:6

Full in Heart (wisdom) or Full of Tongue. 

Oh, that my heart would be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), so that I would shut-up and hear God's wisdom and obey it! 

Full in Heart (wisdom) or Full of Tongue. Which are you?

Proverbs 10:6, 7: Personal Memories vs Personal Conflict

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. Proverbs 10:6, 7

Blessings: of men, in recognition of good men

Righteous: just in conduct and character

Violence: rude wickedness of men, their noisy, wild, ruthlessness

Covers: overwhelm

Wicked: one guilty of crime, deserving punishment

Memory: recollection

Blessed: benefit, praise

Name: reputation

Wicked: guilty of sin, against either God or man

Rot: to decay, be cursed

What do you remember? 

Is there a memory that causes you to smile? Or one that makes you break out in laughter?

Is there a memory that causes you shame? Or one that makes you cry? 

Memories evoke emotion. 

Think back to a time you did something wrong. I don't mean you made a mistake. I mean a time that you sinned, disobeyed God. As you think of that moment in time, does your emotion change to shame and sadness? It should, for you sinned against God Almighty. 

Yet, as one listens to wisdom, and acts in accordance to that wisdom, the actions and attitudes create memories of joy and blessing! Memories that make one smile and break out in laughter! The emotion of joy from obeying God Almighty makes one glow! 

What is your reputation? 

Reputation: a publicly recognized name: either for a favorable and publicly recognized for merit, achievement, reliability; OR recognized for disgraceful or dishonest character or conduct.

A reputation lasts long after you are gone. When your name is remembered will it bring smiles or sadness to your family and friends? Will they remember your sinful and dishonesty? Or will they remember how you listened and obeyed God's wisdom? 

Personal memories of joy because of obedience to God. Lasting memories of a life lived in honor of God. 

Personal conflict and sadness because of disobedience to God. A disgraceful and dishonest reputation living on long after you are gone as a testimony of your rebellion against God. 

Personal Memories vs Personal Conflict. In order to create personal memories of joy, one must have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

Proverbs 10:4, 5: Satisfaction in Laziness

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 10:4, 5

Slack: negligent, idle hand

Poor: to be destitute -- lack, needy

Diligent: to be alert, to decide

Rich: to accumulate; specifically to grow

Wise: act circumspectly, prudently

Shame:  to be ashamed, to be disappointed

Work ethic. It's lacking in our society today. We used to take pride in doing a job well. Now people want to get nothing for little or no work. And many of those that do work, don't put forth any effort. 

Idle hand. Trouble begins when one has nothing to do. And idle hands lead to laziness and that leads to trouble. 

Diligent isn't just an idea, rather is translates into action. It is a specific choice and that choice then leads to action that leads to riches. 

Do nothing and be rewarded. That seems to be the norm in our world today. However, as we look around, we can see that those that live that philosophy are angry, discontent, and in trouble. Why are those who except everything for nothing so discontented? Because there is nothing to take pride in; there is no satisfaction in laziness. 

What about those that can't work? That truly are disabled. Even those that are disabled or too old still find purpose and meaning by doing what they can. Those that make excuses for doing nothing live in states of depression and frustration. Those that try to do all they can for themselves and others, are encouraged and happy. 

Negligent. Diligent. Two opposites. Satisfaction in laziness. Gratification in industriousness. 

Shame. Riches. Two opposites. Two different results based upon actions and attitude. 

The only way to assure that one does not create a mindset of having a satisfaction in laziness is to have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when we respect and fear God, we want out attitudes and actions to reflect His wisdom. We want to obey Him and put forth the effort in knowing that we are doing a job—and doing it diligently. 

Proverbs 10:2, 3: Fully Satisfied—"Full of God"!

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked. Proverbs 10:2, 3

Treasures: storehouse, food, drink

Wickedness: as violence and crime against civil law

Profit: to be valuable, beneficial

Nothing: no, none

Righteousness: as ethically right

Delivers: escape

Death: place or state, ruin

Famish: be hungry

Casts away: reject, expel

Desire: eagerly coveting (by implication) calamity, iniquity, mischief

Wicked: guilty of sin, against either God or man

The Lord will not allow! And that is a promise from the One who is actually in charge and has the power to put into action anything necessary to accomplish His promise. 

The Lord will not allow! What won't He allow? The righteous soul to famish. What does that mean? 

The righteous, ethically right, those listening to and obeying wisdom. Soul: a breathing creature, being, passion. Famish, be hungry wanting. The person will be fully satisfied—"full of God"—listening to and obeying wisdom! 

Those who are listening to and obeying wisdom will not be left wanting. Does that mean I'll have a million dollars to do with as I please? Only if God knows that you need a million dollars to carry out His will. The thing about listening to and obeying wisdom, is that one's wants and desires change to those of God's. For it's not about just getting stuff, rather it's about living a life that is in accordance or harmony with God and His plan. And it's knowing that God will supply everything necessary to accomplish His will. 

Oh, having a million dollars would be nice! But a million dollars can't buy the peace and contentment that comes from having a heart that is fully satisfied—"full of God". And that fullness begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

The Lord will not allow! Choosing wisdom will keep you fully satisfied—"full of God"!

Proverbs 10:1: A Screaming Child

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. Proverbs 10:1

Wise: ethically and religiously; of the mind

Glad: cause to rejoice

Foolish: stupid, he hates knowledge, it is his sport to do mischief

Grief: afflict, cause grief, grieve, sorrowful, vex

Attitudes and actions have an effect on others. 

Often we think that we that our attitudes and actions will only effect us personally. Yet, that is not the case. Each action causes a reaction in others. Whether is be parents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or any others that are in the vicinity—they are either blessed or grieved. 

Really? What I do effects others? 

Yes, really.

Don't believe me? Just think of the last time you were shopping and a little kid started screaming. You immediately bristled. You looked around to see where the parent was and if anyone was taking care of the situation. You began to make judgements as to why the kid was screaming, and what you would do if that was your child. Your posture changed. You became upset and uncomfortable. You started to become angry. You became agitated and grumpy. Am I right? 

The same is true for adults. Our attitudes and actions do effect others. We may not find ourselves in the middle of a store screaming, but we may find ourselves acting foolishly and ignoring God's wisdom. And when we act foolishly, we become that screaming child—and those around us are effected. 

How do we make sure that our attitudes and actions are wise? Start at the beginning—the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will translate into wise attitudes and actions. 

So, are you a screaming child? Or are you acting wisely?