THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH
Proverbs 10:6–22Most of the sentences in this unit state contrasting ideas. The exceptions are vv. 10, 18, and 22 in which the first thought is expanded in the second.
A. Contrasting Outcomes (10:6–12)
1. Blessings vs. cursing (10:6). “Blessings are upon the head of the righteous.” Either God rewards the righteous person with blessings, or others bestow their blessings upon him because of his righteousness. On the other hand, “the mouth of the wicked conceals violence,” i.e., so that he may wait for the opportunity of practicing violence. The idea is that the wicked plot the ruin of their neighbors and thus incur their curses instead of their blessings. The verse indicates the contrast between the manifest blessedness of the righteous and the sinister activities of the wicked.
2. Pleasant vs. painful memories (10:7). “The memory of the righteous shall be for a blessing.” After a righteous person dies the memory of his good deeds will endure. People will recall his name with respect and gratitude. The memory of the departed one would also be a blessing by being an example to subsequent generations. On the other hand, “the name of the wicked shall rot,” i.e., end quickly in complete forgetfulness. Few wish to name their children Hitler, Nero or Judas.
3. Humility vs. arrogance (10:8). “The wise in heart accepts commandments.” He is not proud or conceited; he accepts the divine law with all its directions and is not above learning from others. On the other hand, “the foolish of lips (NIV “chattering fool”) comes to ruin.” The reference is to a person who engages in senseless talk. While he is chattering he cannot be learning. Without the guidance of wisdom’s commandments such a person comes to ruin. The contrast in the verse may be indicated this way: A wise person has a solid heart; a fool has loose lips.
4. Security vs. insecurity (10:9). “He who walks uprightly walks securely.” Such a one walks in simplicity, having nothing to conceal or to fear. He therefore is free of danger and anxiety because the Lord is a shield to him (cf. 2:7). On the other hand, “the one who perverts his ways (i.e., deals in crooked practices) shall be known.” He shall be exposed, punished, and put to open shame. Since he fears this fate, he cannot walk securely.
5. Guilelessness vs. craftiness (10:10). “He who winks with the eye gives pain.” The winking of the eye here, as in 6:13, is a sign of craft, malice and complicity with other wicked comrades. The effect of malicious innuendo is to cause the victim mental anguish and possible material injury. Even more dangerous than the cunning plotter is the blubbering fool. “The foolish of lips shall come to ruin.” The last half of the verse is repeated from v. 8 but is used in a different way. In the previous verse the reference was to the damage which chattering fools cause to themselves. Here the damage done to others by the chatterer is in view.
6. Enlivening vs. deadly speech (10:11). “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” God himself is called “the well of life” (Ps 36:9) and “the fountain of living water” (Jer 2:13). The man of God draws from this supply and sheds life and refreshment around. His words are a source of vitality to those who listen to his exhortation and advice. On the other hand, “the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (cf. v. 6). The words of the wicked are harmful and hypocritical. They conceal their true intent which is violence toward the innocent.
7. Quarrelsomeness vs. amiability (10:12). “Hatred stirs up strifes,” i.e., by focusing on faults, making mountains out of molehills, and questioning motives. Hatred keeps alive the old feeling of revenge, and seeks opportunities of satisfying it. On the other hand, “love covers all transgressions.” Love puts shortcomings out of sight, enables one to overlook insults and wrongs (cf. 1 Pet 4:8). This proverb is probably intended as a comment on the last line of the previous proverb, and possibly also on v. 10. The reprehensible actions mentioned in those verses are here attributed to hatred and the desire to stir up strife.
Smith, James E. The Wisdom Literature and Psalms. Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 1996. Print. Old Testament Survey Series.
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