Proverbs 10:1-17

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish [stubborn] son [who refuses to learn] is a grief to his mother. Treasures of wickedness and ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness and moral integrity in daily life rescues from death. The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger [God will meet all his needs], But He will reject and cast away the craving of the wicked. [Ps 34:9, 10; 37:25] Poor is he who works with a negligent and idle hand, But the hand of the diligent makes him rich. He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully. Blessings are on the head of the righteous [the upright, those in right standing with God], But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous [person] is a [source of] blessing, But the name of the wicked will [be forgotten and] rot [like a corpse]. [Ps 112:6; 9:5] The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction), But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin. He who walks in integrity and with moral character walks securely, But he who takes a crooked way will be discovered and punished. He who [maliciously] winks the eye [of evil intent] causes trouble; And the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life and his words of wisdom are a source of blessing, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence and evil. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults]. On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found, But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding. Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart], But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. The rich man’s wealth is his fortress; The ruin of the poor is their poverty. [Ps 52:7; 1 Tim 6:17] The wages of the righteous [the upright, those in right standing with God] is [a worthwhile, meaningful] life, The income of the wicked, punishment. [Rom 6:21-23; 1 Tim 6:10] He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].