Proverbs 10:21-30
Proverbs 10:21-30 AMP
The lips of the righteous feed and guide many, But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding. The blessing of the LORD brings [true] riches, And He adds no sorrow to it [for it comes as a blessing from God]. Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin], But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy. What the wicked fears will come upon him, But the desire of the righteous [for the blessings of God] will be granted. When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. [Ps 125:1; Matt 7:24-27] Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him to work. The [reverent] fear of the LORD [worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect] prolongs one’s life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. The hope of the righteous [those of honorable character and integrity] is joy, But the expectation of the wicked [those who oppose God and ignore His wisdom] comes to nothing. The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But it is ruin to those who do evil. The [consistently] righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth. [Ps 37:22; 125:1]