Proverbs 10 contains one of my favorite verses: “The
blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it”
(vs. 22).
I love it. I well remember the day one of the sweet ladies at work quoted
that verse to me. I looked it up, highlighted it, and have often referred
to it. But Proverbs 10 has so much more to offer than that one verse.
I think I often excitedly skipped down to that verse and missed a lot
of wise advice. Here’s a highlight:
Proverbs 10:2-3: Righteousness delivers from death. The Lord will
not allow the righteous soul to starve.
Proverbs 10:4: The hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 10:7: The name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:8: The wise in heart will receive commands. (Be
teachable!)
Proverbs 10:9: He who walks with integrity walks securely.
(No fear of being caught.)
Proverbs 10:11: The mouth of the righteous is a well of life.
(This verse makes me evalute what I say…and wonder if I am all that
righteous?)
Proverbs 10:12: Love covers all sins.
Proverbs 10:17: He who keeps instruction is in the way of life.
(Again, be teachable, hear instruction.)
Proverbs
10: 18-21: Whoever spreads slander is a fool. The tongue of the
righteous is choice silver. The lips of the righteous feed many. Fools
die for lack of wisdom.
Proverbs 10:24: The fear of the wicked will come upon him. The desire
of the righteous will be granted.
Proverbs 10:28-30: The hope of the righteous will be gladness. The
righteous will never be removed.
Proverbs 10:31: The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom.
The perverse tongue will be cut out.
Reading the entire chapter offers me some perspective on verse 22. If
I hear the instruction of the entire chapter, if I seek righteousness,
if I guard my tongue, then the promise of verse 22 is mine. If I am
diligent, if I am teachable, I will find my life richer. bp