Solomon details the characteristics of the wicked and the righteous. There is a big difference between these people and their rewards are much different also. We will start this comparison with the wicked. 1“A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” There are many broken homes because children are acting out against their parents. The 1“treasures of wickedness profit nothing.” People may obtain so much wealth and riches but without God, this is all for not. God 1“casteth away the substance of the wicked.” 1“He that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” When people are lazy this causes issues for them and the many people involved. 1“He that refuseth reproof erreth.” They had instructions but they chose not to obey it, and it is their demise. 1“Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Their choice of words are generally evil in nature and because of this, they are often filed with anger. There 1“hatred stirreth up strife.” 1“The mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” Their wicked choices and action are leading them down a dark and slippery path. Please understand that 1“the name of the wicked shall rot.” They will soon be long forgotten, not only on earth but also in hell. 1“He that perverteth his ways shall be known.” Their hearts are filthy and 1“the fruit of the wicked” is 1“to sin.” Because they felt no need to obey God’s laws, their evil works are made known in judgement. 1“A rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.” These people never desired to obey God’s laws but saw them as forceful. For this reason, they will be judged based on their intents to learn and obey. There reward is eternal hell fire and damnation.
Now let’s look at the righteous of God. 1“A wise son maketh a glad father.” When our children obey and respect their parents there is much joy. 1“He that gathereth in summer is a wise son.” They are able to make great use of their time, for they confided in God. 1“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction.” Those that follow God’s laws are for Him and are blessed with eternal life. 1“The wise in heart will receive commandment.” When instruction is given, they are glad to receive and walk in it. 1“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely.” Because their faith is firm, they can also withstand temptation. 1“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.” They are blessed as they rely on God’s love to show towards others. 1“In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found.” Because their hearts are open to God, they can learn from the Bible and be moved by the Holy Spirit. 1“Wise men lay up knowledge.” Those that learn from God are wise indeed. 1“Righteousness delivereth from death.” They are saved from death to life, through the blood of Jesus. 1“The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish.” Because of their faith, they have been redeemed and found worthy. 1“Blessings are upon the head of the just.” We can’t even fathom the blessings for those that love God. 1“Love covereth all sins.” It is the love of Christ that covers our sins when we repent. 1“The memory of the just is blessed.” Not only do people on earth remember us but God and the angels are well aware of the good life we led, through Christ. 1“The labour of the righteous tendeth to life.” Those in the faith are securing their place in heaven. Where there is paradise with God forever.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people make a choice today to live a righteous life and put off all wickedness. As they make this decision, help them know that only You have the power to make this happen. May they become reliant on Your hand in their life. I pray that they repent and confess their sins. May Your mercy come upon them and cover every sin. As they desire to change their life, transform them through the Holy Spirit. If they have not been baptized, compel them to make this decision. Baptism shows their true desires to change their lives and walk in Your ways. I pray that everyone that desires to be led by Your Spirit will not put off this decision. We can only go so far in life, when we rely on our own good works outside of Your will. I am grateful for my decision to come unto You fully. My life has never been the same since. After being baptized You set a fire in my soul that cannot be put out. Your light has come inside of me and now my desires are to only live for You. I no longer have to be told to obey Your laws, for my soul longs to obey. Thank You for changing me and helping me become the person I am today. I owe it all to You. You deserve all the glory. I praise You Lord. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Proverbs 10:1-17 (KJV)
1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
