The Desire of the Righteous Will Be Granted1
Proverbs 10:17-32
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
No one can do us a greater kindness than to instruct us in the right way and warn us of the wrong. But it is probably just as difficult to accept advice in the proper spirit as it is to give it wisely. A sensible person is always ready to listen to words of wisdom and never think they are above learning from anyone.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
The first part of this verse shows us that hiding hatred from someone is hypocritical as well as sinful. The last part is a harsh blow to many. Does it include any of us? Are not some of us far too ready to gossip by repeating things that are hurtful to others?
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
Talking too much is a common problem. People talk so much because they think so little. Drums make a great noise because they are hollow. There is one characteristic of a wise man that any of us can have. We can be quiet! Let us try it.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The ungodly person at their best is not worth much. That is God’s opinion of them. That should humble them and make them think seriously about their life.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
Fools cannot feed others with wisdom, because they are starving from a lack of truth and understanding.
22 The blessing of the LORD makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.
Other riches always include sadness; only the Lord’s roses do not have thorns.
23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
but the righteous is established forever.
The tornado is only remembered by the destruction it leaves behind. The same is true of many bad people. But the reputation of good people is like an ancient castle. It remains strong for a very long time. People have good memories of them long after they have passed from this life.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to those who send him.
The sluggard is unpleasant and obnoxious, irritating and annoying. The person who wants to please their employer must be hard working, prompt, and cheerful.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked will be short.
Anyone can see that the soberness, peacefulness and clean living of true religion tend to help a person live longer. It is just as easy to see that drunkenness, immorality, bad tempers and rough lifestyles tend to bring people to their graves sooner than would otherwise be expected. Godliness is often rewarded with more years in this life.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless,
but destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be removed,
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
There will come a day when wicked people will not be found on this earth. They will die and holy people will fill their places. We wait for the coming of the Lord and the new age of holiness.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
The tongues of the wicked try to make others mad and sad. They do not know how to be polite. They talk about anything that enters their mind without thinking first. May none of us have wild, uncontrollable tongues that hurt others for no good reason. Instead, let our conversations be holy and gentle, using words that bless both the hearer and the speaker. This would be a little heaven on earth for our family.
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1 Proverbs 10:24
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