June 21, 2025 - Proverbs 10-15

Chapter 10 begins “The Proverbs of Solomon.”  Here's some of them . . .

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (10:4).  Just this thought:  The Bible does not disparage wealth, only the selfish hoarding of wealth.  In fact, the Bible speaks positively of those who, by hard work, gather up for themselves and their families, and especially, who also give to others.

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself” (11:17).  How wonderfully people think of a person who is kind, but the cruel man, the bully, is ultimately hurting himself.  The middle school bus bullies we all know about?  Hmmm . . .

And some proverbs concerning the tongue:  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1) & “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (15:4) & “The lips of the wise spread knowledge; no so the hearts of fools" (15:7) & “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” (15:23).

How happy are all they who hear

true Wisdom’s guiding voice;

and who her understanding make

their early, only choice.

For she has treasures greater far

than east or west unfold;

and her rewards more precious are

than all their stores of gold.    –Michael Bruce (1796)