Proverbs 10 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Proverbs 10 Short Summary:

In Proverbs 10, is a collection of the proverbs (wise sayings) of King Solomon of Israel. Proverbs 10 is often considered the beginning of the second section of the Book of Proverbs. Solomon’s proverbs are recorded in Proverbs chapter 10 through chapter 29.

Proverbs 10 Summary

THEMES:

• Lady Wisdom invites men to the table to become wise.

• Lady Folly invites men to her table to die in their foolishness.

DEFINITIONS:

• Thwart (10:3) – To prevent something from being accomplished.

• Babbler (10:8) – A person who talks a lot, often revealing themselves to be fools in their speech by talking about things they don’t know or talking in an incomprehensible way. 

• Slander (10:18) – Making damaging and false statements about someone.

• Prudence (10:19) – Acting carefully; moving through life cautiously and thoughtfully.

OUTLINE:

• PROVERB #1

  • Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

  • Those who talk a lot, expressing themselves freely, and having very little filter on what comes out of their mouth are destined to say things they shouldn’t and offend others.

  • Wise men don’t run their mouths constantly. They are prudent, thoughtful, and careful when they express themselves.

  • Wise men know their words can get them in trouble. James, the writer of the epistle of James, recognized this in his writing.

  • James 3:8 – “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

  • The tongue is something to be tamed, like a wild animal, you don’t let it run free because it’s potentially dangerous.

  • James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

• PROVERB #2

  • Proverbs 10:26 – “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.” 

  • A lazy servant is a source of irritation to his master.

  • When a servant is slow to do their work, it’s like vinegar to their master’s teeth, setting them on edge, or like smoke from a fire that bothers their eyes.  

  • A wise servant works hard to please the one who employs him.

  • We ought to work hard for those who employ us.

  • Even if you don’t have the best boss, you should still work hard, not because your boss is worthy, but because the Lord has called us to serve with faithfulness.

  • Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

• PROVERB #3

  • Proverbs 10:2 – “Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”

  • Its easy to get frustrated when you see sinful people “succeeding” in life. It’s difficult to watch unethical people get rich while you struggle to pay your bills every month. Why does God allow people of low moral character to enjoy wealth?

  • Solomon tells us the wealth of the wicked is of no value. Sure, they can use their money to buy material things, but in the big picture it’s of no meaningful value.

  • Their wealth won’t save their soul. Their wealth won’t fix their relationship with God. Their wealth won’t buy their way out of God’s punishment for their sins.

  • Real value is found in living a righteous life. A relationship with God is worth more than all the money in the world.

  • When God is your treasure and holiness is your lifestyle, you have no reason to envy the poor billionaires with their temporal resources.