Proverbs Chapter 10: Wise Sayings

The book of Proverbs takes a shift in chapter 10, as Solomon begins to write down his actual proverbs. The previous nine chapters were an introduction with various discourses on special topics. Now, we come to the actual proverbs, which are by definition short sayings that are generally known by many, typically providing words of truth, moral or wisdom. These sayings continue until roughly chapter 22. Most of the proverbs have been divided into one or two verses, although some extend into four or five verses. There are so many good points to learn from the proverbs, it would be difficult to outline them all here. But, here are a couple that spoke to me:

Proverbs 10:9 - "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known." In a time when people just want security and stability, this proverb teaches that "walking surely" comes from walking uprightly. Walking uprightly means doing right by God and by man. The proverb does not guarantee that there will be no struggles or trials, but when you walk right you can stand assured on solid ground0. You will know what you stand for and who you follow and will be equipped to handle the unstable times. The counter is that the one who perverts his ways shall be known. This guy might be able to disguise himself for a short time, but in the end, God will discover and make known his folly.

Proverbs 10:26 - "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that send him." Vinegar to the teeth? Makes me cringe just thinking about that taste. This verse can be applied two ways. First, how you are with your employer. We all work for someone. A sluggard is useless to an employer and no good to any business. Sluggards are lazy, unproductive, and failing in one of our created purposes - to work. Is that you? Do you cause your boss to be uneasy and uncomfortable? Are you smoke in his eyes? Second, and often overlooked, is, we work for God. Can God trust you with His work? You can be the hardest working, most productive employee on earth, but miss out on being productive in God's kingdom. God will not give His work to a sluggard. We are Christ's messengers; His hands and feet. Let's use them for His work!