Contrasts in Life
November 13, 2021
Commentary
In this passage we find several comparisons:
A comparison is made between love and hatred (vv. 10-12). Love makes people live peacefully with each other because it forgives the faults of others. it does not dwell on their faults (I Cor. 13:5). On the other hand hatred results in dissension and causes people to despise one another. When love is lacking, it is easy to play the part of a talebearer which only tends to add to the evil. We are not to show an indifference to evil, but in love help our brother, in sin, confess it and make it right with the Lord and those he has wronged. A good example of exercising a love that covereth is found in Nathan’s dealing with David (II Sam. 12:1-14).
Next we find a comparison between a wise man and a foolish man (vv. 13-14). A wise person stores up knowledge and holds it for the right occasion while a fool spouts off the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Also we find a comparison between the rich and the poor (v. 15). Although a person should never trust in his wealth, it can provide a hedge against some disasters. Poverty brings continual problems to the poor in this life. But, in reference to eternity, riches will not profit in the day of wrath; neither will poverty interfere with future glory. (Luke 16:19-31).
Application
Scripture says that it is not good to compare ourselves with others. Is it ever right to hate someone? What should be my attitude toward a murderer or an adulterer? A modern day example of how this works (Example: The widows of the five martyrs in Equador).
Proverbs 10:11– 16 (NET)
11 The speech of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks sense will be disciplined.
14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.
15 The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.
16 The reward that the righteous receive is life; the recompense that the wicked receive is judgment.