Contrasts in Life
November 13, 2021
Commentary
In this passage, we see several clear comparisons that show strong contrasts in life. These contrasts help us understand how our choices and attitudes shape our relationships, our words, and our future. They also invite us to reflect honestly on how we are living each day before God. These lessons remain practical and necessary.
First, a comparison is made between love and hatred (vv. 10–12). Love allows people to live peacefully with one another because it forgives the faults of others and does not keep a record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:5). Hatred, however, causes division and leads people to despise one another. When love is missing, it is easy to become a talebearer, which only increases trouble and harm within families and communities. We should not ignore sin, but in love help a brother confess it, make it right before the Lord, and restore broken relationships. Nathan’s loving correction of David is a strong example of love that covers and restores hearts (2 Sam. 12:1–14) through patient guidance.
Next, a comparison is made between a wise person and a foolish per-son (vv. 13–14). A wise person stores up knowledge and speaks at the right time, using words to help and guide others. A foolish person speaks carelessly, saying the wrong thing at the wrong moment, bringing harm instead of help. Speech reveals what fills the heart.
Finally, a comparison is made between the rich and the poor (v. 15). Wealth should never be trusted fully, yet it can protect against some troubles in this life. Poverty often brings ongoing hardship and daily pressure. Still, when eternity is considered, riches offer no advantage, and poverty does not prevent future glory or God’s promises (Luke 16:19–31). God measures life beyond material success.
Application
Do my words show love and understanding or quiet hatred? Am I speaking wisely, or carelessly, within my heart? Do I trust wealth, or God alone? How can I honor God now through my actions and speech? What must change today? Today I want to choose love that restores, words that help, and faith that guides my choices.
Proverbs 10:11–21 (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.
17 The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads slander is certainly a fool.
19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.
20 What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the wicked think is of little value.
21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of sense.
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