Contrasting Righteousness & Wickedness
January 25, 2022
Commentary
This passage clearly contrasts righteousness with wickedness (vv. 25–32). Life’s storms may come suddenly and bring destruction to the wicked, affecting lives and possessions, but the righteous remain secure (v. 25). Just as vine-gar tastes sour and smoke irritates the eyes, a lazy person frustrates an employer by failing to carry out responsibilities (v. 26). Those who fear and respect the Lord tend to enjoy longer lives, while those who continue in wrongdoing often see their lives cut short (v. 27). By following the Lord’s standards, the righteous find a place of safety and stability, and they remain secure in the land. These contrasts remind us that daily choices shape lasting outcomes.
Those who obey the Lord experience joy and hope, but the wicked have no lasting future (v. 28). Strength is found in the way of the righteous, while destruction comes to those who choose sinful paths (v. 29). Among the blessings given to the righteous are long life, joy, and security. The righteous will not be removed, but the wicked will lose their place and inheritance (v. 30). Honest people speak with wisdom and understanding, but deceitful speech will eventually be silenced (v. 31). The lips of the righteous know what is fitting and acceptable, but lies destroy trust and credibility (v. 32).
Throughout Scripture, many examples confirm these serious truths about two opposite ways of life. We see clear contrasts in the lives of Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and Elijah and Jezebel. Each story reminds us that righteousness leads to life and blessing, while wickedness ends in loss and judgment. These accounts encourage us to examine our direction and our choices, and to remain faithful in every season of our lives.
Application
Which path am I choosing today? Do my actions show righteousness or hid-den compromise? Am I diligent or careless in my responsibilities? Do my words build trust or cause harm? What choice must I make now to honor God today? Today I want to fear the Lord, choose what is right, speak wisely, and walk faithfully.
Proverbs 10:22–32 (NET)
22 The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow to it.
23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.
24 What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 Fearing the Lord prolongs life, but the life span of the wicked will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked perishes.
29 The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright, but it is destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.
31 The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the speech of the wicked is perverse.
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