15 March Proverbs 10

The Ways Of The Godly

Proverbs 10 contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish, emphasising the benefits of righteousness and the consequences of wickedness. It highlights the value of wise speech, the importance of hard work, and the role of integrity in building a good reputation. The chapter also discusses themes like the fleeting nature of wealth, the security of the righteous, and the fate of the wicked, ultimately encouraging readers to pursue wisdom and live righteously for a fruitful life.

Proverbs 10 extrapolates the traits and blessings associated with the godly. Before delving into the characteristics of a godly person, it is essential to understand what it means to embody godliness. A godly individual loves God wholeheartedly and adheres to His word, cultivating a personal relationship with Him through prayer and meditation. They prioritise seeking God above all else and aspire to glorify Him in every aspect of their lives.

Having established what a godly person embodies, we can now examine the blessings that flow from this relationship with God, as illustrated in Proverbs 10 (NLT): 6: "The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions." 11: "The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions." 16: "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin." 20: "The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless." 21: "The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense." 25: "When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." 28: "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing." 30: "The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land." 31: "The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off." 32: "The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words."

Striking Theme A striking theme that emerges from this passage is the profound impact of the words spoken by the godly. They are described as a "life-giving fountain," precious like "sterling silver," and capable of encouraging and uplifting others. The importance of our words cannot be overstated; they possess the power to shape reality and influence lives.

As Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) reminds us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Furthermore, Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) exhorts us: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Similarly, Colossians 3:16 (ESV) encourages us to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Finally, as godly individuals, let us cultivate a deep love for God, maintain a personal relationship with Him, dedicate time to His presence, and use our words to speak life and encouragement to those around us. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and become vessels of His blessings in the world.