As we continue through the book of Proverbs, we now come to a long series of contrasts between folly and wisdom; along with their resultant gift or their contrast. Indeed I have read that there are 375 individual Proverbs. Some seem to be repetitive themes in different chapters, so I was tempted to do like I have usually seen and begin just jumping around; but, it was for a reason God placed them in this order. Perhaps it is for emphasis they are placed. 
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There is a Proverb for every day of the year, plus a few extra. Think about that, God made certain we had a word of wisdom for each day directly from Him.
So, let us begin this next journey through Proverbs which currently is presented
as direct contrasts as is one of the forms used.
Proverbs 10 (NIV) The proverbs of Solomon:
“A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[a]
7 The name of the righteous is used in blessings,[b]
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 Whoever winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
Why the contrast of wisdom bringing joy to the father and foolishness grief to the mother I have pondered long. Yet, perhaps the best consideration is that by nature the father expects more from his sons “to make him proud” and the mother’s heart tends to be more forgiving and it is crushed with each pain her son endures from his foolishness. Both experience this joy or grief; merely, to demonstrate better the degree of polarity between the two ends of the spectrum.
Then, as we turn to verses 2-10, we are given instructions as to work ethics. Money or “treasures” obtained through lying or cheating will not last. That includes, “Do you work at least the 8 hours you are to? Or do you kind of do; but, kind of goof off part of it?” The startling contrast is life and death. Referring to life and death of a job or life and death spiritually? Perhaps, it is both. As the very next verse brings us to God being the sustainer of life for the righteous and that He will provide for the righteous. As we have already seen that righteousness is one provided by God to all who believe; yet, is displayed through the works that righteousness lives forth through us as we continually give our lives over to God. God does not desire us to be lazy at work; indeed, He wants us to do all of our work as though we are serving God. Look at Colossians 3: (NIV) 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” We will gain the blessings and we will be noticed at work; if we maintain that spirit as a servant working for God. We are to set aside bitterness or anger when we think we are being “wronged”; recognizing, it is God in control. We are to maintain integrity and not bow to dishonesty even when our boss asks it; yet, we are to be servants working for God in all that we do. Do not get caught up in the idol gossip and “chattering”. God has a plan for our lives and He it is who will reward our diligence. He is our provider and our protector.
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© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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