Question 1

What does “treasures of wickedness profit nothing” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing” means that wealth gained in a wrong way does not truly help in the end. Money taken by lies, cheating, or injustice might seem useful for a while, but it cannot save a person from death or from God’s judgment. The proverb then says, “righteousness delivereth from death,” showing the contrast. Right living, trust in God, and a clean heart matter far more than what someone owns. God may allow the unjust to prosper for a time, but their riches cannot buy real safety or life.

Question 2

How does “righteousness delivereth from death” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When the proverb says “righteousness delivereth from death,” it points to God’s care for those who live in a right way before him. Righteousness does not mean being perfect, but walking honestly with God, turning from evil, and trusting him. Such a life brings God’s favor and protection. God may still allow trouble, but he promises not to abandon the righteous. Their life is kept by him, and their future beyond death is safe. In contrast, those who cling to sin and wicked gain face judgment and separation from God.

Question 3

What does “hatred stirreth up strifes, but love covereth all sins” mean?

Accepted Answer

This proverb shows how powerful the heart is in relationships. Hatred does not stay hidden. It pokes at old hurts, repeats wrongs, and keeps arguments alive. It “stirs up strifes,” meaning it creates and renews conflict. Love does the opposite. It “covers all sins,” not by pretending sin is good, but by being ready to forgive, to let go of revenge, and not to spread faults around. This verse calls us to respond to offense with patient love, seeking peace instead of feeding anger and division.

Question 4

What is meant by “the blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it”?

Accepted Answer

This verse says that real wealth comes from God’s blessing, not only from hard work or clever plans. When God blesses, he can give enough for our needs and more, and this kind of richness does not come loaded with the same grief and trouble that often follow selfish gain. Worldly riches alone bring worry, fear of loss, and many temptations. But when God is the giver, his favor, peace, and care come with what he provides. The focus is on resting in God’s hand, not chasing money at any cost.

Question 5

How does this passage warn against laziness and a slack hand?

Accepted Answer

Several lines speak sharply about laziness. A “slack hand” and sleeping at harvest lead to poverty and shame, while the diligent hand makes rich and gathering in summer shows wisdom. The lazy worker is compared to vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, a grief to those who send him. These pictures show that idleness hurts both the lazy person and those who depend on him. The proverbs urge steady, timely work, using the seasons of opportunity God gives instead of wasting them in sleep or delay.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about the power of words and the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Words are shown as either life-giving or destructive. The mouth of the righteous is called a “well of life,” “choice silver,” and lips that “feed many,” meaning their speech helps, guides, and comforts others. In contrast, the mouth of the wicked is linked with violence, near destruction, and a “froward tongue” that will be cut out. There is also a warning that “in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin,” so talkativeness can lead to sin. Wise people receive commands, speak less, and use words carefully for good.

Question 7

What does “the fear of the LORD prolongeth days” mean here?

Accepted Answer

“The fear of the LORD” is a humble respect and awe toward God that leads to listening to him and turning from evil. This passage says such fear “prolongeth days,” while the years of the wicked are shortened. It points to the general truth that living in line with God’s ways often spares a person from many dangers, vices, and judgments that cut life short. Even when life on earth is not long, those who fear the Lord have the hope of everlasting life, while the hope of the wicked comes to nothing.

Question 8

Who are the “wise son” and “foolish son” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “wise son” is any child who listens to good teaching, fears the Lord, works when it is time to work, and walks in honesty. Such a child makes a father glad and is called wise for gathering in summer and keeping instruction. The “foolish son” is one who wastes chances, sleeps in harvest, talks a lot but will not take commands, hides hatred, or spreads slander. This kind of child brings heaviness to the mother. The contrast shows how deeply a child’s choices affect the parents’ hearts.

Question 9

How can I apply these proverbs about righteousness and wickedness to my life?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to examine your daily choices. You can ask: Am I working diligently or drifting into laziness? Do my words build others up or stir up trouble? Am I hiding hatred or choosing love and forgiveness? Do I value honest gain over easy, wrong profit? Do I receive correction, or do I talk back and refuse it? Most of all, it calls you to fear the Lord, trust his care, and seek righteousness rather than relying on wealth or cleverness. These small, steady choices shape your path and your future.

Proverbs 10:1

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son

Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son

Cross References

Proverbs 10:1

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

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Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son

Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son

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