Wisdom Vs. Foolishness

Proverbs 10 is comprised of 32 verses, most of them a comparison between wisdom and foolishness, 0r the righteous and the wicked. I'll list a few that stood out when I read the chapter.

"A wise son bring joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." (Prov. 10:1) Although a selfish reason, that's a reason to invest in the upbringing of one's child. If you want joy in your life, you'd better pay attention to your kids. I know sometimes even attention, love, and discipline does not prevent a child from becoming foolish. But this verse can serve as a warning to parents of how vital it is to make their children's character development a priority. And if you're feeling sorry for yourself today but have amazing kids, take comfort in that blessing today.

"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs." (Prov. 10:12) I think this is my favorite verse in this chapter. It can apply to our human relationships as well as God's relationship with us. Hatred is not easily concealed. And where there is hatred, there is not peace. But when you love someone, in spite of their flaws, peace can grow. You may not love their actions, but didn't God love us even when we were sinners, before we accepted Him? And He will continue to love us, no matter what.

"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." (Prov. 10:19) Not much to say about that, is there? Sometimes you just need to keep your mouth shut.

"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." (Prov. 10:25) Storms will come to believers. We live in a fallen world, so bad things will happen. But if the roots of your faith are deep, you will stand no matter what evil does.

"The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing." (Prov. 10:28) When your desires are to follow God and receive the blessings of his peace, comfort, and joy, you will receive them.