Proverbs – Chapter 10

Old Testament32 Verses

1A wise son maketh the father glad: but a foolish son is the sorrow of his mother.

2Treasures of wickedness shall profit nothing: but justice shall deliver from death.

3The Lord will not afflict the soul of the just with famine, and he will disappoint the deceitful practices of the wicked.

4The slothful hand hath wrought poverty: but the hand of the industrious getteth riches. He that trusteth to lies feedeth the winds: and the same runneth after birds, that fly away.

5He that gathereth in the harvest, is a wise son: but he that snorteth in the summer, is the son of confusion.

6The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just: but iniquity covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7The memory of the just is with praises: and the name of the wicked shall rot.

8The wise of heart receiveth precepts: a fool is beaten with lips.

9He that walketh sincerely, walketh confidently: but he that perverteth his ways, shall be manifest.

10He that winketh with the eye, shall cause sorrow: and the foolish in lips shall be beaten.

11The mouth of the just is a vein of life: and the mouth of the wicked covereth iniquity.

12Hatred stirreth up strifes: and charity covereth all sins.

13In the lips of the wise is wisdom found: and a rod on the back of him that wanteth sense.

14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the fool is next to confusion.

15The substance of a rich man is the city of his strength: the fear of the poor is their poverty.

16The work of the just is unto life: but the fruit of the wicked unto sin.

17The way of life, to him that observeth correction: but he that forsaketh reproofs, goeth astray.

18Lying lips hide hatred: he that uttereth reproach, is foolish.

19In the multitude of words there shall not want sin: but he that refraineth his lips, is most wise.

20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart of the wicked is nothing worth.

21The lips of the just teach many: but they that are ignorant, shall die in the want of understanding.

22The blessing of the Lord maketh men rich: neither shall affliction be joined to them.

23A fool worketh mischief as it were for sport: but wisdom is prudence to a man.

24That which the wicked feareth, shall come upon him: to the just their desire shall be given.

25As a tempest that passeth, so the wicked shall be no more: but the just is as an everlasting foundation.

26As vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that sent him.

27The fear of the Lord shall prolong days: and the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28The expectation of the just is joy: but the hope of the wicked shall perish.

29The strength of the upright is the way of the Lord: and fear to them that work evil.

30The just shall never be moved: but the wicked shall not dwell on the earth.

31The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue of the perverse shall perish.

32The lips of the just consider what is acceptable: and the mouth of the wicked uttereth perverse things.

Reflection for Today

As you read Proverbs Chapter 10, consider how God's Word speaks to your current situation. Every passage of Scripture has the power to transform our hearts and guide our lives when we approach it with an open mind and a prayerful spirit. The words you're reading today are not just ancient text—they are living and active, capable of speaking directly to your heart and circumstances. Take time to meditate on these verses and ask God to reveal His truth to you in a personal way. Remember that the same God who inspired these words is present with you now, ready to guide and comfort you through His Word.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings