Proverbs 10.1-5 form an introduction to the second book in Proverbs, which begins with the inscription “the Proverbs of Solomon. Those verses lay out foolishness and wisdom as basic choices related to whether one will plunder or produce. The next seven verses are a second stage introduction which adds to the choice between plunder and productivity the issue of speech:
- 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
- 8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
- 9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
- 10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin.
- 8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
- 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
The pivot of the passage (v. 9) involves living with integrity. And, in the end it is all about choosing love over hate (v. 12). That concludes not only verses 6-12, but 1-5.
Verse 12 reveals what is ultimately at stake and what the choice between wisdom and folly is really all about: LOVE.
When you make rather than take, you are choosing love. When you listen rather than pontificate, you are choosing love. When you remain silent rather than provoke ill will with your voice, you are choosing love.
Love is a more than a feeling, we are often told. What does that even mean?
If we recognize Proverbs as a book about love, we might have an answer. Love, to be genuine, has to be a commitment to become as helpful and effective as possible so you can actually concretely love people rather than impotently (claim to) wish them well.