ch 10:1-11
Overview:
(BKC) Chapters 10–15 continue the subject matter so dominant in chapters 1–9 contrasting the righteous (or wise) with the wicked (or foolish)
(BKC) The frequent change of subject from one verse to another may be intentional, to force readers to grapple with and meditate on the thoughts in one verse before moving on to the next. However, occasionally two or more consecutive verses are linked by a common subject or word. For example 10:4–5 discusses both laziness and diligence
Section (I) v.1b-5
(NAC) Verses 1b–5 form a collection marked off by the inclusion of “wise son/foolish son” (v. 1) and “wise son/disgraceful son” (v. 5). The theme of the collection is that a family will thrive if the children are diligent in their work but collapse if they are lazy or resort to crime.
Ob and In:
v.1b A wise child makes a father rejoice,
but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.
In the beginning of the the 400 collections of proverbs, Solomon start with v.1. (NET) The saying declares that the consequences of wisdom or folly affects the parents.
v.2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The comparison is not between treasures gained by wickedness and treasures gained by righteousness. v.2b simply stated the benefit of righteousness
(NET) Wealth has limited value even if gained honestly; but honesty delivers from mortal danger.
There is no profit gained by wickedness treasures, not in the sense of delivery oneself from death. In other words, there is no real profit, only temporary or sensual profit.
3 The LORD satisfies the appetite of the righteous,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 The one who is lazy becomes poor,
but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.
5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son,
but the one who sleeps during the harvest is a shameful son.
Only in v.3 the author explicitly stated that the LORD is the ONE behind the award of the righteous and the failure of the wicked. He is actively involved in our lives.
In v.4-5 the outcome of the lazy seemed to be "natural." I believe God is the One behind the "natural" outcome.
The difference btw v.4 and 5 is the lazy is senseless regarding the time. wise=(NET) Heb “prudent.” The term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) refers to a wise and so successful person. He seizes the opportunity, knowing the importance of the season. sleep=(NET) he term “sleeps” is figurative, an implied comparison that has become idiomatic (like the contemporary English expression “asleep on the job”). It means that this individual is lazy or oblivious to the needs of the hour.
Summary and reflection: There are some temporary or seemingly profit in this world. The proverbs reminds me what is the real profit-delivery from death.
The "natural" world does have Someone Who controls it. Thank God that He is active in our lives. He gives wealth to the diligent ones. Man do not just work under a cold rule-governing world, but a loving God.
We have our responsibility to seizes our opportunity and our needs. Pray that I am not blinded by my laziness.
Section (II) v.6-11
(NAC) 10:6–11 Verses 6 and 11 form an inclusio as indicated by the repetition of the line, “But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”...v. 8 and v. 10 parallel each other (both contain the line “a chattering fool comes to ruin”). The repetition of two lines in this section, both of which concern the mouth of the wicked, points to the major emphasis of the collection.
Ob and In:
v.8 The wise person accepts instructions,
but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.
"Accept instructions" parallels "speaks foolishness", that means the fool (NET) is too busy talking to pay attention to instruction.
Reflection: Sometimes, due to the manner of the speaker, instructions are not easy to accept. But here, God reminds me that is it because I want to express myself too much that I cannot accept the instruction?
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