Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly
Proverbs 10:1-32
Pro.10.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משלי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- ישמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תוגת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.15:20 (verbal): Closely parallels the wording and contrast — 'a wise son makes a glad father' versus 'a foolish man despises his mother,' echoing the joy/grief pair in 10:1.
- Prov.17:25 (verbal): Expresses the same contrast with reversed emphasis — 'a foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him,' matching the theme of filial wisdom bringing joy and folly bringing sorrow.
- Prov.23:24 (verbal): Affirms the motif of parental rejoicing over a wise/righteous child: 'the father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him,' echoing 10:1's celebration of a wise son.
- Luke 15:22-24 (thematic): Parable of the prodigal son's return: the father's joyful reception parallels the proverb's theme that a (repentant/wise) son brings joy to his father, contrasting with the sorrow caused by wayward children.
Alternative generated candidates
- The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son brings joy to his father; a foolish son is his mother’s grief.
- Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes his father glad; a foolish son is his mother's sorrow.
Pro.10.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- יועילו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אוצרות: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדקה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תציל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ממות: PREP,NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.11:4 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: 'Ill-gotten treasures do not profit in the day of wrath; righteousness delivers from death.' (same contrast and rescue by righteousness).
- Prov.16:8 (thematic): Contrasts small gain with righteousness: 'Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice'—values righteous living over wealth obtained unjustly.
- Prov.11:18 (thematic): Speaks of deceptive gain for the wicked versus a true reward for the righteous—echoes the idea that wicked wealth is worthless while righteousness yields real blessing.
- Ps.37:16 (thematic): Affirms the same contrast: 'Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked'—prioritizing righteousness over the wealth of the wicked.
- Prov.21:21 (thematic): Promises life and honor to those who pursue righteousness and mercy—paralleling the claim that righteousness delivers (preserves) life.
Alternative generated candidates
- Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
- Treasures gained by wickedness will not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
Pro.10.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- ירעיב: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והות: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהדף: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 13:25 (verbal): Contrasts the satisfied state of the righteous with the want of the wicked — similar wording about the righteous being fed while the wicked lack.
- Psalm 34:10 (verbal): Affirms that those who seek the LORD will not lack good things (will not be famished), paralleling God's provision for the righteous.
- Psalm 37:25 (thematic): Declares the righteous are not forsaken nor forced to beg for bread — a thematic assurance that God sustains the righteous.
- Matthew 6:31-33 (thematic): Jesus teaches not to worry about food because the Father provides for those who seek his kingdom, echoing the theme of divine provision for the righteous.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD will not let the righteous go hungry; he will drive away the craving of the wicked.
- The LORD will not let the soul of the righteous go hungry; he will turn away the desires of the wicked.
Pro.10.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כף: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- רמיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויד: CONJ
- חרוצים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- תעשיר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Prov.12:24 (verbal): Both verses use the image of the 'hand' and the word for the diligent (חרוצים) to link industry with advantage—here ruling rather than enrichment, a close verbal and thematic parallel.
- Prov.13:4 (verbal): Contrasts the sluggard's unmet desire with the diligent person's prosperity ('the soul of the diligent is made fat'), echoing the link between diligence and enrichment.
- Prov.21:5 (thematic): Affirms the same principle: diligent planning leads to abundance, while haste or negligence leads to want—a thematic parallel about the fruit of industry.
- Prov.22:29 (verbal): Praises a person who is skilled/diligent in their work ('חרוץ בעבודתו'), promising high recognition—another saying that connects diligence with reward and elevated status.
- Prov.6:6-11 (thematic): The ant/ sluggard admonition contrasts industriousness with laziness and warns that laziness results in poverty—a thematic illustration of the same moral truth.
Alternative generated candidates
- A slack hand brings poverty, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
- Lazy hands bring poverty, but diligent hands make rich.
Pro.10.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אגר: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- בקיץ: PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משכיל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- נרדם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- בקציר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מביש: VERB,hiph,ptc,ms,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 6:6-8 (verbal): Uses the image of the ant gathering in summer and preparing for future need—direct verbal and thematic parallel about industrious preparation.
- Proverbs 24:30-34 (verbal): Describes the sluggard’s neglected field and the refrain 'a little sleep...,' linking sleep in harvest with resulting poverty and shame—close verbal/structural echo.
- Proverbs 20:4 (thematic): Contrasts the sluggard who won’t plow because of winter and who begs at harvest with the prudent worker—thematic parallel on procrastination and loss at harvest time.
- Proverbs 13:4 (thematic): Contrasts the desires and outcomes of the sluggard and the diligent, emphasizing the reward of industry and the shame/need of laziness—shared wisdom theme.
- Ecclesiastes 11:4 (thematic): Warns that waiting for perfect conditions leads to inaction ('he who watches the wind will not sow'), thematically connected to failing to work at harvest and suffering loss.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who gathers in summer is a prudent son; he who sleeps at harvest brings shame.
- The prudent son gathers in summer; the son who sleeps at harvest brings shame.
Pro.10.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברכות: NOUN,f,pl,const
- לראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יכסה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.10.11 (verbal): Shares almost identical language about the mouth of the wicked and violence—contrast between righteous speech and the violent/covering mouth of the wicked is reiterated immediately within the same chapter.
- Prov.3.33 (thematic): Contrasts divine blessing for the righteous with curse for the wicked ("The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous"), echoing the moral reversal in Prov.10:6.
- Prov.13.9 (thematic): Speaks of light/joy for the righteous and darkness for the wicked ("The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out"), a parallel contrast of favorable outcomes for the righteous versus ruin for the wicked.
- Psalm 112:1-3 (thematic): Describes blessings and prosperity resting on the righteous (blessedness, enduring riches and honor), aligning with Prov.10:6's theme that blessings attend the righteous.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessings crown the head of the righteous; the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
- Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Pro.10.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לברכה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירקב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 112:6 (verbal): Speaks of the righteous being in enduring remembrance — parallels Prov.10:7’s affirmation that the memory of the righteous is a blessing.
- Psalm 9:5-6 (verbal): Declares that God has 'blotted out' the name of the nations/wicked forever, echoing Prov.10:7’s statement that the name of the wicked will perish.
- Job 18:17 (verbal): Describes the fate of the wicked: 'its memory perishes from the earth; it has no name in the street,' closely paralleling the language and idea of Prov.10:7.
- Isaiah 26:14 (verbal): Says that the dead wicked are not remembered and that all memory of them has perished, reflecting the same contrast between remembrance of the righteous and obliteration of the wicked's name.
Alternative generated candidates
- The memory of the righteous is for blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
- The memory of the righteous is for blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Pro.10.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקח: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואויל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ילבט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:5 (thematic): Both verses commend the wise for receiving instruction and growing in understanding—wise people listen and take to heart corrective teaching.
- Proverbs 12:1 (thematic): Contrasts love of discipline/acceptance of correction with foolishness, echoing the contrast between a wise heart that accepts commands and a fool whose behavior is destructive.
- Proverbs 13:1 (verbal): Uses similar language about a 'wise son' who hears instruction versus a scoffer who rejects it—parallels the idea of the wise accepting commandments.
- Proverbs 18:6 (verbal): Speaks of a fool's lips causing strife; parallels the second half of Prov 10:8 that describes the fool whose speech brings trouble or ruin.
Alternative generated candidates
- The wise of heart accepts instruction, but a babbling fool comes to ruin.
- The wise in heart accept instruction; the babbling fool will be put to shame.
Pro.10.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בתם: NOUN,f,sg,suff
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בטח: ADV
- ומעקש: CONJ+VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,sg
- דרכיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3ms
- יודע: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
Parallels
- Prov.28:18 (verbal): Closely parallels the contrast between integrity and crookedness: 'He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall'—same moral cause-and-effect as Prov 10:9.
- Prov.3:23 (thematic): Promises secure walking and lack of stumbling for the one who follows wisdom/trust—echoes Prov 10:9's assurance for the person who 'walks in integrity.'
- Prov.11:5 (thematic): Links righteousness/integrity with a right or secure way and contrasts it with the downfall of the wicked—similar moral contrast between uprightness and ruin.
- Psalm 37:23–24 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD ordering and upholding the steps of the righteous so they are not utterly cast down—parallels the idea that the upright walk securely.
- Psalm 1:6 (thematic): Contrasts the destiny of the righteous and the wicked—'the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish,' echoing Prov 10:9’s security of the upright versus exposure of the crooked.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever walks in integrity walks securely; the perverse in his ways will be exposed.
- Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be discovered.
Pro.10.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קרץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- עצבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואויל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ילבט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov 6:12-14 (verbal): Contains an almost identical catalogue of deceitful gestures (winking, signaling) and the perverse intent they conceal—close verbal and conceptual parallel.
- Prov 16:30 (verbal): Speaks of closing the eyes and tilting/pursing the lips to devise evil—very similar wording linking facial gestures to wicked intent.
- Prov 10:18 (thematic): Same chapter links covert hostile attitudes and lying/slanderous speech; contrasts furtive gesture/speech with the ruin of the fool.
- Prov 26:23-26 (thematic): Describes flattering/deceptive lips that conceal malice—shares the theme of outward signs of deceit and hidden harmful intentions.
Alternative generated candidates
- A crafty wink brings sorrow, and a babbling fool comes to ruin.
- A wink of the eye brings trouble; the babbling fool will be put to shame.
Pro.10.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מקור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יכסה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:4 (verbal): Both contrast life-giving/constructive speech with harmful speech — 'a gentle tongue is a tree of life' echoes 'the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.'
- Proverbs 18:4 (verbal): Uses similar water imagery for speech: 'the words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook,' paralleling 'fountain of life.'
- Proverbs 10:21 (thematic): Same chapter pairing of righteous versus wicked speech: 'The lips of the righteous feed many' contrasts with destructive speech motifs in 10:11.
- Proverbs 14:25 (thematic): Contrasts saving truth with harmful falsehood: 'A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful,' thematically aligned with speech that gives life vs speech that conceals violence.
Alternative generated candidates
- The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
- The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Pro.10.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שנאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תעורר: VERB,hiph,impf,3,f,sg
- מדנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- פשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תכסה: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- אהבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Prov.17:9 (verbal): Close verbal parallel — speaking of covering an offense to promote love, contrasted with repeating the matter which separates friends.
- 1 Pet.4:8 (quotation): Echoes Prov.10:12 almost verbatim: 'love covers a multitude of sins,' used to urge earnest mutual love among believers.
- Matt.5:23-24 (thematic): Jesus insists on reconciliation with a brother before worship, addressing the need to remove hatred/strife and restore love.
- Rom.12:18 (thematic): Paul exhorts believers to live peaceably with all, a practical parallel to avoiding strife stirred up by hatred.
- Col.3:13 (thematic): Calls for mutual forbearance and forgiveness—'bearing with one another and forgiving'—which functions like 'covering' offenses to preserve unity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.
- Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Pro.10.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשפתי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,1,sg
- נבון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תמצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושבט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- לגו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- חסר: ADJ,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:7 (verbal): Both contrast the lips of the wise—which spread/disperse knowledge—with the failing response of fools, linking wise speech to the transmission of wisdom.
- Proverbs 12:18 (thematic): Presents the tongue of the wise as life/healing in contrast to reckless speech, echoing Proverbs 10:13’s positive valuation of wise lips.
- Proverbs 12:1 (thematic): Associates love of discipline and reproof with gaining knowledge, paralleling the idea that lacking heart/understanding requires correction (rod) to instruct.
- Proverbs 23:13-14 (verbal): Uses the rod of correction for a child to produce wisdom and deliver from death—directly parallels the image of the rod applied to those 'void of understanding' in Prov 10:13.
- Hebrews 12:6-11 (allusion): Interprets divine discipline as fatherly correction that produces righteousness and growth—echoing the proverb’s motif of corrective discipline (the rod) reforming the undisciplined or lacking in understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning; a rod for the back of the heedless.
- On the lips of the discerning is wisdom found; the rod for the back of the heartless.
Pro.10.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- יצפנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אויל: ADJ,m,sg
- מחתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קרבה: ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Prov.12:23 (verbal): Contrasts the prudent who 'conceal/keep knowledge' with the fool who proclaims folly—close verbal and conceptual parallel about wisdom vs. foolish speech.
- Prov.13:16 (verbal): Draws the same contrast: the prudent act with knowledge while the fool spreads/declares his folly—similar vocabulary and idea about the wise storing/using knowledge and the fool exposing himself by speech.
- Prov.17:28 (thematic): Highlights the value of silence: a fool who keeps silent is regarded as wise—underscores the theme that a foolish mouth brings harm while restraint preserves dignity.
- Prov.18:2 (thematic): Shows a fool's disposition to speak rather than to seek understanding—connects to the proverb's contrast between wise retention of knowledge and the destructive mouth of the fool.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): New Testament warning about the tongue's destructive potential—parallels the idea that foolish speech leads to ruin, emphasizing the moral/ethical consequences of speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool brings ruin near.
- The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites ruin.
Pro.10.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרית: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- עזו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- מחתת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רישם: NOUN,m,sg,suff
Parallels
- Prov.18:11 (verbal): Uses almost identical wording and imagery: the rich man's wealth is a fortified city/stronghold, imagining it as an impregnable defense.
- Prov.11:28 (thematic): Contrasts trust in riches with downfall—warns that reliance on wealth as security leads to ruin, thematically related to the proverb's link of wealth and perceived protection.
- Psalm 49:16-20 (thematic): Warns that riches cannot ultimately deliver a person (especially at death); echoes the idea that wealth is an insecure 'refuge' despite appearances.
- Prov.23:4-5 (thematic): Advises not to toil for fleeting riches because they vanish; complements the proverb's caution about treating wealth as a lasting stronghold.
Alternative generated candidates
- The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
- The wealth of the rich is their strong city; poverty is the ruin of the poor.
Pro.10.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פעלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחיים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תבואת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחטאת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:19 (verbal): Explicitly states the same causal link: 'Righteousness leads to life' and contrasts pursuit of evil with death, closely echoing Prov 10:16's pairing of the righteous' outcome (life) with the wicked's outcome (sin/death).
- Proverbs 11:18 (thematic): Contrasts the wages/income of the wicked with the reward of the righteous—'deceptive wages' versus 'sure reward'—paralleling the contrast between the righteous' benefit and the wicked's profit in Prov 10:16.
- Proverbs 12:28 (verbal): Declares 'In the way of righteousness is life,' a near-verbal affirmation of Prov 10:16's claim that the righteous' activity/results lead to life.
- Ezekiel 18:20 (thematic): Affirms personal moral consequence—'the soul who sins shall die'—reflecting the wider biblical theme behind Prov 10:16 that righteousness leads to life while wickedness leads to death/ruin.
- Romans 6:23 (allusion): Summarizes the theological counterpart in the New Testament: 'the wages of sin is death; the gift of God is eternal life,' echoing Prov 10:16's contrast between the outcomes of wicked gain and righteous activity.
Alternative generated candidates
- The earnings of the righteous lead to life; the gain of the wicked to sin.
- The labor of the righteous brings life; the gain of the wicked brings sin.
Pro.10.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ארח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחיים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שומר: PART,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- ועוזב: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- תוכחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מתעה: VERB,hiph,ptc,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.6:23 (verbal): Explicitly links 'instruction/reproof' with 'the way of life' (reproofs of instruction are the way of life), echoing Prov 10:17's formulation that keeping instruction is the path to life.
- Prov.15:31 (verbal): States that one who heeds life-giving correction will dwell among the wise—closely parallels Prov 10:17's promise of life for the one who keeps discipline and accepts reproof.
- Prov.12:1 (verbal): Contrasts loving discipline and accepting correction with rejecting correction; parallels Prov 10:17's contrast between keeping instruction (life) and forsaking reproof (misleading/ruin).
- Heb.12:5-11 (allusion): New Testament reflection on divine discipline as corrective and life‑building (endure the Lord's discipline; he disciplines those he loves), thematically resonant with Prov 10:17's valuation of reproof and instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever keeps instruction walks the path of life; whoever forsakes correction goes astray.
- Whoever keeps instruction is on the way to life; he who rejects correction leads himself astray.
Pro.10.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מכסה: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- שנאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומוצא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:24-26 (verbal): Closely parallels the motif and wording — one who hates conceals it with lips and stores deceit in the heart; flattering speech should not be trusted.
- Proverbs 12:22 (verbal): Affirms the moral judgement against lying lips ("lying lips are an abomination"), echoing the condemnation of deceitful speech.
- Jeremiah 9:8 (thematic): Describes deceitful speech that conceals hostile intent (speaking peace while devising lies), thematically similar to hiding hatred with false lips.
- Proverbs 10:19 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter contrasting reckless/many words and the wisdom of restraining speech — connects lying/slander with foolishness versus wise restraint.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who conceals hatred with lying lips, and he who spreads slander, is a fool.
- Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips, and whoever utters slander—this one is a fool.
Pro.10.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יחדל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחשך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- משכיל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.17:27-28 (verbal): Contrasts many words with restraint; praises the wise who holds back speech—parallels the idea that abundance of words leads to sin while silence shows prudence.
- Prov.13:3 (verbal): Warns that guarding the mouth preserves life and broad speech brings ruin—similar verbal warning about the dangers of unrestrained speech.
- Prov.21:23 (verbal): Affirms that keeping one’s mouth and tongue prevents trouble, echoing the proverbs’ link between restrained speech and wisdom/safety.
- Eccles.5:2 (thematic): Advises caution with words (especially before God) and warns against rash speech—themewise close to the injunction to restrain many words.
- James 1:19 (thematic): 'Quick to hear, slow to speak' promotes prudence in speech in the New Testament, reflecting the proverb’s valuation of restraint and the danger of excessive talking.
Alternative generated candidates
- When words are many, transgression will not be lacking; he who restrains his lips is wise.
- When words are many, transgression is not avoided; he who restrains his lips is prudent.
Pro.10.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבחר: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- לשון: NOUN,f,sg,constr
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כמעט: ADV
Parallels
- Proverbs 10:31–32 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter contrasting the speech of the righteous and the wicked—both passages pair the value of the righteous' mouth/tongue with the deficiency or perversity of the wicked.
- Proverbs 15:4 (thematic): ‘A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit’—the proverb likewise affirms the moral and life-giving value of righteous speech versus harmful speech.
- Proverbs 12:18 (verbal): ‘There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing’—another contrast that highlights the positive, valuable effect of wise/righteous speech.
- Psalm 12:6 (verbal): ‘The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined…’—uses the image of silver as a metaphor for purity/choice of speech, echoing the ‘choice silver’ metaphor for the righteous tongue.
- Proverbs 31:26 (thematic): ‘She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue’—shows the ideal of a righteous person's speech being wise, kind, and valuable, paralleling the valuation of the righteous tongue in 10:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
- The lips of the righteous are choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
Pro.10.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ואוילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בחסר: PREP
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימותו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
Parallels
- Prov.11.25 (thematic): Uses the closely related image of refreshing or supplying others—'whoever refreshes others will be refreshed'—echoing the idea that the righteous sustain many.
- Prov.16.24 (verbal): Speaks of gracious words as nourishing—'pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones'—paralleling speech that 'feeds' or sustains.
- Prov.18.21 (verbal): Declares that 'death and life are in the power of the tongue,' highlighting the same motif that speech can give life (feed) or lead to ruin.
- Matt.12.36-37 (allusion): Jesus' teaching that people will be held accountable for their words and by them justified or condemned extends the biblical theme that speech carries life-and-death consequences.
- James 3:5-10 (structural): An extended discussion on the tongue's disproportionate power to bless and curse, thematically parallel to Proverbs' contrast between righteous speech that sustains and foolishness that leads to death.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lips of the righteous will feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding.
- The lips of the righteous feed many; fools die for lack of understanding.
Pro.10.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברכת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- תעשיר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עצב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 8:18 (thematic): Attributes the ability to gain wealth to the LORD as the giver of power to acquire riches—parallels Proverbs’ assertion that blessing from Yahweh makes one rich.
- Psalm 128:2 (thematic): Describes the blessing of the LORD resulting in the fruit of one’s labor and well‑being, echoing the idea that divine blessing brings prosperity and welfare.
- 1 Timothy 6:17 (verbal): Speaks of God as the one who 'richly provides' for us—language and emphasis on God as the source of material blessing parallels Proverbs’ claim that the LORD’s blessing makes rich.
- James 1:17 (thematic): Affirms that every good gift comes from the Father of lights, stressing the divine origin and goodness of blessings—consistent with the Proverbs theme that God’s blessing is truly beneficial and not accompanied by harm.
- Proverbs 15:16 (thematic): Contrasts great treasure accompanied by trouble with modestness and the fear of the LORD—directly resonates with Proverbs 10:22’s claim that the LORD’s blessing enriches without adding sorrow.
Alternative generated candidates
- The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no trouble with it.
- The blessing of the LORD makes rich; he adds no sorrow with it.
Pro.10.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כשחוק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לכסיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשות: VERB,qal,inf
- זמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחכמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תבונה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:21 (verbal): Closely parallels the contrast: 'Folly brings joy to one who has no sense' vs. 'It is sport to a fool to do wrong'—both link fools' delight with folly and contrast it with the straight path of the understanding.
- Proverbs 13:16 (verbal): Says the prudent act with knowledge while a fool flaunts his folly—similar verbal/thematic contrast between wise conduct and a fool's delight in foolishness.
- Proverbs 14:9 (thematic): States that fools mock at sin, echoing the idea that wrongdoing is a source of amusement or sport for fools.
- Proverbs 1:7 (thematic): Declares that fools despise wisdom and instruction, providing the wider proverbial backdrop for the contrast between a fool's pleasure in wrongdoing and the wise man's value for understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- Doing wrong is sport for a fool, but wisdom is the delight of a man of understanding.
- Doing evil is sport to a fool, but wisdom is a delight to a man of understanding.
Pro.10.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מגורת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- תבואנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותאות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 37:4 (verbal): ‘Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart’ closely parallels ‘the desire of the righteous he will give’—a direct verbal/thematic echo about God granting the righteous’ desires.
- Psalm 145:19 (verbal): ‘He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him’ echoes the promise that the righteous’ desires are granted, using very similar language about God’s provision for the faithful.
- Proverbs 10:28 (structural): Another proverb in the same collection that contrasts outcomes for the righteous and the wicked—‘The hope of the righteous is gladness; the expectation of the wicked shall perish’—sharing the antithetical structure and theme of reward vs. doom.
- Psalm 37:20 (thematic): Describes the fate of the wicked (perishing, sudden end) in contrast to the blessedness of the righteous, thematically matching the first clause about the dread/dooming of the wicked.
- Job 20:5 (thematic): ‘That the triumphing of the wicked is short…’ highlights the transient joy and coming disaster for the wicked, paralleling the proverb’s emphasis on calamity coming upon the wicked while the righteous’ desires are granted.
Alternative generated candidates
- The dread that awaits the wicked will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
- What the wicked dread will come upon them; the desire of the righteous will be granted.
Pro.10.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כעבור: PREP
- סופה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדיק: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יסוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:7 (verbal): Contrasts fate of the wicked and the upright—'the house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish'—echoing Prov.10:25's motif of the wicked removed and the righteous established.
- Psalm 37:35-36 (thematic): Describes the sudden disappearance of the wicked ('When I sought him, he could not be found') and the security of the righteous—parallels the image of the storm passing and the wicked being no more while the righteous endure.
- Psalm 112:6-8 (thematic): Affirms the stability and enduring memory of the righteous ('For the righteous will never be moved' / 'his heart is steady, trusting in the LORD'), resonating with Prov.10:25's depiction of the righteous as an enduring foundation.
- Isaiah 54:14 (allusion): Promises establishment and security founded on righteousness ('In righteousness you shall be established'), echoing the language and theological theme of the righteous being firmly established forever in Prov.10:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the storm passes, the wicked are no more; the righteous are established forever.
- Like a storm that passes, so the wicked vanish; the righteous endure as a permanent foundation.
Pro.10.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כחמץ: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשנים: PREP+NUM,m,du,abs
- וכעשן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעינים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כן: ADV
- העצל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לשלחיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:13 (structural): Uses the same comparative simile pattern (“As … so …”) to portray the sluggard’s posture and effect — both verses criticize laziness by likening it to an irritating or absurd physical image.
- Proverbs 26:15 (thematic): Another vivid proverb about the sluggard’s unwillingness to act (burying his hand in the dish), highlighting the annoyance and burden a lazy person imposes on others, echoing Prov.10:26’s portrayal of the sluggard as offensive to those who send him.
- Proverbs 18:9 (thematic): Declares that slackness in work is akin to destructive behavior; thematically aligns with Prov.10:26 in showing that laziness has harmful social consequences for those who depend on the sluggard.
- Ecclesiastes 10:18 (thematic): Connects indolence to tangible damage (a collapsing roof), paralleling Prov.10:26’s point that sloth is not merely personal but causes displeasure and trouble for others.
Alternative generated candidates
- Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
- Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy to his master's eye.
Pro.10.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יראת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- תוסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושנות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,construct
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תקצרנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 14:27 (verbal): Explicitly links the fear of the LORD to life—'The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life'—paralleling Prov 10:27's promise that fear of Yahweh adds days (life).
- Proverbs 19:23 (verbal): Clearly states that the fear of the LORD leads to life and protection from harm, echoing Prov 10:27's contrast between longevity for the godly and shortening for the wicked.
- Proverbs 3:16 (structural): Speaks of 'length of days' as one of wisdom's rewards—structurally parallel to Prov 10:27's claim that reverence for God results in prolonged days.
- Proverbs 9:11 (thematic): Wisdom declares that by her one's days will be multiplied, thematically linking wisdom/fear motifs that associate right living with increased days (life).
Alternative generated candidates
- The fear of the LORD adds days; the years of the wicked will be shortened.
- The fear of the LORD prolongs days; the years of the wicked will be shortened.
Pro.10.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תוחלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותקות: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תאבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Job 8:13-14 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language about the hope/expectation of the godless/wicked perishing — a direct verbal parallel to the second half of Prov 10:28.
- Prov.11:7 (verbal): Within Proverbs itself: states that when the wicked die their hope/perilous expectation comes to nothing, echoing the contrast of righteous hope and wicked ruin.
- Psalm 37:9-11 (thematic): Contrasts the fate of the wicked (cut off, their hope failing) with the inheritance/blessing of those who trust God — a thematic parallel to righteous joy vs. the perishing of the wicked.
- Jeremiah 17:7-8 (thematic): Presents a contrast between the blessed hope/trust of the righteous (likened to a flourishing tree) and the fate of those who trust in man, thematically resonating with righteous hope leading to joy and wicked hope failing.
Alternative generated candidates
- The hope of the righteous is joy; the expectation of the wicked will perish.
- The hope of the righteous is gladness; the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Pro.10.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מעוז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לתם: PREP+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומחתה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לפעלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 1:6 (thematic): Contrasts the destiny of the righteous and the wicked: 'the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish'—similar contrast to Prov 10:29’s 'stronghold for the upright, ruin for workers of iniquity.'
- Proverbs 2:7 (verbal): Speaks of God as a protector for the upright—'he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly'—echoing Prov 10:29’s image of God (or the LORD’s way) as a stronghold for the innocent/upright.
- Proverbs 14:26 (verbal): Uses the same refuge/stronghold vocabulary: 'In the fear of the LORD is a strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge,' paralleling Prov 10:29’s 'ma'oz' (stronghold/refuge) motif.
- Proverbs 18:10 (verbal): 'The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe'—closely parallels the fortress/refuge imagery and the protection afforded the righteous in Prov 10:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but a snare to evildoers.
- The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
Pro.10.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בל: PART
- ימוט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ורשעים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישכנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 37:29 (verbal): “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever” closely parallels Proverbs’ promise that the righteous will not be removed and have enduring possession of the land.
- Psalm 37:28 (thematic): Both verses link divine justice with the preservation of the righteous and the removal or judgment of the wicked—God loves justice and will not forsake his saints.
- Proverbs 12:7 (verbal): A close Proverbs parallel: “The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand,” echoing the contrast between the lasting righteous and the fate of the wicked.
- Psalm 112:6–8 (thematic): Describes the stability and enduring security of the righteous—his heart is firm, he will not be afraid—which parallels Proverbs’ assurance that the righteous will not be moved.
- Jeremiah 17:7–8 (thematic): The blessed person who trusts the LORD is like a well‑watered tree that endures drought—an image of steadiness and continued life comparable to the proverb’s promise of the righteous’ permanence.
Alternative generated candidates
- The righteous will never be moved; the wicked will not dwell in the land.
- The righteous shall never be moved; the wicked shall not inhabit the land.
Pro.10.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ינוב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולשון: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תהפכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Ps.37:30 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel: 'The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom' (Hebrew wording closely echoes Prov 10:31).
- Prov.15:2 (verbal): Similar formulation contrasting wise speech and the tongue of fools — 'A wise tongue brings forth wisdom, but a fool’s tongue kindles strife' (echoes Prov 10:31’s pairing of righteous speech vs. perverse tongue).
- Prov.12:18 (thematic): Contrasts harmful and healing speech: 'There is one who speaks like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing'—connects to the moral effects of speech in Prov 10:31.
- Prov.18:21 (thematic): Emphasizes the power and consequences of the tongue ('Death and life are in the power of the tongue'), relating to Prov 10:31’s depiction of righteous speech producing wisdom and perverse speech being cut off.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): NT parallel on the tongue’s destructive potential (the tongue is a fire) and the need for control — thematically aligns with Proverbs’ contrast between edifying righteous speech and harmful/perverse speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom; the perverse tongue will be cut off.
- The mouth of the righteous yields wisdom; the perverse tongue will be cut off.
Pro.10.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידעון: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- רצון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תהפכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 10:31 (structural): Immediate literary parallel: the preceding verse also contrasts the productive mouth of the righteous with the perverse tongue, forming an antithetical pair with 10:32.
- Proverbs 15:2 (verbal): Similar antithetical wording—'The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools pours out folly'—echoing the contrast between righteous and wicked speech.
- Proverbs 12:18 (thematic): Contrasts harmful, rash speech ('like a piercing sword') with the healing or wise tongue, highlighting the moral quality and effects of speech as in Prov.10:32.
- Psalm 34:13 (thematic): Admonishes restraint of the tongue ('keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit'), reflecting the ethical demand for pleasing/righteous speech opposed to wicked utterance.
- James 3:2-12 (allusion): New Testament reflection on the tongue's moral power and the contrast between blessing and cursing from the same mouth, echoing the wisdom theme of righteous versus wicked speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing; the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity.
- The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing; the mouth of the wicked speaks perversion.
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son is a mother's grief.
Treasures gained by the wicked do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
The LORD will not let the soul of the righteous go hungry, but he will drive away the desire of the wicked.
Lazy hands bring poverty, but the hands of the diligent make rich.
A prudent son gathers in summer; one who sleeps at harvest brings shame.
Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The name of the righteous is a blessing; the name of the wicked will rot.
A wise heart accepts instruction, but a fool's mouth will stumble.
Whoever walks in integrity walks confidently, but the one whose ways are crooked will be exposed.
A secretive wink brings sorrow, and a fool's lips will stumble.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one lacking heart.
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites ruin.
Wealth is the rich man's stronghold, yet poverty is the downfall of the poor.
The deeds of the righteous lead to life; the income of the wicked leads to sin.
He who keeps instruction is on the way to life; he who forsakes correction goes astray.
He who conceals hatred with lying lips, and one who spreads slander—he is a fool.
In much talk there is never lacking sin, but the one who restrains his lips is wise.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value.
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding.
The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no sorrow with it.
It is sport for a fool to do wickedness, but wisdom belongs to a man of understanding.
The dread that awaits the wicked will come upon them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
When the storm passes, the wicked is gone; the righteous is established forever.
Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.
The hope of the righteous is gladness; the expectation of the wicked will perish.
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but a ruin to evildoers.
The righteous will never be removed; the wicked will not dwell in the land.
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut off.
The lips of the righteous know what pleases, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity.