Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. BlessingsThe word "blessings" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "ברכות" (berakhot), which signifies divine favor and prosperity. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, blessings were seen as tangible expressions of God's favor, often associated with material prosperity, health, and success. Theologically, blessings are understood as gifts from God, bestowed upon those who live in accordance with His will. In the broader scriptural context, blessings are not merely material but encompass spiritual well-being and peace, reflecting a life aligned with God's purposes. are on the head
The phrase "are on the head" uses the imagery of anointing, where oil is poured upon the head as a sign of consecration and blessing. In ancient Israel, the head was considered the seat of life and identity, and thus, blessings upon the head symbolize a comprehensive endowment of God's favor. This imagery is reminiscent of the anointing of kings and priests, signifying divine approval and empowerment. Theologically, it suggests that the righteous are marked by God's favor in a visible and public manner, as the head is the most prominent part of the body. of the righteous
The term "righteous" is translated from the Hebrew word "צדיק" (tzaddik), which refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with justice, integrity, and moral uprightness. The righteous are those who reflect God's character in their actions and relationships. Historically, the concept of righteousness was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to God's commandments was seen as the path to receiving His blessings. In a broader biblical context, righteousness is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and imparts it to believers. but the mouth of the wicked
The "mouth of the wicked" contrasts sharply with the blessings on the head of the righteous. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "רשעים" (resha'im), referring to those who live in opposition to God's ways. The mouth, in biblical literature, often represents one's speech and, by extension, one's character and intentions. The wicked are characterized by deceit, malice, and corruption, and their words reflect their inner moral state. In the ancient world, speech was a powerful tool, capable of building up or tearing down, and the wicked use it for destructive purposes. conceals violence
The phrase "conceals violence" suggests a hidden, underlying intent to harm. The Hebrew word for "violence" is "חמס" (chamas), which implies not only physical harm but also injustice and oppression. The wicked may present a facade of respectability, but their true nature is revealed in their actions and the harm they inflict on others. This concealment indicates deceit and hypocrisy, as the wicked attempt to hide their true intentions. In a broader scriptural context, this serves as a warning against superficial judgments and highlights the importance of discernment in evaluating character. Theologically, it underscores the ultimate futility of wickedness, as God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the heart. Persons / Places / Events 1. The RighteousIn the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's laws and principles. They are characterized by their integrity, wisdom, and fear of the Lord. 2. The WickedThis refers to individuals who reject God's ways, often characterized by deceit, violence, and moral corruption. 3. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 4. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 5. Wisdom LiteratureA genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical life skills and moral behavior. Teaching Points The Reward of RighteousnessLiving righteously brings blessings, both spiritually and materially. This is a promise that God honors those who follow His ways. The Consequences of WickednessThe wicked may attempt to hide their true intentions, but their actions ultimately lead to violence and destruction. This serves as a warning against deceitful living. The Power of WordsOur words can either bless or harm. The righteous use their words to uplift and encourage, while the wicked use theirs to deceive and harm. Pursuing Godly WisdomTrue wisdom comes from aligning our lives with God's principles. This pursuit leads to a life marked by blessings and peace. Integrity in ActionRighteousness is not just about belief but is demonstrated through actions. Living with integrity is a testament to one's faith and trust in God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Proverbs 10:6 define the difference between the righteous and the wicked in terms of their outcomes? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our words align with the character of the righteous rather than the wicked? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced blessings as a result of living righteously. How did this reinforce your faith? 4. How can the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) deepen our understanding of the blessings mentioned in Proverbs 10:6? 5. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a life of integrity and righteousness in our daily interactions? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 1This psalm contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, similar to Proverbs 10:6, emphasizing the blessings and stability of the righteous. Matthew 5:3-12The Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount highlight the blessings on those who live righteously, paralleling the blessings mentioned in Proverbs. James 3:5-6Discusses the power of the tongue, similar to the "mouth of the wicked" in Proverbs 10:6, illustrating how words can conceal or reveal one's true nature. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Blessings, Concealeth, Conceals, Cover, Covered, Covereth, Covers, Crown, Face, Mouth, Overwhelms, Righteous, Sinners, Sorrow, Upright, Violence, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 10:6 5157 head Proverbs 10:6-7 7150 righteous, the
8158 righteousness, of believers Library The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
'The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.'--PROVERBS x. 29. You observe that the words 'shall be,' in the last clause, are a supplement. They are quite unnecessary, and in fact they rather hinder the sense. They destroy the completeness of the antithesis between the two halves of the verse. If you leave them out, and suppose that the 'way of the Lord' is what is spoken of in both clauses, you get a far deeper and fuller meaning. 'The way …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Folly of Slander. Part 1.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. General declamations against vice and sin are indeed excellently useful, as rousing men to consider and look about them: but they do often want effect, because they only raise confused apprehensions of things, and indeterminate propensions to action; which usually, before men thoroughly perceive or resolve what they should practise, do decay and vanish. As he that cries out "Fire!" doth stir up people, and inspireth them with a kind of hovering …
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. I have formerly in this place, discoursing upon this text, explained the nature of the sin here condemned, with its several kinds and ways of practising. II. I shall now proceed to declare the folly of it; and to make good by divers reasons the assertion of the wise man, that "He who uttereth slander is a fool." 1. Slandering is foolish, as sinful and wicked. All sin is foolish upon many accounts; as proceeding from ignorance, error, inconsiderateness, …
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Lii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 10:6 NIVProverbs 10:6 NLTProverbs 10:6 ESVProverbs 10:6 NASBProverbs 10:6 KJV
Proverbs 10:6 Commentaries
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