Proverbs 10 contains one of my favorite verses: “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (vs. 22).

 I love it.  I well remember the day one of the sweet ladies at work quoted that verse to me.  I looked it up, highlighted it, and have often referred to it. 

But Proverbs 10 has so much more to offer than that one verse.  I think I often excitedly skipped down to that verse and missed a lot of wise advice.  Here’s a highlight:

Prov 10:2-3: Righteousness delivers from death. The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to starve.

Prov 10:4: The hand of the diligent makes rich.

Prov 10:7: The name of the wicked will rot.

Prov 10:8: The wise in heart will receive commands. (Be teachable!)

Prov 10:9: He who walks with integrity walks securely.  (No fear of being caught.)

Prov 10:11: The mouth of the righteous is a well of life. (This verse makes me evalute what I say…and wonder if I am all that righteous?)

Prov 10:12: Love covers all sins.

Prov 10:17: He who keeps instruction is in the way of life. (Again, be teachable, hear instruction.)

Prov 10: 18-21: Whoever spreads slander is a fool.  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver. The lips of the righteous feed many.  Fools die for lack of wisdom.

Prov 10:24: The fear of the wicked will come upon him.  The desire of the righteous will be granted.

Prov 10:28-30: The hope of the righteous will be gladness.  The righteous will never be removed.

Prov 10:31: The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom.  The perverse tongue will be cut out. 

Reading the entire chapter offers me some perspective on verse 22.  If I hear the instruction of the entire chapter, if I seek righteousness, if I guard my tongue, then the promise of verse 22 is mine.  If I am diligent, if I am teachable, I will find my life richer.