The memory of the just is blessed - Or, is a blessing. But the name of the wicked shall rot - This is another antithesis; but there are only two antithetic terms, for memory and name are synonymous - Lowth. The very name of the wicked is as offensive as putrid carrion. read more
A prating fool shall fall - This clause is repeated in the tenth verse. The wise man will receive the commandment: but the shallow blabbing fool shall be cast down. See Proverbs 10:10 . read more
He that walketh uprightly - The upright man is always safe; he has not two characters to support; he goes straight forward, and is never afraid of detection, because he has never been influenced by hypocrisy or deceit. read more
He that winketh with the eye - Instead of the latter clause, on which see Proverbs 10:8 , the Septuagint has, ὁ δε ελεγχων μετα παῥρησιας ειρηνοποιει· "but he that reproveth with freedom, maketh peace." This is also the reading of the Syriac and Arabic. A faithful open reproving of sin is more likely to promote the peace of society than the passing it by slightly, or taking no notice of it; for if the wicked turn to God at the reproof, the law of peace will soon be established in his... read more
The service of speech, etc "Man is a talking animal," we say. But if we are distinguished from the brute creation by the mere fact of speech, how truly are we divided from one another by the use we make of that human faculty! To what height of worthiness one man may rise, and what inestimable service he may render, but to what depth of wrong another man may fall, and what mischief he may work, by the use of his tongue! I. THE SERVICE OF SPEECH . "By our words" we may do great... read more
Four conditions of well being That we may enjoy a prosperity which is truly human, we must do well and be well in three directions—in our circumstances, in our mind (our intellectual powers), and in our character. And that which tends to build up on the one hand, or to destroy on the other hand, will be found to affect us in these three spheres. The conditions of well being as suggested by the passage are— I. RECTITUDE . ( Proverbs 10:2 , Proverbs 10:3 .) Righteousness before God... read more
Moral contrast in earthly lot and destiny I. ILL - GOTTEN WEALTH AND RECTITUDE . ( Proverbs 10:2 .) The former cannot avert sudden death or shame ( Proverbs 10:25 , Proverbs 10:27 ); the latter is vital , and stands the man in good stead in every hour of human trial, and of Divine judgment. II. HONEST POVERTY AND PROFLIGATE GREED . ( Proverbs 10:3 .) The former does not hunger , is contented with little, has true satisfaction. The latter is never... read more
Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. So Proverbs 10:11 . This is usually explained to mean either that the consciousness of his own iniquity silences the sinner when he would speak against the righteous, or his violence and injustice, returning on his own head, are like a bandage over his mouth (Le 13:45; Micah 3:7 ), reducing him to shame and silence. Others, again, consider the signification to be—in default of the good, honest words which should proceed from a man's mouth, the... read more
The memory. The lasting, fragrant perfume of a holy life is contrasted with the noisomeness and quick decay of an evil name (comp. Psalms 72:17 ). As a commentator asks, "Who ever thinks of calling a child Judas or Nero?" read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 10:6
Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked - As blessings shall be on the head of the just, so the violence of the wicked shall cover their face with shame and confusion. Their own violent dealings shall be visited upon them. The mouth forsoth of unpitious men wickidnesse covereth. - Old MS. Bible. "The forehead of the ungodly is past shame, and presumptuous." - Coverdale. read more