Chapter Summary

The blessedness of the ways of righteousness and the folly of the ways of wickedness.

Discussion Questions for Proverbs, Chapter 10

1. Proverbs 10 consists of a series of contrasting decisions or habits and their results. How is this an effective way of teaching wisdom? How likely are people to identify with the negative characteristic even if they are guilty? Why or why not?
2. Many proverbs in this chapter address the value of hard work and diligence. How can these principles be applied to various aspects of life, including education, career, and personal growth? How do you describe the modern day work ethic? How do these proverbs challenge or reinforce the modern notion of the "work ethic"?
3. Proverbs 10 touches on the relationship between wealth and character. How can material possessions influence a person's behavior and attitude? What are some examples where wealth has positively or negatively impacted an individual's character or actions?
4. What role does empathy and consideration play in effective communication, as suggested by these proverbs in chapter 10?
5. Proverbs 10 addresses the consequences of pride and humility. How does humility contribute to positive outcomes, while pride leads to downfall? What are some examples from your experiences or observations where pride or humility influenced the trajectory of a situation?
6. Many proverbs touch on ethical behavior and moral choices. How can these timeless principles guide individuals in navigating the complexities of ethical dilemmas in the modern world?What are some specific proverbs in Proverbs 10 that resonate particularly strongly with contemporary ethical challenges?
7. The concept of sowing and reaping is present in several proverbs in Proverbs 10. How can we apply this idea to personal growth, relationships, and community involvement? How do parents sow and reap in their children? As a parent and grandparent, I chuckle when I see my grandchild behave similar to my child. Are behaviors innate or are they learned, or "sown"?
8. Proverbs 10 addresses individual behavior and its impact on the community. How can the choices of individuals collectively shape the character and well-being of a society? How does the interconnectedness of people underscore the importance of practicing righteousness and wisdom? How can the teaching in Proverbs 10 aid a Christian to be a "light" in their community?
9. Proverbs 10 consists of contrasting statements that highlight different character traits and their outcomes. How do these proverbs reveal the link between personal character and the consequences of one's actions?
10. What is the greatest witness to a non believer of Christ: a believer being able to heed and practice all of the teachings found in Proverbs 10 or their actions when they fail to carry out these teachings? Why?

Key Words/Phrase

Wickedness and righteousness, v. 2.

Characters

God, Solomon.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 9, 19, 22, 28.