The Wisdom that Endures:

Proverbs 10

Bible Passage: Proverbs 10

Wise Choices, Lasting Joy

Text: Proverbs 10:1–32 Theme: Godly wisdom produces joy, life, and generosity that reflect Christ’s character in the believer’s daily walk. Goal: To challenge believers to choose wisdom in their decisions, speech, and stewardship so that their lives overflow with joy and bless others.

INTRODUCTION (5 minutes)

Open by asking: “What does wisdom look like when it walks into a room?” It’s not about age or education — it’s about godly living shaped by God’s truth.

Proverbs 10 marks a shift — Solomon begins sharing short, practical contrasts between the wise and the foolish.

Every verse is like a mirror — calling us to evaluate: Am I living wisely or foolishly?

The New Testament tells us Christ Himself is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:30). So when we walk in wisdom, we walk in the ways of Jesus.

Transition: Today we’ll look at three areas where godly wisdom transforms our lives — our choices, our words, and our wealth.

1. Wise Choices, Lasting Joy (Proverbs 10:1–10)

Main Idea: Wise decisions bring joy to God and others; foolish ones bring grief and shame.

A. Wisdom Produces Joy

Verse 1: “A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.” → Our choices don’t just affect us; they ripple into our families and communities.

True wisdom brings lasting joy because it reflects obedience to God (Proverbs 3:13–18).

Illustration: Like a seed planted in good soil — wisdom yields fruit that blesses generations.

B. Foolishness Brings Ruin

Verses 2–5 contrast diligence and laziness, righteousness and wickedness.

Wisdom works hard and stores up blessings.

Folly cuts corners and ends in poverty — not just financial but spiritual.

Verse 9: “He who walks in integrity walks securely.” → There’s joy in knowing you have nothing to hide.

Christ walked perfectly in integrity, and in Him we find both security and direction.

Application:

Ask: Are my choices bringing joy to God or grief?

Challenge the church to make daily, Spirit-led decisions that honor Christ — in time, money, relationships, and integrity.

Transition: The first sign of wisdom is how we live. The second is how we speak.

2. Words That Bless Lives (Proverbs 10:11–20)

Main Idea: Our words can either bring life or spread destruction — wise speech flows from a heart shaped by Christ.

A. The Power of the Tongue

Verse 11: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” → Life-giving words heal, encourage, and point to God.

Contrast: “Violence covers the mouth of the wicked.” → Words can wound deeply — gossip, slander, anger, deceit.

B. Words Reveal the Heart

Verse 19: “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable.” → The more we speak without restraint, the more likely we are to sin.

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). → Our words reveal what’s really inside.

C. Christ as Our Example

Jesus, the Logos — the Word made flesh — spoke life into the broken, truth to the deceived, and hope to the hopeless.

Every time we choose words of grace, forgiveness, and truth, we reflect His image.

Application:

Ask: Are my words fountains of life or pools of poison?

Challenge: This week, speak one intentional word of blessing every day — to your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, or a stranger.

When the church speaks wisely, the world hears Christ clearly.

Transition: Our choices and words show wisdom — but Proverbs also says wisdom shapes how we handle what we have.

3. Wealth That Inspires Generosity (Proverbs 10:21–32)

Main Idea: The righteous use their resources to serve others, reflecting Christ’s own generosity.

A. Wealth Is a Stewardship, Not a Status

Verse 22: “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” → True prosperity is not found in possessions but in God’s presence.

Verses 24–25 remind us that wealth without righteousness fades like a storm.

Godly wisdom teaches us that money is a tool, not a master.

B. The Righteous Give Freely

Verse 31: “The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom.” → Not just in speech but in action — the righteous overflow.

Generosity mirrors the heart of Jesus, who “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

The more we give, the more we live out the gospel’s witness.

C. Eternal Reward Over Earthly Gain

Verse 30: “The righteous will never be shaken.” → Wisdom invests in eternity, not just temporary comfort.

Ask: How are you using your wealth — finances, talents, influence — for God’s kingdom?

Application:

Invite the church to practice generosity: supporting missions, helping the needy, and investing in spiritual legacy.

Joy multiplies when we give what God has entrusted to us.

CONCLUSION (5–7 minutes)

Summary:

Wisdom shapes every part of life — our choices, words, and wealth.

Foolishness destroys, but wisdom — Christ’s wisdom — gives joy, life, and purpose.

Every decision is an invitation to reflect God’s character.

Challenge: