Proverbs 10:8-10 - Homilies By E. Johnson

Folly and wisdom in manifold contrast

I. THE WISE MAN IS MORE READY TO RECEIVE THAN TO GIVE COUNSEL ; THE FOOL , THE OPPOSITE .

II. THE WISE MAN KNOWS THE VALUE OF RESERVE ; THE FOOL WILL " STILL BE TALKING ."

III. THE WISE MAN IS THRIFTY , ECONOMICAL OF WORDS , A CAPITALIST OF THOUGHT ; THE FOOL , A SPENDTHRIFT OF WORDS , A BANKRUPT OF THOUGHT .

IV. THE WISE MAN RISES IN REPUTATION , IN POSITION ; THE FOOL COMES SOONER OR LATER TO A " FALL ."

V. GUILELESSNESS IS SAFE , WHILE CRAFT AND CROOKED POLICY ARE CERTAIN , SOONER OR LATER , OF EXPOSURE . ( Proverbs 10:9 .) In that widest sense in which alone the saying is noble and true, "Honesty is the best policy." Cunning overreaches itself and gets into trouble; and the mere talker never ends well. Speech should only be prophetic of deed; otherwise, Many will say to me in that day, etc.—J.