Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 10:1

"The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." — Proverbs 10:1 (ASV)

These words recommend family love and peace, as necessary for the comfort of human life.

Sin makes people cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted.

Honour is not fitting for those unworthy and unfit for it.

A woman who has no fear of God, who is willful and wasteful, and indulges her ease, will as certainly ruin her family, as if she tore her house down.

The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak anything wise and good.

A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words.

We should be more careful to do what enables us to get and keep a good name, than to build up or add to a great estate.

We do not know what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid preparing for tomorrow, but presuming upon tomorrow. We must not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing needful.

Those who have grace will delight in the instructions given to them. Those who stifle their convictions are like brutes.

However people may make light of giving short weight or measure, and however common such crimes may be, they are an abomination to the Lord.

If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ.

There is great hope for those who reverence their parents. There is little hope for any who will not listen to those who deal faithfully with them.

A poor man who fears God, is more honorable and happy, than a man without wisdom and grace, however rich or advanced in rank.

It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors.

If we are to get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves.

The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both motives to their duties.

The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as He sees fit, like a farmer who turns the water through his fields as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love.