Proverbs 10:13–22 – Four distinguishing marks of the wise

On the surface everyone appears the same but there are marked differences between a person with insights and one that’s lacking sense. So Proverbs 10:13-21 describe the distinguishing marks between the wise and the senseless. How does a wise person look like? And how to recognize a senseless person?  

The first thing in life that makes a wise person stands out is his speech. His words are usually insightful and reliable, helping to distinguish accurately what’s right and what’s wrong or between truth and error. He is not lacking in understanding, hence he acts discreetly. On the other hand, a senseless person is void of understanding. He has no well-proven principles to guide his footsteps and must be led forcefully to walk uprightly. He needs a rod to make him walk on the right path. What he deserves is punishment for his senseless and inconsiderate speech. A fool feels compelled to speak endlessly that often causes his ruin. Whereas the wise speaks with deliberation. He conceals knowledge because he does not showboat what he knows. When he speaks his words are well-deliberated and carefully-crafted. His judiciously and purposefully weighted words always befit the occasion. It is never spoken out of place.  

The second thing that distinguishes a wise from a foolish person is the way he manages his wealth. He uses his wealth advantageously to protect himself against troubles. On the opposite end, one who lacks wealth will severely disadvantage a person. He is often exposed to worse adversity. Whatever wages a wise man makes, he uses it to acquire the necessities of life for himself and his family. But the income of the foolish that usually comes from illicit means, are squandered away by riotous living. In so doing, he has positioned himself for punishment.

The third identification mark that distinguishes a wise from a foolish is the discipline each brings to life. The former subjects himself to personal discipline. With that discipline, he models wholesome living and influences others by providing good example. One who lacks discipline is a bad influence. He despises correction and will stray from right living. What’s worse is that he also can influence others with his indiscipline. He also leads a deceitful life. He speaks as if he has a well-ordered life when in reality it is in total disarray. The idea is that his speech is devoid of sound moral.  

The fourth distinguishing mark between a wise and a foolish is in his words. The foolish speaks at length and exposes himself to needless risks. Such a person tends to exaggerate and slander and may accidentally or deliberately spew out untruth. Here, Solomon urges us to control our tongue. A wise person exercises speech control. His words are like choice silver that is free from dross. His words bring hope and comfort to his hearers. On the other end, the words of the foolish cannot nourish himself much less others. Lacking depth spiritually they will eventually die due to a poorly nourished soul.

Verses 22 is a very important verse. It reminds us that Jehovah God is the true source of all blessings. They come to us free of all encumbrances. There is no hidden risk. They will never lead us into trouble. Unlike ill-gotten riches, what He gives does not create anxiety. We can never find fulfilment and victory without God’s blessing. The wise thing to do then is to ensure that we are closely connected to God, the source of all wisdom and blessings. In Him we truly live and have our being. So, seek him diligently, follow him closely, love Him dearly, and serve Him faithfully.