Author: spartanchristianity

Proverbs 10:10 is a powerful verse that warns against two specific vices: malicious secret communication and foolish speech. 

“He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.”

Proverbs 10:10

The Malicious Wink

In this context, the “wink” is possibly talking about secret, or other forms of deceitful communication.

It’s a subtle form of deception, where one person conveys a hidden message or intention to another, typically with malicious intent. 

Gossip.
Defamation.
Character Assassination

This could involve winking to signal a lie, making a sly gesture to mock someone behind their back, or using other covert means to spread gossip or slander.

Examples of malicious winking leading to harm and grief are abundant throughout history.

A betrayal signaled by a wink could lead to the downfall of a trusted friend or ally.

Gossip and rumors spread secretly can ruin reputations and fracture relationships.

The proverb serves as a clear warning against participating in such underhanded behavior. 

Deceit and malice, even when conveyed subtly, are antithetical to wisdom and inevitably cause grief and harm to others.

The Chattering Fool

The second vice addressed in this proverb is that of the “chattering fool.” This refers to someone who speaks excessively and without wisdom, allowing their words to flow unchecked and unfiltered.

Such a person is characterized by a lack of self-control and a disregard for the consequences of their speech.

These types of people are very common. Words are plentiful in the modern day. 

The proverb emphasizes the importance of controlling the tongue and speaking prudently. 

Words have power, and those who fail to exercise wisdom and restraint in their speech often find themselves suffering the inevitable consequences. 

Contrasting the Two Vices

While the malicious wink and the chattering fool may seem like distinct vices, they share a common root: a lack of wisdom.

The malicious wink involves deceitful non-verbal cues, while the chattering fool engages in unrestrained speech, but both stem from a failure to exercise wisdom and discernment.

Moreover, both vices cause harm to others and ultimately bring ruin upon the perpetrator.

The malicious wink sows seeds of mistrust, grief, and division, while the chattering fool’s words can wound, betray, and destroy relationships and reputations.

“A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.”

Proverbs 19:19

Dealing with Hot-Tempered People

This proverb teaches a simple lesson: it’s a waste of time to try to help or rescue someone with an uncontrolled temper.

Such a person is prone to repeating the same mistakes and getting into trouble again and again due to their lack of self-control. 

If you assist them, you will have to repeat this assistance until the end of time. 

The key lessons here are: 

1. Anger Leads to Consequences: A person with a “great wrath” or hot temper will inevitably face negative consequences or “pay the penalty” for their unrestrained anger. We understand this: no one makes wise decisions while under the influence of anger. 
   
2. Temporary Relief: Even if someone intervenes to “deliver” or rescue the hot-tempered person from the consequences of their anger, it is only a temporary solution. 
   
3. Recurring Pattern: The hot-tempered individual will likely repeat the same angry behavior, requiring repeated interventions or “rescues” from the consequences. At some point you have to let people do what they are going to do and suffer the consequences of their own actions. Without this, they will never learn or change their behavior. 

The proverb suggests that personal development requires personal responsibility and self-discipline.

Merely shielding someone from the consequences of their anger does not address the root issue of their lack of self-control. 

Practical Application

1. Avoid Enabling: Constantly rescuing or enabling someone with anger issues can reinforce their behavior and prevent them from learning self-control. Just as God lets us use our free will and then suffer the results of that free will, so we also must let others suffer the consequences of their actions without trying to shield them. 
   
2. Allow Consequences: Sometimes, it is necessary to let people face the natural consequences of their actions, as this can motivate them to change. God does this to us all the time. God will allow is to suffer the consequences of our own actions if it will make us better.
   
3. Encourage Rational Thought: Instead of constantly intervening, encourage the hot-tempered person to reflect on their behavior and take responsibility for their actions. Teach them to use their minds and try to think in advance before making poor decisions. 

The proverb teaches us that true growth and change come from within, not from external interventions that shield individuals from the consequences of their actions.

Let people pay the price for what they do.

This applies even to yourself.