Continuing in our study of Proverbs 10:10-11, we are going to look at two different verses due to the nature of Proverbs 10:10. In Proverbs 10:10, it ends with the same phrase we covered in Proverbs 10:8, so we only need to focus on the first part of this verse. Notice what it says concerning those who wink with the eye. It is something that happens, even today.

 

We start with the idea of winking with the eye. To wink exactly what we would expect it to mean. It means to wink. In the work, “The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament,” The authors say this, “[it] is associated with an ‘insidious malicious gesture”. This winking can mean both positive and negative, and in our context it is a negative thing. This winking has the idea of narrowing or to wink the eye toward that which is evil which causes trouble. This trouble means to sorrow or ruin, and is found five times in the Old Testament (Job 9:28; Psalm 16:4; 147:3; Proverbs 10:10; Proverbs 15:13). Since we are running across this word for the first time, it would be good to delve into it a little.

 

The word can be translated as pain, hurt, injury, sorrow, and wound. This concept is to watch and keep an eye for an opportunity to do harm or wrong. The winking can also, according to some commentators, be a signal to his fellow co-patriots to act and do harm. This is the trouble being referenced in our text. In Psalm 35:19, the writer is praying for God to protect him from those who rejoice, or even wink with the eye of hate.

 

This winking is not good, but it continues in Proverbs 10:11. The mouth, or what comes out of the heart (Matthew 15:18), for only the righteous, is a well of life. This text is full of Scriptural truth, and would be good to look at a few.

 

The tongue of the righteous is the best kind of silver – Proverbs 10:20

 

The lips of the righteous feed many – Proverbs 10:21

 

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom – Psalm 37:30

 

There are several other texts we could add to this, but this gives us a good point of reference. This righteous will bring forth life. The words will lift up, help grow, yes, correct if needed, but will bring forth truth and life, not death.

 

The well, in this time, was vital because there were many arid areas, and water from the well provided water for drinking, cooking, livestock, and crops. This water is what makes it possible for life to flourish. Notice the contrast.

 

Instead the wicked has nothing but violence. If we as Christians wish to see who is righteous or not, look and see what comes from the mouth. The righteous bring life, but the wicked brings violence. We see this in our culture today. If we want to see who is evil, look and see who is calling for violence, and destruction. We can see this in our society today. It does not take much to searching to see this truth.

 

As a Christian, we must be wary of these people, but more than that, we must be careful not to be these people. Our life and words must be based in righteousness, and bring forth life. That is what we are called to do and be as Christians. We find this command, written by Paul, in Ephesians 4:29.

 

Therefore, dear Christian, we should be aware of these differences between the righteous and unrighteous, and we should evaluate if our words bring life or not. How are we doing? May we allow the Holy Spirit to control our tongue.