Drink Devotional Method: The Wise, The Fool, and the Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 10)

Good morning! Today, we turn to Proverbs chapter 10, where Solomon’s wise sayings in couplets begin. In these verses, we see a clear contrast between the path of righteousness and the way of the wicked. Each proverb stands as a principle to guide our walk in the fear of the Lord and in practical godliness.

D – Devotional Reading

Proverbs 10 (KJV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

R – Reflection

As I meditate on Proverbs 10, I'm struck by the powerful contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the slothful. Every verse draws a clear line between two ways of living, compelling me to ask myself: Am I storing up righteousness, or am I wasting my days in vanity?

Verse 7 stood out:

“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”

It reminds me that how I live now—how I walk in integrity, speak truth, labor diligently, and fear the Lord—leaves behind a testimony. If I want Christ to increase in my life, I must live with eternity in view. I must die daily to selfish ambition and let His wisdom govern even the smallest choices I make - starting today.

I – Instruction

Several timeless instructions emerge from this chapter:

• Pursue righteousness (v.2, 6, 16, 20, 28): It delivers from death and leads to true blessing.

• Speak wisely (v.11, 19, 21, 31): My words should be a “well of life,” not instruments of destruction.

• Work diligently (v.4–5): Laziness brings poverty and shame, but diligence honors God.

• Fear the Lord (v.27, 29): The fear of the Lord (respecting God with fear - reverence) brings long life, strength, and stability.

In short, I must continually ask, “Does this word, action, or thought will reflect Christ or myself?”

N – Now Live It

Today, I will:

• Guard my tongue – choosing to speak life and truth rather than reacting with frustration or pride.

• Do my work heartily – not for praise but as unto the Lord.

• Treasure godly wisdom – seeking it in Scripture rather than trusting my emotions.

• Pray before every decision – big or small, remembering that His way is always best.

May I be remembered—not for success—but for being a faithful, God-fearing person, whose life pointed others to Christ.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Proverbs 10. I humble myself today before You. Let me not be known for cleverness or personal gain, but for righteousness that glorifies You. Cleanse my speech, steady my steps, and increase Your presence in my life. Teach me to decrease in pride and increase in grace. I desire to live a life that brings joy to Your heart and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are blessed on our devotion today, you may also read our Proverbs 9 Devotion.

What is DRINK Devotional Method?

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with the scripture:

• • D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (Preferably at least 1 chapter).

  • R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

  • I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

  • N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown.

  • K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you’re just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

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