Searching for Proverbs 10:10 meaning? Here’s a commentary on what the passage means, along with application and appropriate prayer.
Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:10, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
American Standard Version
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; But a prating fool shall fall.
World English Bible version
One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall.
Proverbs 10:10 Meaning & Commentary
We see “winking of the eye” mentioned a few places in Proverbs; let’s jump straight to another portion of scripture: Proverbs 16:30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass (ESV). A winking eye can mean different things depending on where you live, and what culture you come from. If you look at it in the context of scripture though, you see that it is synonymous with deceit, deception, and causing trouble. It is as if The Bible tells us that we need to watch out for someone who winks their eye.
A wink is mostly a friendly gesture, but the implication is that someone who winks their eye is harboring something else in their heart. Although they may appear friendly, there could be something deeper going on in their heart that we need to watch out for. As for a babbling fool, well this is descriptive of a person who has no real desire to listen, learn and maintain an attitude of humility, but rather of someone only interested in expressing their opinion: Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (ESV).
It is then easy to see why such a person can come to ruin. If such a person were heading towards ruin, would they take time to stop, listen and take advice from someone else? Probably not. Therefore, humility is so important because if we think we know it all, we are in a dangerous position and may be setting ourselves up for failure.
Application
How then can we practically apply Proverbs 10:10 to our lives?
Firstly, as for “winking of the eye”, we can look at this from two different angles. We need to check our hearts for deceit, deception, or anything which could cause us to bring harm to others, through our actions, lack of truth, honesty, or transparency. Then, we need to also ask God for insight and discernment to recognize when things are not always as they seem around us. Things are not always as they seem! Just because someone may talk nicely, smile nicely, and be outwardly kind does not mean that their motives are always pure!
See what The Bible says in Proverbs 26:24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart (ESV). This is quite an insightful scripture because it clearly shows this same principle; that what is in the heart is sometimes disguised and hidden! Sometimes, discernment is needed to know the intentions and motives of people. Jesus Christ walked in a level of discernment that allowed him to know the heart and motives of people: John 2:25 But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them (The Message).
Secondly, we need to ensure that we do not fall into the trap of becoming “a balling fool” as The Bible calls it. Rather, we should remain teachable, humble, open to correction and teaching from others, as well as learn to listen. As the saying goes, we have two ears, but only one mouth! This is just a wise way of living life, and good social etiquette, actually: Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Another thing to note here is that if we find ourselves in the presence of a babbling fool, why should we share secrets, wisdom, and insight with them? We should reserve what God has deposited in us for those who are truly hungry to receive!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus’ Name. I ask that you help me to walk in purity of heart to those around me and that there would be no deception or deceit found in my heart. Given my insight and discernment to know the motives and intentions of people around me. Help me to always maintain an attitude of humility and be teachable, so that I may receive not only guidance direction, and insight from your Word, but also Wise people in my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
