by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 20th of March, 2026

In this session, we look at Proverbs chapter 10.

Proverbs 10:1 – “A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.”

Godly, loving parents will go to great lengths to ensure their children learn about and walk in the paths of righteousness. Wise children bring much joy to their parents, but foolish children cause them great sorrow. This all comes back to the ultimate choices their children make. 

Every child, regardless of age, remains part of their family, and with few exceptions, their decisions and behaviour significantly affect other family members. Over time, they grow up and gain independence, but they still maintain a strong connection to their parents and siblings. 

This verse shows that wise, loving, and responsible children bring great joy to their parents, while foolish children hurt their parents’ hearts through their sinful and reckless behaviour.

Proverbs 10:2-3 – “Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger, but He will reject the craving of the wicked.”

God will bless and support those who work hard and live righteously, but those who pursue “ill-gotten” gains will find no blessings upon their lives or efforts. Although this seems obvious to most of us, it is amazing how long it takes many young adults to learn it. 

The book of Proverbs constantly takes a negative reference to riches, only because they are of no help at all when the day of wrath and judgment eventually comes. 

It assumes that one can amass a fortune by using wicked ways. The possession of great financial gain gives no indication of the blessing of God. If it did, we would have to assume that there is a tremendous blessing upon drug dealers, child traffickers and porn merchants. 

Ultimately, chasing money through dishonest means will lead to a much greater loss than any benefits gained. People sacrifice far more valuable things than money when they use deceitful tactics. Those who are honest in all their business and financial dealings have nothing to fear from retribution or punishment.

The important truth here is that people do not need to resort to stealing or dishonest means to meet their needs. The Lord does not allow the righteous to go hungry (Psalm 37:19, 25). Of course, this doesn’t mean there will be no tough times or challenges for the righteous, but even during those times, they have the promise that God is watching over them, that it will only last for a season, and that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and follow Him (Romans 5:3-5, 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13). Righteous people have appetites beyond just physical food: they want to be conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

The POSB makes a good summary of these two verses when it says, 

Here is the message of this proverb: faithfulness to God is the most important factor for the supply of life’s necessities. God’s blessings are upon those who love, obey, and fear Him. He does not allow the wicked to receive true satisfaction. In His sovereignty and righteousness, God gives assurance that, in the end, the scales are balanced. This is His way, His law, and His justice.

May God bless you. 

Bruce Billington