#1333. Proverbs 10:1-5 – Give joy, not grief! (20/8/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today’s passage, Proverbs 10:1-5, reminds us how living wisely brings joy rather than grief—especially in how we relate to work and wealth.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

A New Section of Proverbs

With Proverbs 10, we enter a new section (through 22:16), featuring short, punchy sayings—what we often think of as “proverbs.” Most follow a structure like:

• Antithesis (contrast: wise vs. foolish),

• Synonymous (restating with reinforcement), or

• Comparison (pointing out parallels or how much more something is).

Although there doesn’t seem to be any ordered arrangement of the 375 proverbs in this section, it’s interesting to note, as I’m told, that 375 is the numerical name for Solomon! 

As we read Solomon’s proverbs, we remember he was a man of great wisdom—and yet, one who didn’t always live by it. He stands as both an encouragement (God works through flawed people) and a warning (don’t presume on grace to excuse foolishness). Wisdom must be lived, not just known (cf. James 1:22).

i. Wisdom gives joy, not grief

Our choices affect others. Do we bring joy to those closest to us, or grief? Especially in family life, even with all its complexities, we are called to live in a way that honours others. Are we bringing joy or sorrow into our relationships? Are we sowing peace or stirring tension?

ii. Wisdom seeks wealth wisely 

One sure way to bring grief rather than joy to others is the way that we seek to make money. Wealth gained dishonestly—whether through scams, exploitation, or shady deals—lacks lasting worth. Recently I heard about the surge in complaints against drop-shipping sites promising cheap products but delivering disappointment. That kind of work grieves others. Righteous work honours people and God. The righteous seek to earn money in a godly fashion— offering products and services that are truly useful rather than simply a vehicle to financial gain. 

iii. The wise trust in God’s care

Following on from the last proverb, when we trust that the Lord is our protector and provider, we’ll avoid financial foolishness and trust Him as we seek to do meaningful work. 

iv. The wise work hard

This is a balance to the last proverb; if we are tempted to think that the promise of God’s provision means we can be lazy, this proverb kicks us up the rear! We must stop being lazy! We must be diligent. Be the best you can be at what you do - this honours God and brings joy to our work. Whatever your role—employee, student, parent, retiree—do it with diligence and integrity.

vi. The wise do what needs to be done when it needs to be done

This aphorism seems to expand on the last; there we were warned against laziness and urged to be diligent; here, we see a very important example of this: at the right season, do the right things. So many people fail to ‘gather crops in summer’ and are outraged, and blame others, when, in ‘winter’, they don’t have enough. This reminds me of two proverbs by John Maxwell:‘Hard work is the accumulation of easy things you didn’t do when you should have.’ (John C. Maxwell. Developing the Leader Within You)

This takes us back to the first of today’s aphorisms. May we bring joy, not grief, to others. May we be those who are generous and help others to prosper. May we not be those who bring grief to others through the poor pursuit of resources. 

Let’s pray together:

“Father, lead me in bringing joy and not grief into my relationships. Lead me in my work or retirement to be productive. Help me to steward my heart, mind, strength and time, in wisdom, appropriate to the season of my life. Amen.” 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #11: Proverbs 9:10-10:14. Leave a worthy legacy

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.