Proverbs 10:8, 9

10:8 — The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

“The wise person heeds the call of Prov. 2 and receives God’s commands (see 2:1).”  (Longman) The wise has a teachable spirit and that spirit of wisdom is best seen in their hearty willingness to receive instruction, that is, a childlike desire to accept God’s commandments. He wants to learn from God and looks to God’s instructions. But as Kidner says, “Even in human fields of learning it is the second-rater who tends to ‘talk big’.” The fool will continually think he has something to say and his speech will bring him to ruin. “The fool is so full of himself that instead of having the capacity to accept wisdom he dangerously prattles out his own ‘clever opinions,’ which are devoid of true wisdom (cf. 10:13) and scorch like fire (cf. 16:27). By his undisciplined words he entangles himself and comes to ruin.” (Waltke) As Waltke also says, the wise are not “lippy”. Too much talk can only create problems (cf. 10:19, When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.).

10:9 — Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Here is a proverb for us all to remember. Kidner says that if we have nothing to hide then we have nothing to fear. Those who live openly and honestly differ drastically from those who live deceptively. A godly man can live with a clear conscience (“Impurity indeed defiles the holiest exercise.” — Bridges) and walk confidently (securely) whereas those who are less than honest will always walk with the fear of being found out. In fact, eventually, their ways will become evident. Paul says in 1 Timothy 5:24, “The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.”

This proverb conveys godly common sense. Surely, walking in integrity can help us to walk confidently. If we live with unholy motives and deceptive actions, then our actions will eventually disclose our true character. Though Proverbs does not spell it out in this verse, it is clear from the rest of the Bible that our character will either burst forth in this life or on the great day of judgment.