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NORTH & NARROW

Session 10 · Ch 10 · Words, work, and integrity

Words, work, and integrity

What it means (summary)

Proverbs 10 opens Solomon’s sayings with everyday contrasts. It shows that words can heal or harm, diligence brings stability, and honesty secures peace. Wisdom is revealed in measured speech, steady work, and upright living — not in noise.

Scripture (KJV) with Explanation

Note: Always read these verses in your own Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. The summaries and explanations here are a supplemental guide and are generated with the help of technology; please weigh them against Scripture itself and wise counsel.

Proverbs 10:4–5
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”
Explanation: Diligence acts while it is time; neglect wastes opportunity and brings want.

Proverbs 10:8, 14, 19
“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. … Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. … In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Explanation: The wise listen and store knowledge; fools speak without measure and stumble through their words.

Proverbs 10:9
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
Explanation: Integrity provides security and peace; crooked ways will eventually be exposed.

Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
Explanation: Lasting success is the LORD’s gift; it carries joy, not regret.

Bridge (Scripture → Practice)

Since Proverbs 10 ties wisdom to listening, steady effort, and uprightness, today you will practise restraint in words, focus in work, and honesty in one concrete situation.

Application (practice)

  • Speech restraint: pause once before a reply and remove one needless or harmful comment.
  • Work diligence: finish one meaningful task without switching away.
  • Integrity check: choose transparency once today where you might shade or hide the truth.

Action (SMART)

Before 6:00 p.m., (1) pause once before you speak and choose a fit line, (2) complete one task end-to-end, and (3) take one honest, upright step in a real matter.

Examples:

  • “Let me think for a moment…” then give one concise, helpful answer instead of venting.
  • Set a 25-minute timer and complete the draft or email that matters most today, without checking anything else.
  • Admit a small delay or error early: “I’m running behind; here’s what I can realistically do today.”

WIIFM

  • Today: fewer verbal slips, a finished piece of work, and peace from honesty.
  • Habit you’re training: measured speech, steady work, and transparent conduct.
  • Future you: known for clarity, reliability, and clean dealings.
  • Roll-up: Speech (S), Work (W), and Planning (P) toward our medallions.
  • Tags: S, W, P, FR, TH.

Comparative Reinforcement

Aristotle described virtue as a mean between excess and deficiency; in speech and effort, that mean is restraint and steadiness — neither babble nor silence, neither sloth nor frenzy.

Right Speech teaches that words must be true, helpful, and timely; waiting to hear first prevents harm and builds trust.

Confucius emphasised that the upright person’s word and deed must match; consistency between saying and doing is the foundation of integrity.

Evening Check

Speech restrained? Y/N · One task completed? Y/N · Integrity act done? Y/N · Peace → 0 / 1 / 2