Proverbs 10 in the early church

120 passages quote, allude to, or echo Proverbs 10, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 14 · 15 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 28 · 30 · 31 · 32

Proverbs 10:1

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:1Oration 37.17 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 10:1Letter 52.7 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 10:1Sermon 216.7 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 391-430

Proverbs 10:2

Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:2On Naboth 27 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-390
Prov 10:2Letters 25.2 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413

Proverbs 10:3

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:3Commentary on John 13.224 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 10:3On the Lord's Prayer 21 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 252
Prov 10:3On Works and Almsgiving 11 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 253
Prov 10:3Homilies 2.8 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, medium confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 10:3Letter 22.32 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419

Proverbs 10:4

Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:4The Instructor 2.12.129 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 10:4The Instructor 3.4.30 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 10:4Miscellanies 3.6.55 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:4Fragments on Proverbs, column 187 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:4Letter 1.6 · Antony the Greatquotation, medium confidencebefore 356
Prov 10:4Question 119, section 4 · Ambrosiasterquotation, medium confidenceca. 370–384
Prov 10:4Against Secundinus the Manichaean 26 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, low confidenceca. 399
Prov 10:4City of God 16.2 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidence413–426
Prov 10:4Book 3, section 26 · Seduliusquotation, low confidenceca. 425-450

Proverbs 10:5

He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:5Miscellanies 2.7.35 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, medium confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:5Fragments on Proverbs, column 187 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:7Fragment E III (on Ecclesiastes) · Dionysius of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 248–265
Prov 10:7Preparation for the Gospel 12.34.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Prov 10:7Apostolic Constitutions 5.8.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 10:7Apostolic Constitutions 5.9.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 10:7Apostolic Constitutions 6.30.3 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 10:7Homily 5 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, medium confidenceca. 379–394
Prov 10:7Sermon on the Life of Honoratus 2 · Hilary of Arlesquotation, high confidenceca. 430

Proverbs 10:8

A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:8Miscellanies 2.7.35 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203

Proverbs 10:9

He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:9To Quirinus 3.53 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 248–250 (book 3 perhaps later)
Prov 10:9Letter 117.4 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 10:9Letters 28.1 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413

Proverbs 10:10

He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:10The Instructor 3.11.70 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 10:10The Instructor 3.12.86 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 10:10Miscellanies 2.1.2 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:10Commentary on John 32.275 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 10:10Sermon 82.8 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430

Proverbs 10:11

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:11On Jacob and the Happy Life 2.17 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-390

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:121 Clement 49.5 · Clement of Romeallusion, medium confidenceca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100)
Prov 10:122 Clement 16.4 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 100–150
Prov 10:12Miscellanies 1.6.35 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:12Demonstration 14.14 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
Prov 10:12The Conferences 16.8 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 10:14

The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:14The Instructor 2.7.57 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 10:14Miscellanies 5.3.18 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:14Ancoratus 43.2 · Epiphanius of Salamisallusion, low confidence374
Prov 10:14Homily 9 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, medium confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 10:14Homily 15 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 10:14Apology against Rufinus 3.43 · Jeromequotation, medium confidenceca. 401–402

Proverbs 10:15

The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:15Against the Arians 7 · Phoebadius of Agenquotation, high confidenceca. 357-358
Prov 10:15Letters 13.18 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413

Proverbs 10:17

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:17Miscellanies 1.6.35 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:17Miscellanies 1.11.54 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:17Fragments on Proverbs, column 187 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:17Against Celsus 6.7 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 248

Proverbs 10:18

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:18Fragments on Proverbs, column 187 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:18Apostolic Constitutions 3.15.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:19Sentences of Sextus 155 · Anonymousallusion, high confidence2nd-early 3rd cent.
Prov 10:19Sentence 155 (Greek) · Anonymousallusion, high confidence2nd-early 3rd cent.
Prov 10:19The Instructor 2.6.52 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 10:19Commentary on John 5.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 10:19Commentary on John 5.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 10:19On Prayer 21.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 233–234
Prov 10:19Against Celsus 5.1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 248
Prov 10:19To Quirinus 3.103 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 248–250 (book 3 perhaps later)
Prov 10:19Letter 263 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 357–378
Prov 10:19Tractates on the Psalms 139.15 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 360–367
Prov 10:19On Cain and Abel 1.36 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 375-378
Prov 10:19On Virgins 3.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 377
Prov 10:19On Noah 34 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378-384
Prov 10:19On Noah 97 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378-384
Prov 10:19On the Complaints of Job and David 1.20 · Ambroseallusion, low confidenceca. 383-390
Prov 10:19Exposition of Psalm 118 2.5.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 10:19Exposition of Psalm 118 3.11.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 10:19Exposition of Psalm 118 4.18.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 10:19Exposition of Psalm 118 5.30.4 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 10:19Exposition of Psalm 118 8.36.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 10:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 1.20.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 36.28.4 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 36.66.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 37.37.1 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 37.42.5 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 40.41.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:19Letters 12.1 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 10:19Letters 19.4 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 10:19Letters 28.4 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 10:19Letters 32.4 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 10:19Letters 42.5 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 10:19On the Trinity 15.28 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 399–419
Prov 10:19Letter 2, chapter 7 · Zosimus, bishop of Romequotation, high confidence417–418
Prov 10:19Retractations 0.2 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence426-427

Proverbs 10:20

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:20Miscellanies 6.7.60 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:20Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.159 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Prov 10:20Homily 3 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:21Miscellanies 2.11.52 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, medium confidenceca. 198–203

Proverbs 10:23

The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:23Fragments on Proverbs, column 175 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:23Commentary on Ephesians 5:4 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 366–384
Prov 10:23Commentary on Philippians 3:8–11 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 366–384
Prov 10:23On the Governance of God 6.58 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Proverbs 10:24

What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:24Fragments on Proverbs, column 187 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:24Martyrdom of Ignatius 1 · Anonymousallusion, low confidence4th–5th century (disputed)
Prov 10:24Martyrdom of Ignatius 6.4 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence4th–5th century (disputed)

Proverbs 10:25

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:25Long recension, Ephesians 7 · Anonymousallusion, low confidencelater 4th century (probable)

Proverbs 10:26

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:26On Cain and Abel 2.5 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 375-378
Prov 10:26Explanation of Twelve Psalms 35.9.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:26Explanation of Twelve Psalms 35.9.3 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 10:26Sermon 153.10 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 10:26Apology against Rufinus 3.31 · Jeromeallusion, low confidenceca. 401–402

Proverbs 10:27

The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:27Miscellanies 2.12.53 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:27Fragments on Proverbs, column 187 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:27Fragments on Proverbs, column 189 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:27PG 12:1625 (Ps 119 LXX) · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 10:28

The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:28Question 110, section 4 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 370–384

Proverbs 10:30

The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:30Fragments on Proverbs, column 189 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 10:31

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:31Miscellanies 1.10.47 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:31Miscellanies 2.5.24 · Clement of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:31Miscellanies 2.18.79 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 10:31Fragments on Proverbs, column 189 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 10:31Exposition of Psalm 118 13.25.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397

Proverbs 10:32

The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 10:32Fragments on Proverbs, column 189 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254