Verse 1 reads, "The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." This begins a long series of contrasts found in the chapter. Others include "wickedness....righteousness" (v. 2), "a slack hand....the hand of the diligent" (v. 4), and "he that gathereth in summer....he that sleepeth in harvest" (v. 5).
All things are not equal. Life is given to us all. What we do with it determines our outcome. Decisions have consequences. We can choose to live righteously or wickedly. We cannot choose the consequences. Wickedness and righteousness are not equal. Righteousness excels. Laziness and industry are not peers. Work produces. Laziness consumes. Live a life of righteousness and you will contrast with those who live wickedly.
Solomon's father, David, wrote about the righteous that "he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." He then contrasts that with "the ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." (Psalm 1:3-4)
May God help us to live righteously.
Tomorrow is February 11 and, the Lord willing, we will read Proverbs chapter 11. Until then may God's grace be with you.