In vv. 23–32 the contrast between the righteous and the wicked with their respective fates is set forth. The words "righteous" (tsaddiq) and/or "wicked" (rasha˓) occur in seven of the ten verses. In two other verses equivalent terms are used. Only v. 26 is an exception.

The first four proverbs focus on the negative actions of the wicked.

1. The wicked sin lightly (10:23). "It is like jesting to a fool to do wickedness," i.e., he finds amusement and satisfaction in that which is wrong. His moral superficiality enables him to enjoy sin. His conscience does not bother him. The text assumes that wrongdoing may become part of a person’s nature, his normal and joyous activity. On the other hand, "wisdom" is the delight of "a man of discernment." The wise man finds his refreshment in living a wise and prudent life, which is as easy and as pleasant to him as evil is to the wicked.

2. The wicked worry correctly (10:24). "As for the fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him." Though the wicked lightly carries on his evil practices, he is troubled with the thought of the retribution which awaits him. On the other hand, "the desire of the righteous he shall give." The righteous desire only that which is in agreement with God’s will, and this God grants, if not in this world, certainly in the life to come.

3. The wicked are destroyed completely (10:25). "When the whirlwind passes, the wicked person is no more." His life is like an unstable building which is swept away by a storm (cf. Matt 7:24). On the other hand, "the righteous is an everlasting foundation." Such a one survives the whirlwind because his virtue gives him resilience and power of endurance.

4. The wicked offend constantly (10:26). "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him." Vinegar causes irritation to the teeth just as smoke causes irritation to the eyes. Those who entrust important business to a sluggard, i.e., a lazy person, will likewise be irritated by his inability to get the job done in a timely manner.

The last six proverbs of chapter 10 stress in their opening sentences the positive results of leading a life of righteousness or wisdom.

1. The righteous have a glorious prospect (10:27–28). "The fear of Yahweh prolongs days" because it is the beginning of knowledge (1:7) and of wisdom (9:10), and thus furnishes to people the correct rule of living (cf. 3:2; 9:11). The promise of long life as the reward of a believer is often found in this book, where temporal retribution is set forth. On the other hand, "the years of the wicked shall be shortened" by his lack of self-control or because he is victimized by an evil associate (10:27).

"The hope of the righteous is gladness," i.e., when their hope is realized they are glad. On the other hand, "the expectation of the wicked shall perish." That for which they eagerly hope shall not materialize (10:28).

2. The righteous have a glorious refuge (10:29–30). "The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright." Those who walk in the way which the Lord has mapped out will find courage to face difficulties in life. On the other hand, that same way of the Lord "is a ruin to the workers of iniquity." They abandon that path and consequently incur devastating punishment (10:29).

"The righteous shall never be moved." Such are able to withstand both the vicissitudes of life and the attacks of the wicked. The context suggests that the righteous will not be uprooted from their land and driven into exile. On the other hand, "the wicked shall not inhabit the land," i.e., permanently. The Israelites were threatened with exile if they disobeyed the law of God (10:30; cf. Lev 26:33).

3. The righteous have a glorious testimony (10:31–32). "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom" as a tree brings forth flowers and fruit. It has a positive influence on others. On the other hand, "a perverse tongue will be cut off" like a non-productive branch of a tree. The abuse of God’s great gift of speech shall be severely punished (10:31; cf. Matt 12:36f.).

"The lips of the righteous know what is proper." He speaks what will please God and edify his neighbor. On the other hand, "the mouth of the wicked is completely perverse" (10:32).