Proverbs 22:9–11 (ESV)
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
The first proverb turns our attention to generosity. The Hebrew literally speaks of a “good eye,” describing a woman whose heart is inclined toward kindness and generosity rather than greed or selfishness. She sees those in need and willingly shares what God has entrusted to her. Solomon even pictures her sharing her own bread with the poor. She is willing to sacrifice her own resources for the good of others. Such generosity reflects the heart of God himself, and Solomon says she will be blessed.
The next proverb reminds us that peace sometimes requires difficult action. The scoffer is not simply someone who occasionally says something sarcastic. She has become hardened in her rejection of wisdom. She refuses correction, mocks those who pursue righteousness, and continually stirs up conflict wherever she goes.
Solomon therefore commands that the scoffer be driven out. When the source of the conflict is removed, strife, quarreling, and abuse often disappear with it. This is not a call to be impatient with struggling people, but to protect the community from someone who persistently refuses correction and continually disrupts God’s people. The New Testament reflects this same principle, instructing the church to separate from a divisive person who remains unrepentant after repeated warnings (Titus 3:10).
The final proverb turns from removing destructive influences to cultivating godly character. The woman who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious is the kind of person even a king welcomes as a trusted friend. Her words are thoughtful, truthful, and kind because they reflect the condition of her heart. Solomon reminds us that gracious speech does not begin with the tongue. It begins with a heart that delights in what is pure.
Proverbs reminds us again and again that words leave lasting marks, for good or for evil. Before speaking to your husband, your children, your grandchildren, your coworkers, or the next stranger you meet, remember that your words reveal what fills your heart. If your speech has been harsh, careless, or unkind, repent today. Humbly ask the Lord to give you a heart that loves what is pure, and your words will increasingly reflect his grace.