Proverbs 11

1 False scales are an abomination to ADONAI, but accurate weights please him.

2 First comes pride, then disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the duplicity of the treacherous destroys them.

4 On the day of wrath, wealth doesn't help; but righteousness rescues from death.

5 The righteousness of the innocent levels their way, but wickedness of the wicked makes them fall.

6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them, but the treacherous are trapped by their own intrigues.

7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; what he hopes for from evil comes to nothing.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked comes to take his place.

9 With his mouth the hypocrite can ruin his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is joy.

11 By the blessing of the upright, a city is raised up; but the words of the wicked tear it down.

12 He who belittles another lacks good sense, whereas a person of discernment stays silent.

13 A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

14 Without clever tactics an army is defeated, and victory comes from much planning.

15 He who guarantees a loan for a stranger will suffer, but refusing to underwrite is safe.

16 A gracious woman obtains honor; aggressive men obtain wealth.

17 A man who is kind does himself good, but the cruel does harm to himself.

18 The profits of the wicked are illusory; but those who sow righteousness gain a true reward.

19 Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuer of evil goes to his own death.

20 The crooked-hearted are an abomination to ADONAI, but those sincere in their ways are his delight.

21 Depend on it: the evil will not go unpunished; but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

22 Like a gold ring in the snout of a pig is a beautiful woman who lacks good sense.

23 The righteous desire only good, but what the wicked hope for brings wrath.

24 Some give freely and still get richer, while others are stingy but grow still poorer.

25 The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.

26 The people will curse him who withholds grain; but if he sells it, blessings will be on his head.

27 He who strives for good obtains favor, but he who searches for evil - it comes to him!

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.

29 Those who trouble their families inherit the wind, and the fool becomes slave to the wise.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.

31 If the righteous are paid what they deserve here on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Proverbs 11 Commentary

Chapter 11

Verse 1 However men may make light of giving short weight or measure, and however common such crimes may be, they are an abomination to the Lord. Verse 2 . Considering how safe, and quiet, and easy the humble are, we see that with the lowly is wisdom. Verse 3 . An honest man's principles are fixed, therefore his way is plain. Verse 4 . ( proverbs 11:5-6 ) The ways of wickedness are dangerous. And sin will be its own punishment. Verse 7 . When a godly man dies, all his fears vanish; but when a wicked man dies, his hopes vanish. Verse 8 . The righteous are often wonderfully kept from going into dangerous situations, and the ungodly go in their stead. Verse 9 . Hypocrites delude men into error and sin by artful objections against the truths of ( proverbs 11:10-11 ) down. Verse 12 . A man of understanding does not judge of others by their success. Verse 13 . A faithful man will not disclose what he is trusted with, unless the honour of God and the real good of society require it. Verse 14 . We shall often find it to our advantage to advise with others. Verse 15 . The welfare of our families, our own peace, and our ability to pay just debts, must not be brought into danger. But here especially let us consider the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in becoming Surety even for enemies. Verse 16 . A pious and discreet woman will keep esteem and respect, as strong men keep possession of wealth. Verse 17 . A cruel, froward, ill-natured man, is vexatious to those that are, and should be to him as his own flesh, and punishes himself. Verse 18 . He that makes it his business to do good, shall have a reward, as sure to him as eternal truth can make it. Verse 19 . True holiness is true happiness. The more violent a man is in sinful pursuits, the more he hastens his own destruction. Verse 20 . Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness. Verse 21 . Joining together in sin shall not protect the sinners. Verse 22 . Beauty is abused by those who have not discretion or modesty with it. This is true of all bodily endowments. Verse 23 . The wicked desire mischief to others, but it shall return upon themselves. Verse 24 . A man may grow poor by not paying just debts, not relieving the poor, not allowing needful expenses. Let men be ever so saving of what they have, if God appoints, it comes to nothing. Verse 25 . Both in temporal and spiritual things, God commonly deals with his people according to the measure by which they deal with their brethren. Verse 26 . We must not hoard up the gifts of God's bounty, merely for our own advantage. Verse 27 . Seeking mischief is here set against seeking good; for those that are not doing good are doing hurt, even to themselves. Verse 28 . The true believer is a branch of the living Vine. When those that take root in the world wither, those who are grafted into Christ shall be fruitful. Verse 29 . He that brings trouble upon himself and his family, by carelessness, or by wickedness, shall be unable to keep and enjoy what he gets, as a man is unable to hold the wind, or to satisfy himself with it. Verse 30 . The righteous are as trees of life; and their influence upon earth, like the fruits of that tree, support and nourish the spiritual life in many. Verse 31 . Even the righteous, when they offend on earth, shall meet with sharp corrections; much more will the wicked meet the due reward of their sins. Let us then seek those blessings which our Surety purchased by his sufferings and death; let us seek to copy his example, and to keep his commandments.