Proverbs 11

1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, But accurate weights are his delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame, But with humility comes wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

4 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, But the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.

7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, And expectation of power comes to nothing.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, And the wicked takes his place.

9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding holds his peace.

13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, But one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.

14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, But in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, But he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.

16 A gracious woman obtains honor, But violent men obtain riches.

17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked earns deceitful wages, But he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

19 He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death.

20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, But those whose ways are blameless are his delight.

21 Most assuredly, the evil man will not be unpunished, But the seed of the righteous will be delivered.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, Is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.

26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the 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.