Proverbs 11

1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the humble is wisdom.

3 The perfection of the upright shall guide them in the way, but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 Riches shall not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness shall deliver from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall straighten his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but transgressors shall be imprisoned in their own sin.

7 When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the hope of unjust men shall perish.

8 The righteous is delivered out of the tribulation, and the wicked takes his place.

9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbour, but the just are delivered with wisdom.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are feasts.

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

12 He that is void of understanding despises his neighbour, but the intelligent man remains silent.

13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

14 When intelligence is lacking, the people shall fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is salvation.

15 With anxiety shall he that is surety for a stranger be afflicted, and he that hates suretiship shall live securely.

16 The gracious woman retains honour, and strong men retain riches.

17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but the cruel man troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked works a deceitful work, but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As righteousness is unto life, so he that pursues evil pursues it unto his own death.

20 They that are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, but such as are perfect in their way are his delight.

21 No matter how many covenants he has made with death, the wicked shall not be absolved, but the seed of the righteous shall escape.

22 As a gold ring in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the hope of the wicked is wrath.

24 There are those who scatter, and more is added unto them; and there are those who withhold more than is just, but come to poverty.

25 The soul who is a blessing unto others shall be made fat, and he that fills shall be filled also himself.

26 He that withholds the grain, the people shall curse him, but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it.

27 He that seeks good early shall find favour, but unto him that seeks evil, it shall come upon him.

28 He that trusts in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29 He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be slave to the wise of heart.

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

31 The righteous shall certainly be recompensed 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.