Proverbs 11

1 The LORD hates it when people use scales to cheat others. But he is delighted when people use honest weights.

2 When pride comes, shame follows. But wisdom comes to those who are not proud.

3 Those who do what is right are guided by their honest lives. But those who aren't faithful are destroyed by their trickery.

4 Wealth isn't worth anything when God judges you. But doing what is right saves you from death.

5 The ways of honest people are made straight because they do what is right. But those who do what is wrong are brought down by their own sins.

6 Godly people are saved by doing what is right. But those who aren't faithful are trapped by evil longings.

7 When an evil man dies, his hope dies with him. Everything he expected to gain from his power will be lost.

8 Those who do right are saved from trouble. But trouble comes on those who do wrong.

9 With their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors. But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge.

10 When those who do right succeed, their city is glad. When those who do wrong die, people shout for joy.

11 The blessing of honest people builds up a city. But the words of sinners destroy it.

12 A person who has no sense makes fun of his neighbor. But a man who has understanding controls his tongue.

13 Those who talk about others tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves.

14 Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it.

15 Anyone who puts up money for what someone else owes will certainly suffer. But a person who doesn't agree to pay up for someone else is safe.

16 A woman who has a kind heart gains respect. But men who are not kind gain only wealth.

17 A kind man benefits himself. But a mean person brings trouble on himself.

18 Those who do what is wrong really earn nothing. But those who plant what is right will certainly be rewarded.

19 Right living leads to life. But anyone who runs after evil will die.

20 The LORD hates those whose hearts are twisted. But he is pleased with those who live without blame.

21 You can be sure that sinners will be punished. And you can also be sure that godly people will go free.

22 A beautiful woman who has no sense is like a gold ring in a pig's nose.

23 What godly people long for ends only in what is good. But what sinners hope for ends only in God's anger.

24 Some give freely but get even richer. Others don't give what they should but get even poorer.

25 Anyone who gives a lot will succeed. Anyone who renews others will be renewed.

26 People call down curses on those who store up grain for themselves. But blessing makes those who are willing to sell feel like kings.

27 Anyone who looks for what is good finds favor. But bad things happen to a person who plans to do evil.

28 Those who trust in their riches will fall. But those who do right will be as healthy as a green leaf.

29 Those who bring trouble on their families will receive nothing but wind. And foolish people will serve wise people.

30 The fruit that godly people bear is like a tree of life. And those who lead others to do what is right are wise.

31 Godly people get what they should get on earth. So ungodly people and sinners will certainly get what they should get!

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.