Proverbs 11

This is another chapter that is chocked full of “this is true: but so is this” type of instruction. Normally the statement is phrased on a subject and what those with Wisdom do with it versus those whom are without Wisdom.

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

A balance was used to measure things. It was the best way to make sure transactions were fair. Today we have the Department of Weights and Measures to calibrate and check the gasoline pumps at the gas station. You may have heard how the butcher left his thumb on the scale when he weighed the meat in order to get a bit more for his meat. That is the same as a false balance. Basically this verse is saying those seemingly little indiscretions are an abomination to the LORD. The LORD does not want us to deal falsely with others in our business or our everyday life. Make no mistake, if you tell someone something and weigh the story to the side of the scale in order to get them to see your side, that too is a false balance. Another aspect of this verse would be our basic dealings in the business world. Make sure you use a “just weight” in every dealing.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Pride comes in many flavors. The word “pride” in this verse is one that means insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance. Insolence means, overbearing, insultingly contemptuous. Presumptuousness is one of my own personal pet peeves, where it is presumed upon me that I have time, money, or effort available for the use of the one presuming. Pride when it takes root becomes arrogance and arrogance gives off the stench of selfishness. When no one else is as important as they themselves are Wisdom promises shame. Unfortunately the shame would only come if we recognize where we are and repent. It would be fair to suggest a proud, arrogant and selfish person would be defined as a fool.

“Lowly” here in this verse is one whom is humble or modest and not some low-life wimp who seemingly is lost or freighted by the turmoil of the day. The NIV says it this way, “but with humility comes wisdom.” Remember, “Wisdom dwells with prudence.” Pr 8:12. One other thing, this word “lowly” is only used twice in the entire Bible, here and in Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

In the dictionary the word integrity is defined this way: 1. Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values, incorruptibility. 2. An unimpaired condition or soundness. 3. The quality or state of being complete or undivided, completeness.[1] The only other uses of this particular Hebrew word is in Job, check this out: Job 2:3 “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:9 “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” Job 27:5 “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.” Job 31:6 “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.” Integrity is a conscientious decision. Integrity is something that is attacked every day. Be prepared while we grow in integrity the attacks on that integrity will intensify.

Perverseness is defined as deliberate unruliness, which explains why they are destroyed. The word “transgressor” in the Hebrew means to act treacherously or deceitfully. They are constantly and deliberately up to no good.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

A great example of this is in Luke 12: 16Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.
17"And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'
18"So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.
19'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." '
20"But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' (NKJV)

“The day of wrath” is an interesting phrase in that the word wrath used here is more than anger or vengeance of the LORD against sin. The word does mean fury but from a distance and it has an interesting annihilation aspect from the root word, which means to pass through the parts of the victim. The point being that while riches seem to be what we work for, when the day comes and our life is at stake, those riches become distant.

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

I would like for us to do something here, I would like for us to agree to never say to ourselves or anyone out loud, “well, I’m not perfect.” From this point forward I am going to claim my perfection in how God sees me and through the perfecting work of what Christ did on the cross. Christ shed His Blood, perfect Blood, to cleanse me and make me presentable before a righteous and perfect God. Look at it this way, would God survey his vast army of Christians and find us cowling or trembling in the corner of life because our Bath in Perfection has left us cold and naked? Of course not, take on the uniform of righteousness and wear it proudly. Look what it says in Luke 12:5 “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” If you have accepted Christ as your savior, you need not even have this fear.

The wicked find themselves often in the turmoil of a plot gone bad. Many times it was not the plot but the people involved or someone that witnessed the plot or in many cases that one person they told of the plot. Generally it is a form of pride that condemns them. Bragging about what they have accomplished to those they hang around with (birds of a feather, flock together) tends to lead to their own demise.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

This is restating the previous verse and anytime you run into a repeated principle it is important to recognize the double warning. In this case this verse reiterates how the upright will prevail and how the transgressors will fall. Take heed to that which we endeavor to do is upright.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

We have all heard stories about great men that had dreams and were not able to see them come to be in their lifetime. All men have dreams, even evil men. This verse is simply saying the wicked and unjust will not have their dreams fulfilled even when they perish. Even great men whom do not have a savior will perish and their expectation or dreams will perish with them.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

Trouble chases a wicked man wherever he goes. Sometimes we hear stories of how a good man has his troubles solved but seldom do we hear how an evil man finds his way out of a mess. In most cases when the wicked ones are under close scrutiny there is more wickedness than first thought. The wicked have troubles because they devise evil and evil feeds on itself. So then, evil has its spoil by devouring them that create it. Another thing to consider is that when there is trouble and solutions are necessary to remedy the situation, normally the wicked are long gone. Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." It will be up to those with Wisdom to help bring Truth and Peace to the situation.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

The hypocrite is one having no hope in them to attain righteousness. In the original Hebrew the word “hypocrite” means and is translated as godless and profane. The word is derived from the root word meaning polluted, defiled or corrupt. Here is the definition: hypocrisy is the act of pretending to have morals or virtues that one does not truly possess or practice. The word derives from the late Latin hypocrisis and Greek hupokrisis both meaning play-acting or pretence. The word is arguably derived from hypo- meaning under, + krinein meaning to decide to dispute. A classic example of a hypocritical act is to denounce another for carrying out some action while carrying out the same action oneself.[2] There is one other aspect of the hypocrite that eats away at their disposition. They are constantly in contention with their own conscience. They do the things they condemn and say the things they do not put into action. Above all, they know in their heart they are destined for the wrong side of reconciliation. Job 27:8 "For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?"

You can see how a hypocrite would not only destroy his neighbor but everyone they come in contact with. We must have Wisdom in order to avoid their plots and intentions. The hypocrite will often keep the focus on someone else as not to expose their own derision.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

When good people have things going their way it makes sense that the right things are taking place and those benefiting are happy. Not to mention the fact that there is a solid foundation built on truth which yield lasting joy. As the righteous have their way with respect to removing wickedness there is hope of a bright future. The New King James says the last part of this verse like this: “…when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.”

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

Simply put, the upright build up and the wicked bring down. It could be a city or anything else for that matter. Contrast “the blessing of the upright” and “the mouth of the wicked.” There is a distinct soundness to the purpose and direction of the “upright” which is to remove wickedness and cleans their surroundings. The wicked will always sponsor the depression of truth. They will speak lies especially aimed at destroying the character of the upright.

There is a sense in this verse we need to pay close attention to. While it may seem obscure, “the mouth of the wicked” means that the things the wicked say can overthrow that which has been built. Look closely, it is not saying overthrow by war or by their hands but instead simply by their mouth. Let this be a warning to us that the wicked have a way with words in order to propagate their destruction. Wisdom has a way with hearts to build deep and solid foundations upon truth.

12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

How is it that being void of Wisdom creates this turmoil with a neighbor? Simply put, if we do not have Wisdom we are fools. Do you despise your neighbor? You might be void of Wisdom if you cannot hold your peace. This verse is not talking about the neighbor that is detestable in every way and is obviously wicked so much as it is referring to our ability to hold our peace. There is an aspect of righteousness that keeps itself clean from the grime of unnecessary warfare. Wisdom will grant the ability to see through the surface as She guides us.

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Knowing when to speak about matters is one of the most important attributes we can have. It helps to keep the peace in many instances especially if the matter is personal and not meant for public consumption. Those things that are meant to be kept private are the very items a talebearer will seek to reveal. The word “talebearer” is an interesting one in that it means to walk or to go. But in the Hebrew it is suffixed with a word that means slander. Slander means words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another or an abusive attack on a person's character or good name.[3] So the “talebearer” is constantly on the move trying to destroy the reputation of others.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Are you able to ask for advice? I cannot stress enough the importance of having good counsel. There is nothing wrong with asking advice from someone. As we grow in Wisdom, She will direct in many ways and it is good to discuss matters with other Wisdom bearers. Notice the plurality of this statement, “multitude of counsellors” means there are several.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Gen. 43:9 “I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:” Remember, “surety” is a form of loaning someone else your name and character because the person needing your name and character has not maintained their own well enough to establish trust. If you become surety for a “stranger” which infers you do not know them very well, it makes sense that you would “smart” for it. The word “smart” is the same Hebrew word used to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle. Be wise when you use your name to help someone. Your name is very important. Pr 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

The word “gracious” means to be pleasant and have grace and charm. The Hebrew root of this word is derived from a word that has the sense of bending down or reclining in such a way as to abide with. In other words this woman grants her undivided attentiveness with grace and charm.

“Strong men” is actually one who brings fear because of his power and oppression. This is not necessarily a good or bad man. The Hebrew word “strong” means awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty. When you contrast this with a “gracious woman” and her honor, there is a striking difference. There are times where grace and pleasantness are required but there is also a point when being “strong” is required. There should be a balance of our character. The LORD does not expect us to be wimps but by the same token we are not to be consistently mean natured either.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Being merciful can be difficult in this day and age where everyone seems to be out for him or herself. There is little regard for others, not to mention the quicker it can be done the better. The thing Wisdom wants us to understand here is that by taking the time to be merciful soothes and heals the soul. The expression of mercy also gives testimony of the LORD and His awesome Grace.

In verse 29 of this chapter it talks about troubling his or her own house. Bringing calamity upon ourselves is not wise at all, and especially our own flesh. Being cruel can become a habit. The word “flesh” actually refers not only to the physical flesh but our kindred as well and comes from the Hebrew root word meaning remnant or left behind. The cruelty will not only affect ourselves but our family as well. There will be a growing distance created between loved ones due to the meanness if we do not put this flaw in check.

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

We already know the wicked are deceitful and work their treachery wherever they can but what does it mean to “soweth righteousness?” In this verse the word “soweth” means planting or putting into place to take root. There is no immediate reward in this activity. It is just the right thing to do. Another aspect to consider is that when we sew, there is hope of life in the soil. Look what Christ said; Matt 13:23 “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

This is basically saying that if we tend to that which is righteous, our lives will be filled with the hope of a full life. But in contrast, like the dog that chases his own tail, once caught finds himself squarely in the stench. Another translation says it like this, “He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, and he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.” (NAS) Notice it does not say, “when the wicked pursueth evil.” It just says, “he that pursueth evil.” This implies that anyone can pursue evil.

20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

The use of froward here is in the sense of, “twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, and perverted” which is why it is an abomination to the Lord. Upright is “complete, whole, entire, sound.” Contrasted, the sad state of one that is froward vs. the one that is His delight should concern us. Do we twist things, do we distort things, are we crooked at times? Perverse as defined by Merriam Webster: 1a: turned away from what is right or good, b: corrupt, improper, incorrect, c: contrary to the evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law, 2a: obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted. 3: marked by peevishness or petulance or CRANKY.[4]

That is a ton on just a definition but I want to make sure that as we read this we remember that many of the subtleties of these verses are etched into our own lives and this is the only way to go through them and examine them. You see if you just read the verse you could simply pass over it and think to yourself, “I’m ok on that one.” Without looking at the word froward you would not know the state of mind it was referring to. Go back and read the definitions above again and see if you occasionally have some of these traits. If you find yourself to have any of them repent and purpose to work on getting rid of that characteristic.

21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

At times I find myself flustered when I see what seems to be wicked people joined together and getting away with their sordid schemes. Then I have to realize judgment of them is not mine. This verse reminds us in a way to challenge ourselves to focus on Righteousness. It says even the seed of righteousness will be delivered. Don’t waist your time on contemplating the acts and deeds of the wicked.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

This is and interesting verse if you think about it because of the interesting way in which it places that which is ludicrous on display. No one would consider a swine anything but succulent at the feast, however, the placement of a jewel in the snout only serves to show a higher regard for how it looks than what it is for. Placing the jewel in the snout is in a sense a way to show haughtiness as well, displaying to everyone how rich and well off one might be. The same is true for the woman without discretion. She may be as ornate as any woman ever seen. She may have the clothes of a queen, the jewels of a dynasty and the fairness of a goddess, yet as she demonstrates her heart and mind by her actions, all she has is worthless and of no value.

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

Ok now, before you go off thinking your concerns are genuinely righteous, think about the last time that guy cut you off in traffic or someone took that parking spot from you, you know, “YOUR” parking place? Now tell me, was your desire for them good? Not likely. The thing to be careful with here is that even though my example may have proven a point, there are more serious situations that we can find in our lives where we desire other than good. Another example is when someone at work is up for a promotion. Are you hoping for good or are you praying the LORD will show the boss who should really get that promotion.

You might think of it like this, when I am in my righteous mood, my desires are good. Or, you could take it a step farther and say in general our desires are righteous, and God says the result of that is good. On the other hand, when we are not in our righteous behavioral state, we are like the wicked and have expectations and the result of those expectations is wrath. That is what this verse is trying to teach us. It is not saying that the expectation of the wicked is focused on judgment. Wrath is a resulting judgment, slaying them that are opposed to God. It is His outpouring overflow of excess fury. The wicked are clearly focused on their schemes and snares, which net them the fruits of death.

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

This is a principle based on sowing and reaping. When we sow, we receive. When we hold back, so does God. Just remember when we reap, you make it a point to give praise to God.

Many advisors might tell you that it is not wise to scatter what you have. What I am telling you is they are right. That is, if you scatter without discretion. By the same token, withholding is not good either and the results are similar. Use this example for instance, if you have more food than you can eat, what good will the leftovers be to you?

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

The word liberal here is not concerning any political alignment. The word is in the context on one who is blessed. So the verse could read, “The blessed soul shall be made fat.” Of course fat is not necessarily fat either but instead it implies prosperous. Back in the day of this translation one being fat was a sign of wealth and having the necessities of an abundant life.

Again, the purpose in this verse though is to demonstrate another way of saying, if you sow you will reap. “He that watereth,” has the sense of one having had their fill and there is an abundance for which to offer others. God does not expect us to take that which we need and serve it to others. If we begin to take that which we have in abundance and instead of hording it, offer it to someone else, that is when the principle is set in motion. Some will say it is necessary to offer out of sacrifice and there is sacrifice in some giving, however, in this verse it is talking about out of abundance resulting from earlier benevolence.

26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

Has it ever come to mind where you thought of an incredible way to get a increase in your wages? It was simple. Have the guy at the top of the company take less out of the profits and sprinkle them down among those actually doing the work. Seems simple. But what if you are the one at the top? I suppose we could say that if we are Christians then we certainly have an abundance somewhere in our lives. God promises that to all of us as we are His Children. To withhold or deny corn, one of the simplest of things, would we deny more precious things? In this case He not asking us to give it away either, He says sell it. This makes me wonder how much of anything we should really have as long as there is a need from others. See, you would need Wisdom to determine the balance.

27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

In seeking, sometimes the results are sparse. This verse is trying to say to us the benefits of seeking good, is an assurance in our souls and a fulfillment due to our diligence. See it does not say here we will have a bountiful spread of tangible items, no, it says favor. “Seeketh good” is not even talking about spiritual matters here either, it is referring to being prosperous, rich and having a bounty. Then you will be equipped to begin watering.

The form of mischief here is in the form of evil and unpleasant or giving pain. The principle states that if we seek to do that to someone it will come back to haunt them us. It is important to note concerning the principle of sowing and reaping, it works in the good things we sow as well as the bad things we sow. It works in the simplest of things and the most complex. It is a principle of the universe. Newton stated it this way, “For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction.” Newton was considered brilliant however, he stated that (1687) centuries after this principal was in effect.

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

Pertaining to the things that have meaning and worth has always been difficult to discern. Your riches may have meaning in your life because you worked for them and they did not just happen upon you in many cases. Somewhere along the line there was in you a commitment to pursue and gather your riches. Riches are the things of value. It is not necessary to attach these riches to ornate objects. For instance I have an older car, she is wonderful, she carries me from place to place as her purpose is designed. She is one of my riches. She is trouble free and yet full of the flaws of age. Nonetheless, I care for her in a righteous manner making sure she is maintained properly. This verse is basically saying that if you put all your trust in the things you have, you not have them long. Conversely, if you righteously pursue things you will flourish.

This verse also warns us about the placing of our hope and futures in something that cannot provide. It is senseless to fashion your comfort around your belongings and the deception of security they bring. Looking back in my past I noticed that many of the things that brought me great joy were things others thought to be nice. So it was nice having them. Now those things are gone and you know what? The reason they were treasured was because of what others thought of them and somehow that may bring them to have a higher opinion of me.

The word “flourish” has the sense of budding and sprouting with fresh healthy shoots of new growth while blossoms are apparent. Righteousness here is to have a just cause, to be just in conduct and character. Is it a wonder in this day and age that the righteous would flourish?

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Now why would anyone trouble his or her own house? The sense here is one of disturbing and stirring up trouble. I had a Sunday school teacher once that told me, “…the last words through your mind as you reach for the door knob to enter your home after work should be Amen as you finish your prayer asking God to bless your time at home and give you the spirit of peace.” I would say that is sound advice. The jest here is that if you trouble your house everyone will leave. You will be there alone, having your way because no one else can stand you.

“and the fool” here is talking about the person whom is perverse, quarrelsome and licentious. Licentious means lacking legal or moral restraints, especially: disregarding sexual restraints. By virtue of the fact that this context is used, the fool will never become free from being a servant first of all, and it would be especially loathsome to them to serve one of Wisdom. You see, it is not enough to know Wisdom, same as salvation and believing in the cursory sense, there is commitment of ones will to serve required.

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

The “tree of life” resides in heaven at this time and will become the centerpiece of the new Heaven as John described in Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." The tree is significant in that it yielded everlasting life: Genesis 3:22 "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:"

The benefit of a righteous life is life itself. Not only a life for ourselves but a life for others. “…he that winneth souls is wise.” Ec. 9:1 – “For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.” And James 2:18 – “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” The point here in this part of the verse is that the result of a righteous life is one full of the things that make for a life that is real. It has depth and meaning. It is not full of foolish intentions nor is it one of a solemn reclusive nature as expressed by “he that winneth souls.” You would have a hard time winning souls if you have yourself hidden away and separated.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

The word “recompensed” means being contently or peaceably bound by a covenant. That covenant is one set in motion by God. This is notification that even the righteous (because they are not perfect) will be punished when they break the covenant. That is why it says here too that the wicked and sinner will also be recompensed much more. The law governing our habitat is subject to God’s Will. The forces that control the cause and effect have been in place from their being spoken into existence. Everyone is subject to the same laws the same cause and effect, the same results of discerning actions or wicked intentions. If we conduct our lives with a commitment to righteousness then we will be punished less than those that are wicked.

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