Proverbs 11 Commentary: Wisdom for Life and Godliness
A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Proverbs 11 offers a tapestry of practical wisdom, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. Solomon, the sage, presents these observations as guiding principles for navigating life with integrity and foresight. This chapter, building upon the themes of Proverbs 10, emphasizes the distinctions between honesty and deceit, trust in God versus reliance on wealth, and the far-reaching consequences of both godly and ungodly living.
Integrity and Dishonesty (Proverbs 11:1-3)
The chapter opens with a strong condemnation of dishonesty: "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight" (Proverbs 11:1). This verse speaks directly to integrity in business and all dealings. God detests dishonesty in the marketplace. He delights in and blesses those who conduct business with integrity, no matter how others operate. God's blessing rests upon those who deal justly, reflecting His own character in their transactions.
True wisdom begins with humility. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2). God is ready to grant us wisdom in abundance, but we have to admit our need. Arrogance leads to downfall, while humility opens the door to understanding. We must humble ourselves and admit that we don’t know everything. We need to stop flying blind and start communicating with the one in the control tower who can see everything and lead us to our destination.
Integrity is more than just avoiding dishonesty; it's a guiding force in life. "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them" (Proverbs 11:3). Walking in the integrity that comes from being in alignment with God’s priorities will guide you. The righteous are kept from a bad reputation, from suffering the consequences of sin, and from being taken in by their own greed.
Wealth, Righteousness, and Deliverance (Proverbs 11:4-10)
The fleeting nature of earthly wealth is contrasted with the enduring value of righteousness. "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 11:4). Whatever success and profit the wicked have in this life will eventually come to ruin. Wealth cannot protect the wicked from judgment; you can’t buy off God. The righteous, though, will be rescued.
The path of the righteous is characterized by integrity and justice. "The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness" (Proverbs 11:5). The way of the righteous is a path that avoids the pitfalls of sin and leads to a good reputation. Those who reject wisdom are consumed and destroyed by their own evil.
The hope of the righteous stands in stark contrast to the fate of the wicked. "When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth vanishes" (Proverbs 11:7). At a wicked man’s death, people don’t even grieve; they celebrate (Proverbs 11:10). After death, he is consigned to a joyless eternity separated from God. There is no fulfillment in hell, no dreams, only bitter regrets.
The deliverance of the righteous brings joy to the community. "When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness" (Proverbs 11:10).
Influence and Words (Proverbs 11:11-13)
The impact of the righteous extends beyond their individual lives, shaping the well-being of entire communities. "By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown" (Proverbs 11:11). A city is built up by the blessing of the upright; thus, God’s kingdom agenda is to be lived out by Christians as they interact with their world. We must align our lives with his game plan as we love God, love our neighbors, and influence our society. When Christians live with righteousness and justice, unbelievers will see God’s truth in action and be blessed by it.
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. "Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent" (Proverbs 11:12). Wisdom is demonstrated by what does and does not come out of a person’s mouth. A person with understanding keeps silent and does not show contempt for his neighbor by spewing out hatred (Proverbs 11:12).
Trustworthiness is a hallmark of the wise. "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered" (Proverbs 11:13). How do you identify a trustworthy person? See if they can keep a secret. If they prefer spilling the beans in gossip, they don’t deserve your confidence.
Counsel and Security (Proverbs 11:14-15)
Seeking wise counsel is essential for success. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Don’t be a Lone Ranger Christian. Don’t think you can succeed apart from the help of a community of believers in a local church. Instead, seek guidance from many counselors who will speak the divine viewpoint into your life.
Guaranteeing another person's debt is a risky undertaking. "Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure" (Proverbs 11:15).
Rewards of Righteousness and Wickedness (Proverbs 11:16-21)
These verses are examples that describe the practical outcomes of two opposing mindsets, righteousness and wickedness. An evil person may gain riches temporarily (Proverbs 11:16). But, in the end, he brings disaster, punishment, and death upon himself (Proverbs 11:17, 19, 21) and is detestable to the LORD (Proverbs 11:20). In contrast, the righteous person gains honor, benefit, and reward (Proverbs 11:16-18); such a person is God’s delight (Proverbs 11:20).
Inner Beauty (Proverbs 11:22)
External beauty without inner character is shallow and ultimately unattractive. "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion" (Proverbs 11:22). Nothing is more attractive than a wise woman who makes God’s agenda her own (see 31:10-31). But, if a physically beautiful woman rejects good sense, at heart she’s no more attractive than a pig’s snout adorned with a gold ring. In other words, it doesn’t matter how you try to dress up foolishness. Put lipstick on a pig, and it’s still a pig.
Desires and Outcomes (Proverbs 11:23)
The desires of the righteous lead to good, while the hopes of the wicked lead to wrath. "The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath" (Proverbs 11:23).
Generosity and Prosperity (Proverbs 11:24-26)
Generosity is a key characteristic of the righteous, and it leads to abundance. "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want" (Proverbs 11:24). These verses emphasize the importance of generosity. Giving is an act of worship to God. It reveals who comes first in our lives (see 3:9). When we use our money and resources to promote God’s agenda—building up the saints, spreading the gospel, helping those in need—he promises blessing, which is the capacity to enjoy and extend his goodness (see 10:22).
Seeking Good and Evil (Proverbs 11:27)
Our pursuits shape our destiny. "Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it" (Proverbs 11:27). “The one who seeks finds,” Jesus said in Matthew 7:8. Thus, whoever searches for what is good won’t be disappointed (see 8:17). But this same principle applies to those who go hunting for evil. Look for trouble, and it will come find you.
Trust and Righteousness (Proverbs 11:28-31)
Trusting in riches is a path to ruin, while the righteous flourish. "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf" (Proverbs 11:28). God may provide riches or not. Regardless, anyone trusting in his riches will fall. As Solomon has said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (3:5). Nothing else can support you.
The fruit of righteousness is life-giving. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Righteous living, on the other hand, is like a tree of life. A wise person captivates people (Proverbs 11:30).
The chapter concludes with a reminder that both the righteous and the wicked will receive their due reward. "If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!" (Proverbs 11:31). Sometimes it seems the wicked have it made in life, but that’s an illusion. If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful. God may choose to demonstrate his righteous judgment on sin while a sinner is still living. But even if an evildoer escapes condemnation in this life, all his glittering gold means nothing in the end.
A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Proverbs 11 offers a tapestry of practical wisdom, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. Solomon, the sage, presents these observations as guiding principles for navigating life with integrity and foresight. This chapter, building upon the themes of Proverbs 10, emphasizes the distinctions between honesty and deceit, trust in God versus reliance on wealth, and the far-reaching consequences of both godly and ungodly living.
Integrity and Dishonesty (Proverbs 11:1-3)
The chapter opens with a strong condemnation of dishonesty: "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight" (Proverbs 11:1). This verse speaks directly to integrity in business and all dealings. God detests dishonesty in the marketplace. He delights in and blesses those who conduct business with integrity, no matter how others operate. God's blessing rests upon those who deal justly, reflecting His own character in their transactions.
True wisdom begins with humility. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2). God is ready to grant us wisdom in abundance, but we have to admit our need. Arrogance leads to downfall, while humility opens the door to understanding. We must humble ourselves and admit that we don’t know everything. We need to stop flying blind and start communicating with the one in the control tower who can see everything and lead us to our destination.
Integrity is more than just avoiding dishonesty; it's a guiding force in life. "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them" (Proverbs 11:3). Walking in the integrity that comes from being in alignment with God’s priorities will guide you. The righteous are kept from a bad reputation, from suffering the consequences of sin, and from being taken in by their own greed.
Wealth, Righteousness, and Deliverance (Proverbs 11:4-10)
The fleeting nature of earthly wealth is contrasted with the enduring value of righteousness. "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 11:4). Whatever success and profit the wicked have in this life will eventually come to ruin. Wealth cannot protect the wicked from judgment; you can’t buy off God. The righteous, though, will be rescued.
The path of the righteous is characterized by integrity and justice. "The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness" (Proverbs 11:5). The way of the righteous is a path that avoids the pitfalls of sin and leads to a good reputation. Those who reject wisdom are consumed and destroyed by their own evil.
The hope of the righteous stands in stark contrast to the fate of the wicked. "When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth vanishes" (Proverbs 11:7). At a wicked man’s death, people don’t even grieve; they celebrate (Proverbs 11:10). After death, he is consigned to a joyless eternity separated from God. There is no fulfillment in hell, no dreams, only bitter regrets.
The deliverance of the righteous brings joy to the community. "When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness" (Proverbs 11:10).
Influence and Words (Proverbs 11:11-13)
The impact of the righteous extends beyond their individual lives, shaping the well-being of entire communities. "By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown" (Proverbs 11:11). A city is built up by the blessing of the upright; thus, God’s kingdom agenda is to be lived out by Christians as they interact with their world. We must align our lives with his game plan as we love God, love our neighbors, and influence our society. When Christians live with righteousness and justice, unbelievers will see God’s truth in action and be blessed by it.
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. "Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent" (Proverbs 11:12). Wisdom is demonstrated by what does and does not come out of a person’s mouth. A person with understanding keeps silent and does not show contempt for his neighbor by spewing out hatred (Proverbs 11:12).
Trustworthiness is a hallmark of the wise. "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered" (Proverbs 11:13). How do you identify a trustworthy person? See if they can keep a secret. If they prefer spilling the beans in gossip, they don’t deserve your confidence.
Counsel and Security (Proverbs 11:14-15)
Seeking wise counsel is essential for success. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Don’t be a Lone Ranger Christian. Don’t think you can succeed apart from the help of a community of believers in a local church. Instead, seek guidance from many counselors who will speak the divine viewpoint into your life.
Guaranteeing another person's debt is a risky undertaking. "Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure" (Proverbs 11:15).
Rewards of Righteousness and Wickedness (Proverbs 11:16-21)
These verses are examples that describe the practical outcomes of two opposing mindsets, righteousness and wickedness. An evil person may gain riches temporarily (Proverbs 11:16). But, in the end, he brings disaster, punishment, and death upon himself (Proverbs 11:17, 19, 21) and is detestable to the LORD (Proverbs 11:20). In contrast, the righteous person gains honor, benefit, and reward (Proverbs 11:16-18); such a person is God’s delight (Proverbs 11:20).
Inner Beauty (Proverbs 11:22)
External beauty without inner character is shallow and ultimately unattractive. "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion" (Proverbs 11:22). Nothing is more attractive than a wise woman who makes God’s agenda her own (see 31:10-31). But, if a physically beautiful woman rejects good sense, at heart she’s no more attractive than a pig’s snout adorned with a gold ring. In other words, it doesn’t matter how you try to dress up foolishness. Put lipstick on a pig, and it’s still a pig.
Desires and Outcomes (Proverbs 11:23)
The desires of the righteous lead to good, while the hopes of the wicked lead to wrath. "The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath" (Proverbs 11:23).
Generosity and Prosperity (Proverbs 11:24-26)
Generosity is a key characteristic of the righteous, and it leads to abundance. "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want" (Proverbs 11:24). These verses emphasize the importance of generosity. Giving is an act of worship to God. It reveals who comes first in our lives (see 3:9). When we use our money and resources to promote God’s agenda—building up the saints, spreading the gospel, helping those in need—he promises blessing, which is the capacity to enjoy and extend his goodness (see 10:22).
Seeking Good and Evil (Proverbs 11:27)
Our pursuits shape our destiny. "Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it" (Proverbs 11:27). “The one who seeks finds,” Jesus said in Matthew 7:8. Thus, whoever searches for what is good won’t be disappointed (see 8:17). But this same principle applies to those who go hunting for evil. Look for trouble, and it will come find you.
Trust and Righteousness (Proverbs 11:28-31)
Trusting in riches is a path to ruin, while the righteous flourish. "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf" (Proverbs 11:28). God may provide riches or not. Regardless, anyone trusting in his riches will fall. As Solomon has said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (3:5). Nothing else can support you.
The fruit of righteousness is life-giving. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Righteous living, on the other hand, is like a tree of life. A wise person captivates people (Proverbs 11:30).
The chapter concludes with a reminder that both the righteous and the wicked will receive their due reward. "If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!" (Proverbs 11:31). Sometimes it seems the wicked have it made in life, but that’s an illusion. If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful. God may choose to demonstrate his righteous judgment on sin while a sinner is still living. But even if an evildoer escapes condemnation in this life, all his glittering gold means nothing in the end.