Proverbs Chapter 11

From The Open Bible Project

11:1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are his delight.

• (a) Under this word he condemns all false weights, measures and deceit.

11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.

• (b) When man so gets himself, and thinks to be exalted above his calling then God brings him to confusion.

11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

11:4 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.

11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing.

11:8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place.

• (c) That is, will enter into trouble.

11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.

• (d) A deceiver who pretends friendship, but privately is an enemy.

11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.

• (e) The country is blessed, where there are godly men, and they ought to rejoice when the wicked are taken away.

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

11:12 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

• (f) Will not make light report of others.

11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.

11:14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

• (g) Where God gives store of men of wisdom and counsel.

11:15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.

• (h) He who does not without judgment and consideration of the circumstances put himself in danger, as in (Proverbs 6:1).
• (i) He who does not co-sign loans for others is very wise.

11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches.

11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

• (k) Rewards both himself and others.

11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

11:19 He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death.

11:20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.

11:21 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.

• (l) Though they make many friends, or think themselves sure, yet they will not escape.

11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.

• (m) They can look for nothing but God’s vengeance.

11:24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.

• (n) Meaning they who give liberally, whom God blesses.
• (o) That is, the miser.

11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.

11:26 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

• (p) That provides for the use of them who are in need.

11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.

11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

11:29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

• (q) The covetous men who spare their riches to the hinderance of their families, will be deprived of it miserably.
• (r) For though the wicked are rich, yet they are only slaves to the godly, who are the true possessors of the gifts of God.

11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.

• (s) That is, brings them to the knowledge of God.

11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!

• (t) Will be punished as he deserves, (1 Peter 4:18).