Proverbs 11
World English Bible
WEB1A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are his delight. 2When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom. 3The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. 4Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires. 7When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing. 8A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place. 9With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge. 10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace. 13One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret. 14Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory. 15He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure. 16A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches. 17The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death. 20Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight. 21Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. 22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 23The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty. 25The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. 26People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 27He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him. 28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. 29He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls. 31Behold, the righteous shall be repaid on the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org
Overview
Proverbs Chapter 11 presents a series of wise sayings that contrast the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness, emphasizing the moral order established by God. The chapter begins by stating that a false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight (#Proverbs 11:1). This highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings, suggesting that God values fairness and justice in all aspects of life. The chapter continues to illustrate how pride leads to destruction, while humility brings wisdom (#Proverbs 11:2). This theme of humility versus pride is a recurring motif throughout the book of Proverbs, reminding us that true wisdom comes from recognizing our dependence on God.
The chapter also emphasizes the benefits of righteousness, stating that the righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their desires (#Proverbs 11:6). This serves as a powerful reminder that living a life aligned with God's principles leads to true freedom and protection. Additionally, the chapter discusses the impact of the righteous on their community, stating that the city rejoices when the righteous prosper, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked (#Proverbs 11:10-11). This illustrates the interconnectedness of individual behavior and communal well-being, reinforcing the idea that our actions have broader implications. Ultimately, Proverbs 11 encourages us to pursue righteousness, integrity, and humility, assuring us that these virtues lead to a life that honors God and benefits those around us.
Referenced by
- Exodus 1:20v18Exodus 1:20 shows God dealing well with the midwives for their faithfulness, reflecting the principle in Proverbs 11:18 that righteousness leads to a sure reward.
- Exodus 18:23v14Exodus 18:23 suggests that wise counsel leads to success, a concept echoed in Proverbs 11:14, which states that victory comes through many advisers.
- Deuteronomy 25:13-16v1Deuteronomy 25:13-16 warns against dishonest weights and measures, a principle echoed in Proverbs 11:1, which states that a false balance is an abomination to the Lord, emphasizing integrity in business practices.
- Job 27:13v21Job 27:13 describes the portion of the wicked from God, which is echoed in Proverbs 11:21, affirming that the wicked will not go unpunished.
- Psalms 58:11v18Psalm 58:11 declares that there is a reward for the righteous, which is affirmed in Proverbs 11:18 where it states that the one who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
- Proverbs 13:10v2Proverbs 13:10 and Proverbs 11:2 both discuss the role of pride in causing strife and the wisdom found in humility.
- James 3:13v2James 3:13 calls for wisdom demonstrated by good conduct and meekness, aligning with Proverbs 11:2, which states that with humility comes wisdom.
Topics in this chapter
- Wisdom
- Integrity
- Righteousness
- Generosity
- Justice
- Blessing
- Honesty
- Charity
- Humility
- Kindness
- Sowing and Reaping
- Speech
- Words
- Abomination
- Art in the Bible
- Community
- Counsel
- Decision Making
- Destruction
- Divine Justice
- Divine Reward
- Divine Wrath
- Ethics
- Evangelism
- Faith
- Fear of the Lord
- Folly
- Fool
- Generosity
- Governance
- Healing
- Honor
- Ignorance
- Israel
- Judgment
- Leadership
- Life
- Literature in the Bible
- Mercy
- Moral Order
- Pride
- Priorities in the Christian Life
- Prosperity
- Proverbs
- Provision
- Righteousness
- Self-Control
- Service
- Skillful Living
- Solomon
- Success
- True Wealth
- Trust
- Trusting God
- Truth
- Understanding
- Warnings in the Bible
- Wickedness
- Wickedness
- Wisdom Literature
- Wise Counsel
- Words Matter
Related chapters
- Proverbs 12Words MatterWordsSuccess
- Proverbs 14RighteousnessWickednessCounsel
- 2 Corinthians 9Sowing and ReapingGenerosity
- Proverbs 15WordsFoolCounsel
- Proverbs 10Words MatterMoral OrderWords
- Proverbs 19FoolCharityCounsel
- Proverbs 17Skillful LivingWords MatterWords
- Proverbs 18WordsFoolRighteousness
- Proverbs 21CharityRighteousnessWickedness
- Proverbs 28FoolCharityRighteousness
- Proverbs 16Words MatterWordsSuccess
- Job 27SpeechHonestyWickedness
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