We continue our study of Proverbs with Chapter 11.
1. Righteousness Provides Protection; Wickedness Ensures Destruction (Proverbs 11: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 18, 19, 21, 23, 30, 31). When we are walking in the way of Jesus Christ then we are walking securely for "[t]he integrity of the upright guides them" (Proverbs 11:3 ESV) and "the righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight" (Proverbs 11:5 ESV). Moreover, we must be consistent in our walk for "[w]hoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die" (Proverbs 11:19 ESV).
2. Material Wealth is of Little Worth (Proverbs 11: 4, 7, 28). When the day of judgment comes our riches will not serve as a ransom for our souls but righteousness does (Proverbs 11:4 ESV; see also the story of Hezekiah at Isaiah 38:5). When we die what was the purpose of acquiring all of our wealth (Proverbs 11:7 ESV)? For someone else's enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 6:2). "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf." (Proverbs 11:28 ESV). As Matthew Henry indicates riches can actually reprove a man when he is brought to trial. Public opinion is inflamed against the wealthy person who has exploited others to his gain. We need only look at the French Revolution to see the ultimate effects of exploitation and the retribution that results.
3. The Mouth Holds the Power of Life and Death (Proverbs 11: 9, 11, 12, 13, 22). The man of scorn, mockery, slander and gossip can destroy his neighbor's career, relationships and life, so it is that "[w]ith his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor.." (Proverbs 11:9 ESV). Therefore, we must exercise discretion, good judgment and speak graciously (although truthfully), for "by knowledge the righteous are delivered." (Proverbs 11:9 ESV). We should also be quick to bless for "by the blessing of the upright a city is exalted..." (Proverbs 11:11).
4. Bless in Word and Deed and You Will be Blessed (Proverbs 11: 24, 25, 26). If you give you will only grow richer (Proverbs 11:24 ESV) but if you hold back what you should give you will suffer for it (id; Proverbs 11: 26 ESV).
Other lessons: Do not cheat others but be fair in your dealings (Proverbs 11:1 ESV; see Matthew Henry commentary for more on this); Pride brings shame but humility brings with it wisdom (Proverbs 11:2 ESV); Seek a multitude of counsel (Proverbs 11:14 ESV); Be hesitant to pledge or put up security (Proverbs 11:15 ESV); Graciousness brings honor to a woman (Proverbs 11:16 ESV); The violent get riches (perhaps through plunder?)(Proverbs 11:16 ESV); You benefit yourself by your kindness and hurt yourself by your cruelty (Proverbs 11:17); The Lord loves the righteous and hates the wicked (Proverbs 11:20); Even the children of the righteous will be rewarded (Proverbs 11:21); Look to do good and you will receive it, look to do evil and you will receive it (Proverbs 11:27); Don't trouble your own family or house (Proverbs 11:29); The fool will be servant to the wise (Proverbs 11:29); Capturing souls for Christ is wisdom (Proverbs 11:30).
*ESV=English Standard Version
1. Righteousness Provides Protection; Wickedness Ensures Destruction (Proverbs 11: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 18, 19, 21, 23, 30, 31). When we are walking in the way of Jesus Christ then we are walking securely for "[t]he integrity of the upright guides them" (Proverbs 11:3 ESV) and "the righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight" (Proverbs 11:5 ESV). Moreover, we must be consistent in our walk for "[w]hoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die" (Proverbs 11:19 ESV).
2. Material Wealth is of Little Worth (Proverbs 11: 4, 7, 28). When the day of judgment comes our riches will not serve as a ransom for our souls but righteousness does (Proverbs 11:4 ESV; see also the story of Hezekiah at Isaiah 38:5). When we die what was the purpose of acquiring all of our wealth (Proverbs 11:7 ESV)? For someone else's enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 6:2). "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf." (Proverbs 11:28 ESV). As Matthew Henry indicates riches can actually reprove a man when he is brought to trial. Public opinion is inflamed against the wealthy person who has exploited others to his gain. We need only look at the French Revolution to see the ultimate effects of exploitation and the retribution that results.
3. The Mouth Holds the Power of Life and Death (Proverbs 11: 9, 11, 12, 13, 22). The man of scorn, mockery, slander and gossip can destroy his neighbor's career, relationships and life, so it is that "[w]ith his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor.." (Proverbs 11:9 ESV). Therefore, we must exercise discretion, good judgment and speak graciously (although truthfully), for "by knowledge the righteous are delivered." (Proverbs 11:9 ESV). We should also be quick to bless for "by the blessing of the upright a city is exalted..." (Proverbs 11:11).
4. Bless in Word and Deed and You Will be Blessed (Proverbs 11: 24, 25, 26). If you give you will only grow richer (Proverbs 11:24 ESV) but if you hold back what you should give you will suffer for it (id; Proverbs 11: 26 ESV).
Other lessons: Do not cheat others but be fair in your dealings (Proverbs 11:1 ESV; see Matthew Henry commentary for more on this); Pride brings shame but humility brings with it wisdom (Proverbs 11:2 ESV); Seek a multitude of counsel (Proverbs 11:14 ESV); Be hesitant to pledge or put up security (Proverbs 11:15 ESV); Graciousness brings honor to a woman (Proverbs 11:16 ESV); The violent get riches (perhaps through plunder?)(Proverbs 11:16 ESV); You benefit yourself by your kindness and hurt yourself by your cruelty (Proverbs 11:17); The Lord loves the righteous and hates the wicked (Proverbs 11:20); Even the children of the righteous will be rewarded (Proverbs 11:21); Look to do good and you will receive it, look to do evil and you will receive it (Proverbs 11:27); Don't trouble your own family or house (Proverbs 11:29); The fool will be servant to the wise (Proverbs 11:29); Capturing souls for Christ is wisdom (Proverbs 11:30).
*ESV=English Standard Version
