Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Proverbs » Chapter 11

Proverbs 11:1-31 King James Version (KJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 11:1-31 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 A false H4820 balance H3976 is abomination H8441 to the LORD: H3068 but a just H8003 weight H68 is his delight. H7522

2 When pride H2087 cometh, H935 then cometh H935 shame: H7036 but with the lowly H6800 is wisdom. H2451

3 The integrity H8538 of the upright H3477 shall guide H5148 them: but the perverseness H5558 of transgressors H898 shall destroy H7703 H7703 them.

4 Riches H1952 profit H3276 not in the day H3117 of wrath: H5678 but righteousness H6666 delivereth H5337 from death. H4194

5 The righteousness H6666 of the perfect H8549 shall direct H3474 his way: H1870 but the wicked H7563 shall fall H5307 by his own wickedness. H7564

6 The righteousness H6666 of the upright H3477 shall deliver H5337 them: but transgressors H898 shall be taken H3920 in their own naughtiness. H1942

7 When a wicked H7563 man H120 dieth, H4194 his expectation H8615 shall perish: H6 and the hope H8431 of unjust H205 men perisheth. H6

8 The righteous H6662 is delivered out H2502 of trouble, H6869 and the wicked H7563 cometh H935 in his stead.

9 An hypocrite H2611 with his mouth H6310 destroyeth H7843 his neighbour: H7453 but through knowledge H1847 shall the just H6662 be delivered. H2502

10 When it goeth well H2898 with the righteous, H6662 the city H7151 rejoiceth: H5970 and when the wicked H7563 perish, H6 there is shouting. H7440

11 By the blessing H1293 of the upright H3477 the city H7176 is exalted: H7311 but it is overthrown H2040 by the mouth H6310 of the wicked. H7563

12 He that is void H2638 of wisdom H3820 despiseth H936 his neighbour: H7453 but a man H376 of understanding H8394 holdeth his peace. H2790

13 A talebearer H1980 H7400 revealeth H1540 secrets: H5475 but he that is of a faithful H539 spirit H7307 concealeth H3680 the matter. H1697

14 Where no counsel H8458 is, the people H5971 fall: H5307 but in the multitude H7230 of counsellors H3289 there is safety. H8668

15 He that is surety H6148 for a stranger H2114 shall smart H7321 H7451 for it: and he that hateth H8130 suretiship H8628 is sure. H982

16 A gracious H2580 woman H802 retaineth H8551 honour: H3519 and strong H6184 men retain H8551 riches. H6239

17 The merciful H2617 man H376 doeth good H1580 to his own soul: H5315 but he that is cruel H394 troubleth H5916 his own flesh. H7607

18 The wicked H7563 worketh H6213 a deceitful H8267 work: H6468 but to him that soweth H2232 righteousness H6666 shall be a sure H571 reward. H7938

19 As righteousness H6666 tendeth to life: H2416 so he that pursueth H7291 evil H7451 pursueth it to his own death. H4194

20 They that are of a froward H6141 heart H3820 are abomination H8441 to the LORD: H3068 but such as are upright H8549 in their way H1870 are his delight. H7522

21 Though hand H3027 join in hand, H3027 the wicked H7451 shall not be unpunished: H5352 but the seed H2233 of the righteous H6662 shall be delivered. H4422

22 As a jewel H5141 of gold H2091 in a swine's H2386 snout, H639 so is a fair H3303 woman H802 which is without H5493 discretion. H2940

23 The desire H8378 of the righteous H6662 is only good: H2896 but the expectation H8615 of the wicked H7563 is wrath. H5678

24 There is H3426 that scattereth, H6340 and yet increaseth; H3254 and there is that withholdeth H2820 more than is meet, H3476 but it tendeth to poverty. H4270

25 The liberal H1293 soul H5315 shall be made fat: H1878 and he that watereth H7301 shall be watered H3384 also himself.

26 He that withholdeth H4513 corn, H1250 the people H3816 shall curse H5344 him: but blessing H1293 shall be upon the head H7218 of him that selleth H7666 it.

27 He that diligently seeketh H7836 good H2896 procureth H1245 favour: H7522 but he that seeketh H1875 mischief, H7451 it shall come H935 unto him.

28 He that trusteth H982 in his riches H6239 shall fall: H5307 but the righteous H6662 shall flourish H6524 as a branch. H5929

29 He that troubleth H5916 his own house H1004 shall inherit H5157 the wind: H7307 and the fool H191 shall be servant H5650 to the wise H2450 of heart. H3820

30 The fruit H6529 of the righteous H6662 is a tree H6086 of life; H2416 and he that winneth H3947 souls H5315 is wise. H2450

31 Behold, the righteous H6662 shall be recompensed H7999 in the earth: H776 much more the wicked H7563 and the sinner. H2398

Proverbs 11:1-31 American Standard (ASV)

1 A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them; But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath; But righteousness delivereth from death.

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

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.

7 When a wicked man dieth, `his' expectation shall perish; And the hope of iniquity perisheth.

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

9 With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

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

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.

14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure.

16 A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches.

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

18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness `hath' a sure reward.

19 He that is stedfast in righteousness `shall attain' unto life; And he that pursueth evil `doeth it' to his own death.

20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in `their' way are his delight.

21 `Though' hand `join' in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 `As' a ring of gold in a swine's snout, `So is' a fair woman that is without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good; `But' the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but `it tendeth' only to want.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat; And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

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

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

Proverbs 11:1-31 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 Balances of deceit `are' an abomination to Jehovah, And a perfect weight `is' His delight.

2 Pride hath come, and shame cometh, And with the lowly `is' wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright leadeth them, And the perverseness of the treacherous destroyeth them.

4 Wealth profiteth not in a day of wrath, And righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect maketh right his way, And by his wickedness doth the wicked fall.

6 The righteousness of the upright delivereth them, And in mischief the treacherous are captured.

7 In the death of a wicked man, hope perisheth, And the expectation of the iniquitous hath been lost.

8 The righteous from distress is drawn out, And the wicked goeth in instead of him.

9 With the mouth a hypocrite corrupteth his friend, And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out.

10 In the good of the righteous a city exulteth, And in the destruction of the wicked `is' singing.

11 By the blessing of the upright is a city exalted, And by the mouth of the wicked thrown down.

12 Whoso is despising his neighbour lacketh heart, And a man of understanding keepeth silence.

13 A busybody is revealing secret counsel, And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.

14 Without counsels do a people fall, And deliverance `is' in a multitude of counsellors.

15 Evil `one' suffereth when he hath been surety `for' a stranger, And whoso is hating suretyship is confident.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour, And terrible `men' retain riches.

17 A kind man is rewarding his own soul, And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.

18 The wicked is getting a lying wage, And whoso is sowing righteousness -- a true reward.

19 Rightly `is' righteousness for life, And whoso is pursuing evil -- for his own death.

20 An abomination to Jehovah `are' the perverse of heart, And the perfect of the way `are' His delight.

21 Hand to hand, the wicked is not acquitted, And the seed of the righteous hath escaped.

22 A ring of gold in the nose of a sow -- A fair woman and stubborn of behaviour.

23 The desire of the righteous `is' only good, The hope of the wicked `is' transgression.

24 There is who is scattering, and yet is increased, And who is keeping back from uprightness, only to want.

25 A liberal soul is made fat, And whoso is watering, he also is watered.

26 Whoso is withholding corn, the people execrate him, And a blessing `is' for the head of him who is selling.

27 Whoso is earnestly seeking good Seeketh a pleasing thing, And whoso is seeking evil -- it meeteth him.

28 Whoso is confident in his wealth he falleth, And as a leaf, the righteous flourish.

29 Whoso is troubling his own house inheriteth wind, And a servant `is' the fool to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous `is' a tree of life, And whoso is taking souls `is' wise.

31 Lo, the righteous in the earth is recompensed, Surely also the wicked and the sinner!

Proverbs 11:1-31 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; but a just weight is his delight.

2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright guideth them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroyeth them.

4 Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way; but the wicked falleth by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright delivereth them; but the treacherous are taken in their own craving.

7 When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish; and the hope of evil [men] perisheth.

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

9 With his mouth a hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge are the righteous delivered.

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

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

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

13 He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

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

15 It goeth ill with him that is surety for another; but he that hateth suretyship is secure.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.

19 As righteousness [tendeth] to life, so he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death.

20 The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in [their] way are his delight.

21 Hand for hand! an evil [man] shall not be held innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 A fair woman who is without discretion, is [as] a gold ring in a swine's snout.

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

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is right, but [it tendeth] only to want.

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

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

27 He that is earnest after good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for mischief, it shall come upon him.

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

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

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

31 Behold, the righteous shall be requited on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner.

Proverbs 11:1-31 World English Bible (WEB)

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

2 When pride comes, then comes shame, But with humility comes wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 A gracious woman obtains honor, But violent men obtain riches.

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

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

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

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

21 Most assuredly, the evil man will not be unpunished, But the seed of the righteous will be delivered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 11:1-31 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Scales of deceit are hated by the Lord, but a true weight is his delight.

2 When pride comes, there comes shame, but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.

3 The righteousness of the upright will be their guide, but the twisted ways of the false will be their destruction.

4 Wealth is of no profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness keeps a man safe from death.

5 The righteousness of the good man will make his way straight, but the sin of the evil-doer will be the cause of his fall.

6 The righteousness of the upright will be their salvation, but the false will themselves be taken in their evil designs.

7 At the death of an upright man his hope does not come to an end, but the hope of the evil-doer comes to destruction.

8 The upright man is taken out of trouble, and in his place comes the sinner.

9 With his mouth the evil man sends destruction on his neighbour; but through knowledge the upright are taken out of trouble.

10 When things go well for the upright man, all the town is glad; at the death of sinners, there are cries of joy.

11 By the blessing of the upright man the town is made great, but it is overturned by the mouth of the evil-doer.

12 He who has a poor opinion of his neighbour has no sense, but a wise man keeps quiet.

13 He who goes about talking of others makes secrets public, but the true-hearted man keeps things covered.

14 When there is no helping suggestion the people will have a fall, but with a number of wise guides they will be safe.

15 He who makes himself responsible for a strange man will undergo much loss; but the hater of such undertakings will be safe.

16 A woman who is full of grace is honoured, but a woman hating righteousness is a seat of shame: those hating work will undergo loss, but the strong keep their wealth.

17 The man who has mercy will be rewarded, but the cruel man is the cause of trouble to himself.

18 The sinner gets the payment of deceit; but his reward is certain who puts in the seed of righteousness.

19 So righteousness gives life; but he who goes after evil gets death for himself.

20 The uncontrolled are hated by the Lord, but those whose ways are without error are his delight

21 Certainly the evil-doer will not go free from punishment, but the seed of the upright man will be safe.

22 Like a ring of gold in the nose of a pig, is a beautiful woman who has no sense.

23 The desire of the upright man is only for good, but wrath is waiting for the evil-doer.

24 A man may give freely, and still his wealth will be increased; and another may keep back more than is right, but only comes to be in need.

25 He who gives blessing will be made fat, but the curser will himself be cursed.

26 He who keeps back grain will be cursed by the people; but a blessing will be on the head of him who lets them have it for a price.

27 He who, with all his heart, goes after what is good is searching for grace; but he who is looking for trouble will get it.

28 He who puts his faith in wealth will come to nothing; but the upright man will be full of growth like the green leaf.

29 The troubler of his house will have the wind for his heritage, and the foolish will be servant to the wise-hearted.

30 The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, but violent behaviour takes away souls.

31 If the upright man is rewarded on earth, how much more the evil-doer and the sinner!

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Proverbs 11

Commentary on Proverbs 11 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Keil & Delitzsch   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 11

Pro 11:1

As religion towards God is a branch of universal righteousness (he is not an honest man that is not devout), so righteousness towards men is a branch of true religion, for he is not a godly man that is not honest, nor can he expect that his devotion should be accepted; for,

  • 1. Nothing is more offensive to God than deceit in commerce. A false balance is here put for all manner of unjust and fraudulent practices in dealing with any person, which are all an abomination to the Lord, and render those abominable to him that allow themselves in the use of such accursed arts of thriving. It is an affront to justice, which God is the patron of, as well as a wrong to our neighbour, whom God is the protector of. Men make light of such frauds, and think there is no sin in that which there is money to be got by, and, while it passes undiscovered, they cannot blame themselves for it; a blot is no blot till it is hit, Hos. 12:7, 8. But they are not the less an abomination to God, who will be the avenger of those that are defrauded by their brethren.
  • 2. Nothing is more pleasing to God than fair and honest dealing, nor more necessary to make us and our devotions acceptable to him: A just weight is his delight. He himself goes by a just weight, and holds the scale of judgment with an even hand, and therefore is pleased with those that are herein followers of him. A balance cheats, under pretence of doing right most exactly, and therefore is the greater abomination to God.

Pro 11:2

Observe,

  • 1. How he that exalts himself is here abased, and contempt put upon him. When pride comes then comes shame. Pride is a sin which men have reason to be themselves ashamed of; it is a shame to a man who springs out of the earth, who lives upon alms, depends upon God, and has forfeited all he has, to be proud. It is a sin which others cry out shame on and look upon with disdain; he that is haughty makes himself contemptible; it is a sin for which God often brings men down, as he did Nebuchadnezzar and Herod, whose ignominy immediately attended their vain-glory; for God resists the proud, contradicts them, and counterworks them, in the thing they are proud of, Isa. 2:11, etc.
  • 2. How he that humbles himself is here exalted, and a high character is given him. As with the proud there is folly, and will be shame, so with the lowly there is wisdom, and will be honour, for a man's wisdom gains him respect and makes his face to shine before men; or, if any be so base as to trample upon the humble, God will give them grace which will be their glory. Considering how safe, and quiet, and easy, those are that are of a humble spirit, what communion they have with God and comfort in themselves, we will say, With the lowly is wisdom.

Pro 11:3

It is not only promised that God will guide the upright, and threatened that he will destroy the transgressors, but, that we may be the more fully assured of both, it is here represented as if the nature of the thing were such on both sides that it would do it itself.

  • 1. The integrity of an honest man will itself be his guide in the way of duty and the way of safety. His principles are fixed, his rule is certain, and therefore his way is plain; his sincerity keeps him steady, and he needs not tack about every time the wind turns, having no other end to drive at than to keep a good conscience. Integrity and uprightness will preserve men, Ps. 25:21.
  • 2. The iniquity of a bad man will itself be his ruin. As the plainness of a good man will be his protection, though he is ever so much exposed, so the perverseness of sinners will be their destruction, though they think themselves eve so well fortified. They shall fall into pits of their own digging, ch. 5:22.

Pro 11:4

Note,

  • 1. The day of death will be a day of wrath. It is a messenger of God's wrath; therefore when Moses had meditated on man's mortality he takes occasion thence to admire the power of God's anger, Ps. 90:11. It is a debt owing, not to nature, but to God's justice. After death the judgment, and that is a day of wrath, Rev. 6:17.
  • 2. Riches will stand men in no stead that day. They will neither put by the stroke nor ease the pain, much less take out the sting; what profit will this world's birth-rights be of then? In the day of public judgments riches often expose men rather than protect them, Eze. 7:19.
  • 3. It is righteousness only that will deliver from the evil of death. A good conscience will make death easy, and take off the terror of it; it is the privilege of the righteous only not to be hurt of the second death, and so not much hurt by the first.

Pro 11:5-6

These two verses are, in effect, the same, and both to the same purport with v. 3. For the truths are here of such certainty and weight that they cannot be too often inculcated. Let us govern ourselves by these principles.

  • I. That the ways of religion are plain and safe, and in them we may enjoy a holy security. A living principle of honesty and grace will be,
    • 1. Our best direction in the right way, in every doubtful case to say to us, This is the way, walk in it. He that acts without a guide looks right on and sees his way before him.
    • 2. Our best deliverance from every false way: The righteousness of the upright shall be armour of proof to them, to deliver them from the allurements of the devil and the world, and from their menaces.

The ways of wickedness are dangerous and destructive: The wicked shall fail into misery and ruin by their own wickedness, and be taken in their own naughtiness as in a snare. O Israel! thou hast destroyed thyself. Their sin will be their punishment; that very thing by which they contrived to shelter themselves will make against them.

Pro 11:7

Note,

  • 1. Even wicked men, while they live, may keep up a confident expectation of a happiness when they die, or at least a happiness in this world. The hypocrite has his hope, in which he wraps himself as the spider in her web. The worldling expects great matters from his wealth; he calls it goods laid up for many years, and hopes to take his ease in it and to be merry; but in death their expectation will be frustrated: the worldling must leave this world which he expected to continue in and the hypocrite will come short of that world which he expected to remove to, Job 27:8.
  • 2. It will be the great aggravation of the misery of wicked people that their hopes will sink into despair just when they expect them to be crowned with fruition. When a godly man dies his expectations are out-done, and all his fears vanish; but when a wicked man dies his expectations are dashed, dashed to pieces; in that very day his thoughts perish with which he had pleased himself, his hopes vanish.

Pro 11:8

As always in death, so sometimes in life, the righteous are remarkably favoured and the wicked crossed.

  • 1. Good people are helped out of the distresses which they thought themselves lost in, and their feet are set in a large room, Ps. 66:12; 34:19. God has found out a way to deliver his people even when they have despaired and their enemies have triumphed, as if the wilderness had shut them in.
  • 2. The wicked have fallen into the distresses which they thought themselves far from, nay, which they had been instrumental to bring the righteous into, so that they seem to come in their stead, as a ransom for the just. Mordecai is saved from the gallows, Daniel from the lion's den, and Peter from the prison; and their persecutors come in their stead. The Israelites are delivered out of the Red Sea and the Egyptians drowned in it. So precious are the saints in God's eye that he gives men for them, Isa. 43:3, 4.

Pro 11:9

Here is,

  • 1. Hypocrisy designing ill. It is not only the murderer with his sword, but the hypocrite with his mouth, that destroys his neighbour, decoying him into sin, or into mischief, by the specious pretences of kindness and good-will. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, but no tongue more fatal than the flattering tongue.
  • 2. Honesty defeating the design and escaping the snare: Through knowledge of the devices of Satan shall the just be delivered from the snares which the hypocrite has laid for him; seducers shall not deceive the elect. By the knowledge of God, and the scriptures, and their own hearts, shall the just be delivered from those that lie in wait to deceive, and so to destroy, Rom. 16:18, 19.

Pro 11:10-11

It is here observed,

  • I. That good men are generally well-beloved by their neighbours, but nobody cares for wicked people.
    • 1. It is true there are some few that are enemies to the righteous, that are prejudiced against God and godliness, and are therefore vexed to see good men in power and prosperity; but all indifferent persons, even those that have no great stock of religion themselves, have a good word for a good man; and therefore when it goes well with the righteous, when they are advanced and put into a capacity of doing good according to their desire, it is so much the better for all about them, and the city rejoices. For the honour and encouragement of virtue, and as it is the accomplishment of the promise of God, we should be glad to see virtuous men prosper in the world, and brought into reputation.
    • 2. Wicked people may perhaps have here and there a well-wisher among those who are altogether such as themselves, but among the generality of their neighbours they get ill-will; they may be feared, but they are not loved, and therefore when they perish there is shouting; every body takes a pleasure in seeing them disgraced and disarmed, removed out of places of trust and power, chased out of the world, and wishes no greater loss may come to the town, the rather because they hope the righteous may come in their stead, as they into trouble instead of the righteous, v. 8. Let a sense of honour therefore keep us in the paths of virtue, that we may live desired and die lamented, and not be hissed off the stage, Job 27:23; Ps. 52:6.
  • II. That there is good reason for this, because those that are good do good, but (as saith the proverb of the ancients) wickedness proceeds from the wicked.
    • 1. Good men are public blessings-Vir bonus est commune bonum. By the blessing of the upright, the blessings with which they are blessed, which enlarge their sphere of usefulness,-by the blessings with which they bless their neighbours, their advice, their example, their prayers, and all the instances of their serviceableness to the public interest,-by the blessings with which God blesses others for their sake,-by these the city is exalted and made more comfortable to the inhabitants, and more considerable among its neighbours.
    • 2. Wicked men are public nuisances, not only the burdens, but the plagues of their generation. The city is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked, whose evil communications corrupt good manners, are enough to debauch a town, to ruin virtue in it, and bring down the judgments of God upon it.

Pro 11:12-13

  • I. Silence is here recommended as an instance of true friendship, and a preservative of it, and therefore an evidence,
    • 1. Of wisdom: A man of understanding, that has rule over his own spirit, if he be provoked, holds his peace, that he may neither give vent to his passion nor kindle the passion of others by any opprobrious language or peevish reflections.
    • 2. Of sincerity: He that is of a faithful spirit, that is true, not only to his own promise, but to the interest of his friend, conceals every matter which, if divulged, may turn to the prejudice of his neighbour.
  • II. This prudent friendly concealment is here opposed to two very bad vices of the tongue:-
    • 1. Speaking scornfully of a man to his face: He that is void of wisdom discovers his folly by this; he despises his neighbour, calls him Raca, and Thou fool, upon the least provocation, and tramples upon him as not worthy to be set with the dogs of his flock. He undervalues himself who thus undervalues one that is made of the same mould.
    • 2. Speaking spitefully of a man behind his back: A tale-bearer, that carries all the stories he can pick up, true or false, from house to house, to make mischief and sow discord, reveals secrets which he has been entrusted with, and so breaks the laws, and forfeits all the privileges, of friendship and conversation.

Pro 11:14

Here is,

  • 1. The bad omen of a kingdom's ruin: Where no counsel is, no consultation at all, but every thing done rashly, or no prudent consultation for the common good, but only caballing for parties and divided interests, the people fall, crumble into factions, fall to pieces, fall together by the ears, and fall an easy prey to their common enemies. Councils of war are necessary to the operations of war; two eyes see more than one; and mutual advice is in order to mutual assistance.
  • 2. The good presage of a kingdom's prosperity: In the multitude of counsellors, that see their need one of another, and act in concert and with concern for the public welfare, there is safety; for what prudent methods one discerns not another may. In our private affairs we shall often find it to our advantage to advise with many; if they agree in their advice, our way will be the more clear; if they differ, we shall hear what is to be said on all sides, and be the better able to determine.

Pro 11:15

Here we are taught,

  • 1. In general, that we may not use our estates as we will (he that gave them to us has reserved to himself a power to direct us how we shall use them, for they are not our own; we are but stewards), and further that God in his law consults our interests and teaches us that charity which begins at home, as well as that which must not end there. There is a good husbandry which is good divinity, and a discretion in ordering our affairs which is part of the character of a good man, Ps. 112:5. Every man must be just to his family, else he is not true to his stewardship.
  • 2. In particular, that we must not enter rashly into suretiship,
    • (1.) Because there is danger of bringing ourselves into trouble by it, and our families too when we are gone: He that is surety for a stranger, for any one that asks him and promises him to be bound for him another time, for one whose person perhaps he knows, and thinks he knows his circumstances, but is mistaken, he shall smart for it. Contritione conteretur-he shall be certainly and sadly crushed and broken by it, and perhaps become a bankrupt. Our Lord Jesus was surety for us when we were strangers, nay, enemies, and he smarted for it; it pleased the Lord to bruise him.
    • (2.) Because he that resolves against all such suretiship keeps upon sure grounds, which a man may do if he take care not to launch out any further into business than his own credit will carry him, so that he needs not ask others to be bound for him.

Pro 11:16

Here,

  • 1. It is allowed that strong men retain riches, that those who bustle in the world, who are men of spirit and interest, and are able to make their part good against all who stand in their way, are likely to keep what they have and to get more, while those who are weak are preyed upon by all about them.
  • 2. It is taken for granted that a gracious woman is as solicitous to preserve her reputation for wisdom and modesty, humility and courtesy, and all those other graces that are the true ornaments of her sex, as strong men are to secure their estates; and those women who are truly gracious will, in like manner, effectually secure their honour by their prudence and good conduct. A gracious woman is as honourable as a valiant man and her honour is as sure.

Pro 11:17

It is a common principle, Every one for himself. Proximus egomet mihi-None so near to me as myself. Now, if this be rightly understood, it will be a reason for the cherishing of gracious dispositions in ourselves and the crucifying of corrupt ones. We are friends or enemies to ourselves, even in respect of present comfort, according as we are or are not governed by religious principles.

  • 1. A merciful, tender, good humoured man, does good to his own soul, makes and keeps himself easy. He has the pleasure of doing his duty, and contributing to the comfort of those that are to him as his own soul; for we are members one of another. He that waters others with his temporal good things shall find that God will water him with his spiritual blessings, which will do the best good to his own soul. See Isa. 58:7, etc. If thou hide not thy eyes from thy own flesh, but do good to others, as to thyself, if thou do good with thy own soul and draw that out to the hungry, thou wilt do good to thy own soul; for the Lord shall satisfy thy soul and make fat thy bones. Some make it part of the character of a merciful man, that he will make much of himself; that disposition which inclines him to be charitable to others will oblige him to allow himself also that which is convenient and to enjoy the good of all his labour. We may by the soul understand the inward man, as the apostle calls it, and then it teaches us that the first and great act of mercy is to provide well for our own souls the necessary supports of the spiritual life.
  • 2. A cruel, froward, ill-natured man, troubles his own flesh, and so his sin becomes his punishment; he starves and dies for want of what he has, because he has not a heart to use it either for the good of others of for his own. He is vexatious to his nearest relations, that are, and should be, to him as his own flesh, Eph. 5:29. Envy, and malice, and greediness of the world, are the rottenness of the bones and the consumption of the flesh.

Pro 11:18

Note,

  • 1. Sinners put a most fatal cheat upon themselves: The wicked works a deceitful work, builds himself a house upon the sand, which will deceive him when the storm comes, promises himself that by his sin which he will never gain; nay, it is cutting his throat when it smiles upon him. Sin deceived me, and by it slew me.
  • 2. Saints lay up the best securities for themselves: He that sows righteousness, that is good, and makes it his business to do good, with an eye to a future recompence, he shall have a sure reward; it is made as sure to him as eternal truth can make it. If the seedness fail not, the harvest shall not, Gal. 6:8.

Pro 11:19

It is here shown that righteousness, not only by the divine judgment, will end in life, and wickedness in death, but that righteousness, in its own nature, has a direct tendency to life and wickedness to death.

  • 1. True holiness is true happiness; it is a preparative for it, a pledge and earnest of it. Righteousness inclines, disposes, and leads, the soul to life.
  • 2. In like manner, those that indulge themselves in sin are fitting themselves for destruction. The more violent a man is in sinful pursuits the more eagerly bent he is upon his own destruction; he awakens it when it seemed to slumber and hastens it when it seemed to linger.

Pro 11:20

It concerns us to know what God hates and what he loves, that we may govern ourselves accordingly, may avoid his displeasure and recommend ourselves to his favour. Now here we are told,

  • 1. That nothing is more offensive to God than hypocrisy and double-dealing, for these are signified by the word which we translate frowardness, pretending justice, but intending wrong, walking in crooked ways, to avoid discovery. Those are of a froward heart who act in contradiction to that which is good, under a profession of that which is good, and such are, more than any sinners, an abomination to the Lord, Isa. 65:5.
  • 2. That nothing is more pleasing to God than sincerity and plain-dealing: Such as are upright in their way, such as aim and act with integrity, such as have their conversation in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, these God delights in, these he even boasts of (Hast thou considered my servant Job?) and will have us to admire. Behold an Israelite indeed!

Pro 11:21

Observe,

  • 1. That confederacies in sin shall certainly be broken, and shall not avail to protect the sinners: Though hand join in hand, though there are many that concur by their practice to keep wickedness in countenance, and engage to stand by one another in defending it against all the attacks of virtue and justice,-though they are in league for the support and propagation of it,-though wicked children tread in the steps of their wicked parents, and resolve to keep up the trade, in defiance of religion,-yet all this will not protect them from the justice of God; they shall not be held guiltless; it will not excuse them to say that they did as the most did and as their company did; they shall not be unpunished; witness the flood that was brought upon a whole world of ungodly men. Their number, and strength, and unanimity in sin will stand them in no stead when the day of vengeance comes.
  • 2. That entails of religion shall certainly be blessed: The seed of the righteous, that follow the steps of their righteousness, though they may fall into trouble, shall, in due time, be delivered. Though justice may come slowly to punish the wicked, and mercy may come slowly to save the righteous, yet both will come surely. Sometimes the seed of the righteous, though they are not themselves righteous, are delivered for the sake of their godly ancestors, as Israel often, and the seed of David.

Pro 11:22

By discretion here we must understand religion and grace, a true taste and relish (so the word signifies) of the honours and pleasures that attend an unspotted virtue; so that a woman without discretion is a woman of a loose and dissolute conversation; and then observe,

  • 1. It is taken for granted here that beauty or comeliness of body is as a jewel of gold, a thing very valuable, and, where there is wisdom and grace to guard against the temptations of it, it is a great ornament, (Gratior est pulchro veniens de corpore virtus-Virtue appears peculiarly graceful when associated with beauty); but a foolish wanton woman, of a light carriage, is fitly compared to a swine, though she be ever so handsome, wallowing in the mire of filthy lusts, with which the mind and conscience are defiled, and, though washed, returning to them.
  • 2. It is lamented that beauty should be so abused as it is by those that have not modesty with it. It seems ill-bestowed upon them; it is quite misplaced, as a jewel in a swine's snout, with which he roots in the dunghill. If beauty be not guarded by virtue, the virtue is exposed by the beauty. It may be applied to all other bodily endowments and accomplishments; it is a pity that those should have them who have not discretion to use them well.

Pro 11:23

This tells us what the desire and expectation of the righteous and of the wicked are and how they will prove, what they would have and what they shall have.

  • 1. The righteous would have good, only good; all they desire is that it may go well with all about them; they wish no hurt to any, but happiness to all; as to themselves, their desire is not to gratify any evil lust, but to obtain the favour of a good God and to preserve the peace of a good conscience; and good they shall have, that good which they desire, Ps. 37:4.
  • 2. The wicked would have wrath; they desire the woeful day, that God's judgments may gratify their passion and revenge, may remove those that stand in their way, and that they may make an advantage to themselves by fishing in troubled waters; and wrath they shall have, so shall their doom be. They expect and desire mischief to others, but it shall return upon themselves; as they loved cursing, they shall have enough of it.

Pro 11:24

Note,

  • 1. It is possible a man may grow rich by prudently spending what he has, may scatter in works of piety, charity, and generosity, and yet may increase; nay, by that means may increase, as the corn is increased by being sown. By cheerfully using what we have our spirits are exhilarated, and so fitted for the business we have to do, by minding which closely what we have is increased; it gains a reputation which contributes to the increase. But it is especially to be ascribed to God; he blesses the giving hand, and so makes it a getting hand, 2 Co. 9:10. Give, and it shall be given you.
  • 2. It is possible a man may grow poor by meanly sparing what he has, withholding more than is meet, not paying just debts, not relieving the poor, not providing what is convenient for the family, not allowing necessary expenses for the preservation of the goods; this tends to poverty; it cramps men's ingenuity and industry, weakens their interest, destroys their credit, and forfeits the blessing of God: and, let men be ever so saving of what they have, if God blast it and blow upon it, it comes to nothing. A fire not blown shall consume it, Hag. 1:6, 9.

Pro 11:25

So backward we are to works of charity, and so ready to think that giving undoes us, that we need to have it very much pressed upon us how much it is for our own advantage to do good to others, as before, v. 17.

  • 1. We shall have the comfort of it in our own bosoms: The liberal soul, the soul of blessing, that prays for the afflicted and provides for them, that scatters blessings with gracious lips and generous hands, that soul shall be made fat with true pleasure and enriched with more grace.
  • 2. We shall have the recompence of it both from God and man: He that waters others with the streams of his bounty shall be also watered himself; God will certainly return it in the dews, in the plentiful showers, of his blessing, which he will pour out, till there be not room enough to receive it, Mal. 3:10. Men that have any sense of gratitude will return it if there be occasion; the merciful shall find mercy and the kind be kindly dealt with.
  • 3. We shall be enabled still to do yet more good: He that waters, even he shall be as rain (so some read it); he shall be recruited as the clouds are which return after the rain, and shall be further useful and acceptable, as the rain to the new-mown grass. he that teaches shall learn (so the Chaldee reads it); he that uses his knowledge in teaching others shall himself be taught of God; to him that has, and uses what he has, more shall be given.

Pro 11:26

See here,

  • 1. What use we are to make of the gifts of God's bounty; we must not hoard them up merely for our own advantage, that we may be enriched by them, but we must bring them forth for the benefit of others, that they may be supported and maintained by them. It is a sin, when corn is dear and scarce, to withhold it, in hopes that it will still grow dearer, so to keep up and advance the market, when it is already so high that the poor suffer by it; and at such a time it is the duty of those that have stocks of corn by them to consider the poor, and to be willing to sell at the market-price, to be content with moderate profit, and not aim to make a gain of God's judgments. It is a noble and extensive piece of charity for those that have stores wherewithal to do it to help to keep the markets low when the price of our commodities grows excessive.
  • 2. What regard we are to have to the voice of the people. We are not to think it an indifferent thing, and not worth heeding, whether we have the ill will and word, or the good will and word, of our neighbours, their prayers or their curses; for here we are taught to dread their curses, and forego our own profit rather than incur them; and to court their blessings, and be at some expense to purchase them. Sometimes, vox populi est vox Dei-the voice of the people is the voice of God.

Pro 11:27

Observe,

  • 1. Those that are industrious to do good in the world get themselves beloved both with God and man: He that rises early to that which is good (so the word is), that seeks opportunities of serving his friends and relieving the poor, and lays out himself therein, procures favour. All about him love him, and speak well of him, and will be ready to do him a kindness; and, which is better than that, better than life, he has God's lovingkindness.
  • 2. Those that are industrious to do mischief are preparing ruin for themselves: It shall come unto them; some time or other they will be paid in their own coin. And, observe, seeking mischief is here set in opposition to seeking good; for those that are not doing good are doing hurt.

Pro 11:28

Observe,

  • 1. Our riches will fail us when we are in the greatest need: He that trusts in them, as if they would secure him the favour of God and be his protection and portion, shall fall, as a man who lays his weight on a broken reed, which will not only disappoint him, but run into his hand and pierce him.
  • 2. Our righteousness will stand us in stead when our riches fail us: The righteous shall then flourish as a branch, the branch of righteousness, like a tree whose leaf shall not wither, Ps. 1:3. Even in death, when riches fail men, the bones of the righteous shall flourish as a herb, Isa. 66:14. When those that take root in the world wither those that are grafted into Christ and partake of his root and fatness shall be fruitful and flourishing.

Pro 11:29

Two extremes in the management of family-affairs are here condemned and the ill consequences of them foretold:-

  • 1. Carefulness and carnal policy, on the one hand. There are those that by their extreme earnestness in pursuit of the world, their anxiety about their business and fretfulness about their losses, their strictness with their servants and their niggardliness towards their families, trouble their own houses and give continual vexation to all about them; while others think, by supporting factions and feuds in their families, which are really a trouble to their houses, to serve some turn for themselves, and either to get or to save by it. But they will both be disappointed; they will inherit the wind. All they will get by these arts will not only be empty and worthless as the wind, but noisy and troublesome, vanity and vexation.
  • 2. Carelessness and want of common prudence, on the other. He that is a fool in his business, that either minds it not or goes awkwardly about it, that has no contrivance and consideration, no only loses his reputation and interest, but becomes a servant to the wise in heart. He is impoverished, and forced to work for his living; while those that manage wisely raise themselves, and come to have dominion over him, and others like him. It is rational, and very fit, that the fool should be servant to the wise in heart, and upon that account, among others, we are bound to submit our wills to the will of God, and to be subject to him, because we are fools and he is infinitely wise.

Pro 11:30

This shows what great blessings good men are, especially those that are eminently wise, to the places where they live, and therefore how much to be valued.

  • 1. The righteous are as trees of life; the fruits of their piety and charity, their instructions, reproofs, examples, and prayers, their interest in heaven, and their influence upon earth, are like the fruits of that tree, precious and useful, contributing to the support and nourishment of the spiritual life in many; they are the ornaments of paradise, God's church on earth, for whose sake it stands.
  • 2. The wise are something more; they are as trees of knowledge, not forbidden, but commanded knowledge. He that is wise, by communicating his wisdom, wins souls, wins upon them to bring them in love with God and holiness, and so wins them over into the interests of God's kingdom among men. The wise are said to turn many to righteousness, and that is the same with winning souls here, Dan. 12:3. Abraham's proselytes are called the souls that he had gotten, Gen. 12:5. Those that would win souls have need of wisdom to know how to deal with them; and those that do win souls show that they are wise.

Pro 11:31

This, I think, is the only one of Solomon's proverbs that has that note of attention prefixed to it, Behold! which intimates that it contains not only an evident truth, which may be beheld, but an eminent truth, which must be considered.

  • 1. Some understand both parts of a recompence in displeasure: The righteous, if they do amiss, shall be punished for their offences in this world; much more shall wicked people be punished for theirs, which are committed, not through infirmity, but with a high hand. If judgment begin at the house of God, what will become of the ungodly? 1 Pt. 4:17, 18; Lu. 23:31.
  • 2. I rather understand it of a recompence of reward to the righteous and punishment to sinners. Let us behold providential retributions. There are some recompences in the earth, in this world, and in the things of this world, which prove that verily there is a God that judges in the earth (Ps. 58:11); but they are not universal; many sins go unpunished in the earth, and services unrewarded, which indicates that there is a judgment to come, and that there will be more exact and full retributions in the future state. Many times the righteous are recompensed for their righteousness here in the earth, though that is not the principal, much less the only reward either intended for them or intended by them; but whatever the word of God has promised them, or the wisdom of God sees good for them, they shall have in the earth. The wicked also, and the sinner, are sometimes remarkably punished in this life, nations, families, particular persons. And if the righteous, who do not deserve the least reward, yet have part of their recompence here on earth, much more shall the wicked, who deserve the greatest punishment, have part of their punishment on earth, as an earnest of worse to come. Therefore stand in awe and sin not. If those have two heavens that merit none, much more shall those have two hells that merit both.