Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 11

Verse 1

11:1 A false {a} balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.

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

Verse 2

11:2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh {b} shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.

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

Verse 8

11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his {c} stead.

(c) That is, will enter into trouble.

Verse 9

11:9 An {d} hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

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

Verse 10

11:10 When the righteous prosper, the city {e} rejoiceth: and 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.

Verse 12

11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding {f} holdeth his peace.

(f) Will not make light report of others.

Verse 14

11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of {g} counsellors [there is] safety.

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

Verse 15

11:15 He that is surety for a {h} stranger shall smart [for it]: and he {i} that hateth suretiship 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.

Verse 17

11:17 The merciful man {k} doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.

(k) Rewards both himself and others.

Verse 21

11:21 {l} [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

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

Verse 23

11:23 The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked {m} [is] wrath.

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

Verse 24

11:24 There is that scattereth, {n} and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more {o} than is right, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

(n) Meaning they who give liberally, whom God blesses.

(o) That is, the miser.

Verse 26

11:26 He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that {p} selleth [it].

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

Verse 29

11:29 He that troubleth his own {q} house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [shall be] {r} 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.

Verse 30

11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that {s} winneth souls [is] wise.

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

Verse 31

11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be {t} recompensed upon the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

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