Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 11

Introduction

CHAPTER 11

:-.

Verse 1

1. (Compare Margin). The Hebrews used stones for weights.

just—complete in measure.

Verse 2

2. Self-conceit is unteachable; the humble grow wise (compare Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12).

Verse 3

3. guide—to lead, as a shepherd (Proverbs 6:7; Psalms 78:52).

perverseness—ill-nature.

destroy—with violence.

Verse 4

4. (Compare :-).

wrath—that is, of God.

Verse 5

5. direct—or, "make plain"; wicked ways are not plain ( :-).

Verse 6

6. deliver them—that is, from evil, which the wicked suffer by their own doings (Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 9:16).

Verse 7

7. expectation . . . perish—for death cuts short all his plans ( :-).

hope of unjust—better, "hope of wealth," or "power" (compare :-, Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.

Verse 8

8. Perhaps the trouble prepared by the wicked, and which he inherits (compare :-).

Verse 9

9. (Compare Psalms 35:16; Daniel 11:32). The just is saved by superior discernment.

Verse 10

10, 11. The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.

Verse 11

11. By the blessing—implying active benevolence.

Verse 12

12. despiseth—or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise.

holdeth his peace—as if neither hearing nor telling.

Verse 13

13. tale-bearer—(Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.

Verse 14

14. counsel—the art of governing (Proverbs 1:5).

counsellors—literally, "one giving counsel"; the participle used as a collective.

Verse 15

15. (Compare :-).

suretiship—(Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.

Verse 16

16. retaineth—or literally, "lay hold of as a support." Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.

Verse 17

17. merciful—kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Proverbs 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.

flesh—that is, his body, by penuriousness (Colossians 2:23).

Verse 18

18. a deceitful work—or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 23:5).

sure reward—or, "gain," as from trading (Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8; Galatians 6:9).

Verse 19

19. Inference from :- (compare Proverbs 11:5; Proverbs 11:6; Proverbs 10:16).

Verse 20

20. (Compare :-).

froward—as in :-, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright.

in their way—or, "conduct."

Verse 21

21. The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship (Psalms 37:25; Psalms 37:26).

Verse 22

22. Jewels were often suspended from the nose (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.

Verse 23

23. (Compare :-).

wrath—is that of God.

Verse 24

24-31. The scope of the whole is a comment on Proverbs 11:23. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.

Verse 25

25. liberal soul—(Compare Margin).

made fat—prospers (Proverbs 28:25; Deuteronomy 32:15; Luke 6:38).

watereth . . . watered—a common figure for blessing.

Verse 26

26. Another example of the truth of Proverbs 11:23; the miser loses reputation, though he saves corn.

selleth it—that is, at a fair price.

Verse 27

27. good [and] mischief—that is, of others.

procureth . . . seeketh—implying success.

Verse 28

28. (Compare Proverbs 10:15; Psalms 49:6; 1 Timothy 6:17).

righteous . . . branch— (Psalms 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8).

Verse 29

29. troubleth—as :- explains, by greediness for gain (compare :-).

inherit . . . wind—Even successful, his gains are of no real value. So the fool, thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps up for others.

Verse 30

30. a tree of life—Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous ( :-).

winneth souls—(Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Proverbs 6:25; Ezekiel 13:18 (compare Ezekiel 13:18- :).

Verse 31

31. Behold—Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare :-), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.