Proverbs 11 - The Righteous And Wicked Compared Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Eleven

We will now look at Proverbs chapter eleven:

THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED COMPARED

1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. Proverbs 11:1 (NASB)

God always expects His people to be honest in their dealings. How many of you would get upset if you went to the store and bought a pound of flour and yet you were charged for a pound and half. I know that I would! I should get what I pay for – I expect the scales it be right. God delights in honesty.

2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NASB)

Be careful where your pride lies. If you think you are humble – chances are – you are not. Remember – pride comes before the fall. Seek the humble place for there is much honor there. An old saying says: “Lowly souls become full of wisdom as the low place becomes full of water.”

3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. Proverbs 11:3 (NASB)

The contrast of the upright and the treacherous is great. Never the two shall meet – for they go in opposite directions.

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4 (NASB)

It has been said that there is no U-Haul attached to a Hearse. You can not take your wealth with you when you die – money will not buy you into heaven. In fact Jesus warns many times about putting wealth before godliness. Here is another warning. Seek righteousness for it delivers from death – eternal death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. Proverbs 11:5 (NASB)

The road of the wicked is full of potholes. The road of the righteous is smooth.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. Proverbs 11:6 (NASB)

Greed is a powerful emotion. In trying to gain much by greed – many times all is lost.

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of strong men perishes. Proverbs 11:7 (NASB)

Hope is a powerful incentive. A person without hope will perish. Eternal life is reserved for those who know Christ. Eternal death is reserved for those who do not know Him. With death the wicked will perish – forever.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, But the wicked takes his place. Proverbs 11:8 (NASB)

The contrasting two paths in life are intended to be applied universally to all people in all circumstances. God's people are not excluded from problems or struggles. If a person follows God's wisdom, however, God can rescue them from trouble. But a wicked person will fall into their own traps. Even if good people suffer, they can be sure they will ultimately be rescued from eternal death. In this is our hope.

9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. Proverbs 11:9 (NASB)

You are what you speak. The mouth can be used either as a weapon or as a tool. You can either hurt someone or build them up. Sadly, it is often easier to destroy than to build, and most people have received more destructive comments than those that build up. Your words will make a difference. Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction?

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. Proverbs 11:10 (NASB)

The country is blessed, where there are godly men and they ought to rejoice when the wicked are taken away. The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.

11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. Proverbs 11:11 (NASB)

Every person has an impact on the world around them – even what we say. If we speak words of righteousness we will build up. If we speak words of unrighteousness we will destroy. That is why Jesus said:

"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37 (NASB)

12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. Proverbs 11:12 (NASB)

If you cannot speak any good of your neighbor it is better to keep silent. Don’t you know that all have fallen short in some form or fashion. We call could use a little grace and mercy.