Proverbial Wisdom: A Checklist For Life

 Read Proverbs 11

Proverbs chapter 11 is a wonderful checklist for our life.  It holds some amazing advice for day to day living.  To me, I’ve always looked at this chapter as a list.  So, today’s devotional, I’ve kind of broken down as such.

“False scales” were balances that had been rigged to defraud. Often fraud was committed by using other than standard weights. To God, “false” or “deceitful scales” were abominable, disgusting, or loathsome. No one likes to be cheated or defrauded.  If we as Christians are in any type of business or if we ever have any business doing, we need to make sure that we do it with all honor and integrity.  If someone gives you too much change, give it back, etc.  We need to be more integral than the world around us.

“When insolence” or pride “comes, then comes disgrace.” The thought could be that the retribution for arrogance is humiliation. Proud individuals have an exalted view of themselves. When their claims are exposed as exaggerations, they are disgraced. It is also possible that the reference is to the contempt insolent persons have for others.   The humble ones recognize their need for God’s help and guidance, and they earnestly seek to have the wisdom that is essential for conducting themselves. Wisdom thus comes into their possession, and their words and deeds reflect the wisdom that has God as its ultimate source. Before speaking, instructing, or offering advice, humble persons give careful thought to their words, endeavoring to make sure that wisdom truly is their guide. (11:2)

Integrity is what guides upright ones. They can be depended upon to do what is right and just. As for treacherous persons, their “crookedness,” or their corrupt dealings and deceitful words, will sooner or later “destroy them.” (11:3)

For the blameless or upright one, his righteousness makes his way straight. He remains on the right course, enjoying the security and sense of well-being that result from conducting himself in a correct way. There is, however, no straight path associated with ungodliness, but only corrupt ways — fraud, deceit, lying, and slander. “Impiety” or ungodliness “encounters [or becomes involved with] injustice.” (11:5)

The “righteousness” of upright people “will deliver them” from the ruin that lawless persons are bound to experience. Upright ones will continue to do what is right, sparing themselves from the serious consequences to which lawlessness leads. 

The “hope” of a wicked man perishes when he dies. Everything he may have hoped for and attained perishes with him.  We can’t take anything with us.  Only the righteous have hope, for we know that our treasures are in heaven.  We need to be consistent in spreading the gospel to everyone.  

A righteous or upright person may find himself in distress and then be rescued. But the wicked one would thereafter end up in the very distress from which the righteous one was delivered.  This happens, and happens a lot.  Have you ever had a situation where someone was actually rejoicing in your pain?  I know, it’s cruel, but it happens.  When we are wise and upright, we need to not let those things bother us.  God promises us here in this very chapter that those that are getting enjoyment out of our misery will one day experience the same.

When the righteous prosper, there is joy in the city where they reside. This is because upright individuals use their influence and authority to accomplish good, promoting the welfare of others.  It’s simple, the kindness of a Christian will rub off and again, turn the world upside down.

“By the blessing of upright ones, a city is exalted,” but the “mouth of the wicked causes its overthrow.” The presence of upright persons in a city and their words of blessing elevate a city as a place where peace and the welfare of all can flourish. With their mouth, or the deceptive and lying words proceeding from their mouth, the wicked cause the overthrow of a city.  Look at politics in America today for a good example of this.  Who can we trust?  There has been so much deception on all sides that it is causing the overthrow of our own nation.  We need to heed God’s Word and His wisdom.  We need to repent.

“One who goes about as a slanderer,” a gossip, or a talebearer “reveals secrets” or matters that should be kept in strict confidence. The person who is “trustworthy in spirit” (or loyal in his inner self) is sensitive about matters that should not be broadcast. He keeps such matters covered or to himself. (11:13)

A “wicked man” obtains “deceptive wages.” What he may acquire through corrupt or fraudulent means may be quickly lost and prove to be unsatisfying, often not providing him with what he had desired. 

The Hebrew words for “hand to hand” possibly relate to making an agreement by shaking hands. In this context, the words may be understood to express a certainty. “You can be sure of this.” (11:21)

A “gold nose ring” in a pig’s snout would be most stupid, tacky, and a wasteful use of a beautiful thing. Although a woman may be beautiful, her physical attractiveness would be worth squat if she lacked good sense. The implication may be that a man who marries a woman just for her looks is choosing a situation comparable to a gold ring in the snout of a pig.  There is so much more than physical beauty.  Again, we need to remember that even God looks on the inside. (11:22)

There are times when circumstances turn out otherwise than what might be expected. One who “scatters,” spends liberally or gives generously may, in the end, be well off, having increased his possessions. Someone else may hold back what he should give and yet will find himself in want.  God loves a cheerful giver and again, we need to remember as Christians, this world is not our home.  We need to be responsible but we should not be (11:24)

A generous person “will be made fat,” will be enriched, or will prosper. One who “waters” others would be a person who refreshes or satisfies others. In view of his generous spirit, he himself “will be watered,” refreshed, or satisfied. (11:25)

Possessions can be lost or stolen. Everything of a material nature can rust away and be destroyed. Therefore, the one who trusts in riches, believing that his wealth provides security, “will fall” like a tree with a shallow root system during a severe windstorm. Righteous people, however, will flourish “like foliage.” The righteous enjoy security and flourish as persons who receive God’s favorable attention, guidance, and aid.  (11:28)

The “fruit of the righteous one” could be the sound advice that an upright person expresses or the good things he does. His good counsel can promote the well-being of individuals who follow it, and the aid he renders can save lives. Therefore, his fruit is a “tree of life.” (11:30)