Proverbs

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. Proverbs‬ ‭11:21‬ ‭NASB‬‬ The Emphasized Bible’s more literal translation says: “Hand to hand the wicked man shall not be held innocent, but the seed of the righteous has been delivered.” The expression “hand to hand” conjures a few…

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their walk are His delight. Proverbs‬ ‭11:20‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Can you imagine making the Lord delighted? At the core of my being I feel that desire to love God and please Him. This is what motivates me every day — at least…

Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The NAS translates it: “He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life…” Life or death are constantly staring us down in the minutia of our daily choices. It sounds so dramatic to say that, but in reality we are…

The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward. Proverbs‬ ‭11:18‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The Rotherham translation says: “The lawless man earns the wages of falsehood, but he that sows righteousness has the reward of fidelity.” Fidelity is the observance of a promise, loyalty, or faithfulness (to your spouse), and accuracy. We…

The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm. Proverbs‬ ‭11:17‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I love the irony; being merciful compassion or forbearance offered to another for their benefit, yet Solomon says it actually helps the one offering it. The same affect also applies to the cruel man — causing someone pain is…

A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. Proverbs‬ ‭11:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The second part of the proverb is translated various ways: “diligent men” (Rotherham), “violent men” (NAS), “strong men” (KJV). The Hebrew word means: mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent and usually applied in a negative context. Both graciousness and ruthlessness…

Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Solomon’s advice makes sense, and upon reading it, it seems like there should be nothing to add. Making a financial commitment for someone you do not know seems not only risky but…

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs‬ ‭11:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The word counsel comes from a Hebrew word originally meaning “rope pulling” as in steering or directing a ship. It has come to mean steerage (as in the management of ropes) or figuratively as guidance,…

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:13‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Gills exposition of the Bible discusses a tale bearer: (One) that goes about with tales from place to place, who is like a walking merchant or peddler, who takes up his wares at one place,…

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The Hebrew word for “derides” means to despise, or show contempt. So, what if that neighbor is truly mean, abrasive, dismissive, and in the process others think he is the rising star, the person to listen…