Proverbs Study – Lesson 10
Solomon starts out chapter 11 with one of the most broadly applicable and far reaching proverbs of all. He says that a false balance is wrong. In reading this proverb most of us get the image of a man buying something that is sold by weight and the man selling the item has his finger leaning on the scale out of view from the purchaser. Or, we might picture a counter weight set on a balance scale marked as an ounce or pound when in actuality it weighs less than that marked.
It was common in those days for someone doing trade or business to have a scale that was off, either slightly or even greatly off, most often to their advantage. It was also fairly common for the one with the scale to have two sets of weights, one that weighed more that the implied weight and another set that was actually less that the implied weight. Either set was used to their advantage depending upon whether purchasing or selling. But, we use a false balance in many other ways that would be implied here. Another way that we use false balances is in relationships and how we treat or judge others having one standard for one person or group and another standard for another. We often tend to tip the scales in one direction or another depending upon who we are dealing with. Judges can tend to do this when making a decision or verdict and we may tend to overlook an injustice for one and for the same action condemn another.
The Lord talked about these imbalanced weights when He sent a message through prophets judging Israel for their partiality in judgment and their heavy handed dealings in financial matters. The Lord also warned us of the same in the Gospels telling us to have honest dealings and telling us to judge others as if we were judging our self. James also warned us about using a different standard for the rich and the poor inside the church. Some may also tend to tip the scales charging the higher price or showing only the more expensive items if we think that someone can afford it, being in our minds rich. He is not saying that we have to be totally rigid in our dealings. There is a place of mercy in our dealings .It is up to you if you want to give a little more on the price just because you feel that there is a need in a particular situation. Or, you can charge a higher price if you believe your product or service is superior to your competitors. He is just telling us to be honest in our dealings and not to cheat someone by misrepresentation, tipping the scales so to speak. He continues by telling us that being fair is not only right, but it pleases the Lord.
Pride is a false reality that encourages us to act and do things that is not in line with reality. He says in v. 2 that when pride comes, then shame and embarrassment is not far behind. The Lord warned of self exultation and thinking more highly of our self then we should in the Gospels telling us to be regular and take the common seat instead of the prominent position. Pride has a way of blinding us to the truth. This is different from being confident in our abilities. But we need to beware. Confidence can very easily drift into pride if we are not careful. He reminds us that the low unassuming position is the wise place to view the world and what is happening. Better decisions are made here and we are more helpful to others and our self when we take actions from this perspective.
It is not always easy to know what to do. Life can be confusing. But, the Lord gave us some guidelines to figure out what path we should be taking. Solomon tells us that following the Lords commandments and guidelines will keep us on the right path heading in the right direction even when we cannot see what our final destination is. Integrity is like looking to a plane’s instruments when flying in the fog. We don’t always know where we are trying to go or what our final destination is, but Solomon tells us that integrity and God’s instructions or commandments will take us where we need to eventually be. For the moment doing the right thing is all that matters. It is like a street sign telling us to go this way. Take this action. Do this step. He contrasts this thinking with someone not listening to this instruction making selfish decisions not worrying what is right or wrong, living life for the moment. These will take the wrong direction, getting them lost in life, not know which way to go. He says that the perverseness of one who always does wrong for their own benefit will crash and burn sadly enough. The Ten Commandments may not be a bad thing for us as a people to reconsider. We could use some guidance in this crazy world of ours today.
V. 4 tells us that riches cannot buy us safety when anarchy exists. Money only has its value because we give it its value. In certain situations money has little to no value at all. Solomon warns us not to trust in what we have. When everything is taken away and we are stripped down to just ourselves our reputation of just actions and taking just action will be our best hope.
V. 5 and 6 again reminds us that doing right is our guide and that by themselves our actions good or bad have an outcome. Wrong decisions make for a wrong or undesirable outcome. Plans of deception eventually come apart ending in ruin. The end of v. 6 says that this ruin is often the result of the plan itself and its demise is frequently carried out by those involved with the scheme.
V. 7 The hope of an wicked or unjust plan is driven by the one or more that are involved. The result of their plan if it has any benefit to them only occurs while they are alive. As soon as they pass away the organization most often begins to crumble. The plan was created for and around that person and was set up to only benefit them or those close to them. Those who are part of the plan, but not in the number one position, after the passing of those in leadership see their hopes vanish. All is lost.
It says in v. 8 it says that when the righteous see trouble that they are delivered out of it. Part of their deliverance may be the result of their appropriate actions to the given situation seen in the end of v. 9. However, the KJV and NIV use interesting words describing their deliverance. The KJV uses the word ‘deliverance’ and the NIV uses the word ‘rescue’ implying active intentional help for an outside source, I.e. the Lord. It also says in the end of v.8 that the trouble that these good people had has now been passed onto the wicked that come upon this trouble taking their place.
V. 9 reminds us of the power of the tongue. It makes mention of the hypocrite that uses his tongue to injure his neighbor. He uses the word hypocrite, implying that they are quite likely guilty themselves of what they are accusing their neighbor of. He uses to word destroy giving the impression of real, severe injury, possibly to the point of no recovery. But, he goes on to say in the second half of the verse that those who are injured who have acquired knowledge have a fighting chance to recover.
If you ever wondered which side of the fence you reside, v. 10 of proverbs will help you figure it out. If you are in a leadership position in your town and your agenda is going well and everyone has a smile on their face and are happy, rejoicing, then you can be sure that you are doing a good job. However, if you fall from prominence and everyone is cheering because of your absence you can be reasonably certain that you were not on the side of good. If you go by what the people say benefit the general public, not that public opinion is always the best indicator, those who have a good heart do more to help others and are asked to stick around. In v. 11 it tells us by the influence of the upright the city is a better place to live. It uses the phrase ‘the blessing of the upright’ indicating that the upright bless others by giving. They spend their time enhancing and building up their community making their town a better place to live. He goes on to say that evil talk can do great damage, especially when that talk comes from someone with influence. The Message puts it this way ‘evil talk turns it (a city) into a ghost town in no time’.
V. 12 tells us to be careful to not make derogatory or slanderous statements about your neighbor. He or she is your neighbor. We need to be a good neighbor and look for opportunities to help them out whenever possible. One translation says ‘mean spirited slander is heartless’. A spirit of criticism can ruin a neighbor. We do not often have all the facts. This is why Solomon goes on to say a man of understanding or discretion holds his peace. Time will tell the truth, it will eventually come out good or bad without our help. In the end, we all too often find out that there was a reason for our neighbor’s action and if we do not hold our tongue the damage will be done.
V. 13 reminds us to be a good friend to those who share things with us in confidence. Galatians 6:2 tells us to bear one another’s burdens. When someone is sharing something with us in confidence they are asking us for help. They are asking us to help them carry the load talking things through. The burden that they are carrying is too heavy. Sharing things in confidence helps lighten the load. A talebearer not only cannot keep a secret, but they all too often put their slant on the information that they share with others usually injuring the person who shared the secret with them in the first place. They also tend to share the confidential information again and again making matters worse, further distorting the original information each time it is shared. Solomon is telling us to be a good friend. Don’t share with others things that were said in confidence.
V. 14 It is important to remember that we do not have all the answers. We need to ask others that we trust for their opinion on important matters and decisions. And, although we may not eventually fully agree with their point of view, it is important to listen to what they have to say and be sure to process and understand their suggestions. Not asking for advice is the first mistake that we often make in handling difficult or complicated decisions. The second mistake is not fully understanding what someone is suggesting. Trusted friends can give wise input when making difficult or complex decisions. We often get ourselves into trouble because we do not ask enough questions.
V. 15 reminds us that strangers should only be trusted on surface levels at first. It is ok to have fun or enjoy their company, but don’t send them to the bank with your deposit and you should think twice about giving them the keys to your car. It is hard these days to get an acquaintance to even show up for an appointment, much less trust them with important things. When trust is needed in a relationship, be sure that they have earned the level of trust needed. Solomon was pretty adamant about this. He said that only those who refuse to strike hands, hand shake sealing the deal, were safe.
V. 16 There is something to be said for training and experience. It is a good thing to be trained in the social graces being polite and courteous and proper per se. Poise and good up bringing helps you to make decisions in a moment because that is what is right and expected. You don’t have to think twice about it. It is the right thing to do, retaining honor. Lost honor is hard to regain back. Other translations make note of this person as being thoughtful and kindhearted also. The last part of v. 16 seems to imply that men by force tend to hold on to material wealth that they have gained. Some versions use the term ruthless. Hanging on to wealth at all costs for some is a strong motivator and their actions show it.
V. 17 reminds us that mercy not only benefits those that it is directed to, but it also benefits the one giving it. People take note of mercy and tend to be kind and understanding back, especially in difficult or uncontrollable circumstances. Showing mercy also has the benefit of feeling good down inside because we know we did the right thing in a particular situation. It may be noted that mercy is not applied indiscriminately, but is fair, given with understanding in a time of need or under special circumstances. He goes on to say being hard line and heartless not only hurts those involved, but hurts you also.
V. 18 Some routinely and commonly use techniques and devises that are tricky and deceptive as a means of getting what they want. The Message translates this verse ‘Bad work gets paid with a bad check, good work gets solid pay’. Deception always has built into it the probability of getting stung back. This verse could be referenced back to v. 16 referring to ruthless men using ruthless means to hold onto ill gotten gain. Good work, however, gets solid pay. Pay that is unquestionable yours and has been transferred to you with no strings attached.
V.19 Living right as a habit of life is not always easy, but is well worth the effort. Having the habit of making right and fair choices keeps you headed down the road to the good life, a life of opportunity and freedom. There are those, however, that actually make it their life’s ambition to pursue evil. As they travel down this path, they unfortunately get better at this way of life, inflicting more pain and destruction not only on others, but on themselves as well. Perfecting this lifestyle eventually has only one final outcome…Solomon says death is the end of this path.
V. 20 God does take note of us and what we do. We should remember that He did not just create us and turn us loose, but the Bible tells us that He created us for His pleasure, and that He is intimately involved in our lives whether we do good or bad. It grieves Him when we live opposite to His ways. The Bible tells us that He does see what we do and takes note of it, good or bad. The impression given here is that as we live out our life day by day, He goes with us, dealing with us as we go like a good parent would. As any good parent will tell you it is only right and natural to be grieved by a child with a perverse heart. What do you do with a person like that? However, being intimately involved in our life, He takes great pleasure when we live His way, and it only makes sense that we should know and feel His great pleasure as it emanates out from Him toward us. Being a Living God it is only natural that His delight in us should take on tangible manifestations in us and our lives.
V. 21 personally is one of my most favorite verses in the book of Proverbs. It has often brought me guidance, perspective, strength and encouragement during my years as a Christian. All too often it seems that we are outnumbered by those on the side of wrong making life look hopeless for a good outcome. There are too many of them on the same side…against us…in power and position. In this verse God reminds us that it does not matter how many there are against His plan for our life and His Purpose for us, He is able to establish what He wishes no matter how united and strong the opposition. All too often we see the enemy and we faint inside and want to give up. This verse give us the encouragement that we may take note of the opposition, but that that should not stop us from going forward with God’s will and plan for our life. David was a great example of believing this verse. There were others also. I personally like this verse as it reads in the KJV.
V. 22 It is obvious that some things are saved for certain occasions and certain people. Obviously adorning a sow with jewels is a waste and is not only inappropriate, but looks ridicules. A beautiful woman who has no manors or lacks poise and discretion is like this. The Message has an interesting rendition of this verse that I have to share, it says, ‘Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.’ Interesting interpretation… But, this verse does not only apply to a beautiful woman. Solomon’s point here can be applied to other examples. This verse can also apply to examples like, it is inappropriate for a Christian to be acting like a non believer, or a person of prominence acting foolishly, or a person in position to have uncontrolled behavior like anger. It may also have implications that some things may not be meant for us even though the world may esteem them as a focused treasure.
V. 23 reminds that we in the end get what we sow.
V. 24-6 reminds us that life does not always add up. It seems that much of life if you stop to think about it is really this way. There really is something to the principle that Solomon repeats again and again that we are to sow the right things even if it at the time does seem profitable. We sow good works in faith and it is up to God to grow the harvest. In doing this we are often surprised. It does not make sense or calculate that if you give away that in the end you may and often do have more. This is the Lesson of God. With God there is always more. It is His nature. He demonstrated this principle personally long after Solomon observed its truth with five loaves and the two fish. It is true that we need to be prudent and give as God truly directs not scattering indiscriminately. But, there is never a good time to give. There will always be pressing needs. Solomon noticed that those who were generous seemed to have more for some reason and those who were stingy seemed never to have enough. V. 26 deals with the principle of hoarding. Having way more than you need when others can’t even get by because they lack what you have does not set well with those around them. It makes the point that not all has to be given away and in some instances a need can be met by selling what you have. This verse tends to make the main point of keeping too much of something when others desperately need the excess that you have or something that you do not really need when they have real need.
V. 27 reminds us that you get what you aim for…good or bad.
V. 28 No truer statement has ever been said. Trusting in riches is risky. Most do trust in riches, but as we have seen in a very real way over the past couple of years, no matter how much money you have it is no guarantee for a secure future. Solomon will tell us later that ‘Riches have wings’ reminding us that it can fly away in a moment. It is living with and for God that endures and is sure. One of the Names of God is Jehovah-Jireh meaning Provider. It is Him not money that sustains us. It is God.
There is a lot of conjecture as to what v. 29 actually means. It is obvious that Solomon thinks that it is not a good idea to trouble your family, but it is not as obvious as to what he means by ‘inherit the wind’. Simply it seems to say that if you trouble your family enough they will hold it against you and give you nothing for an inheritance, or in other words like getting the wind for an inheritance. The last part of v. 29 states an obvious fact. The fool has nothing to compete with against the wise of heart. An unlearned and foolish heart gets the leftover jobs and ends up working for the wise.
V. 30 says that the fruit of righteousness is a tree of life. If we were to look at ourselves as a tree, it would be interesting to look and see what is hanging off of our branches. Many trees are baron providing no nourishment and sustenance to themselves and others. Other trees bear mealy fruit that is bitter and not fit for consumption. Still other trees bear some fruit, but could bear much more. But, some bear the fruit of righteousness and their branches are Full of good fruit on their branches, more than enough to supply life to themselves and those around them. A tree of life bears fruit that is abundant and is waiting to be picked providing hope and life to all who pass by. It also abundantly nourishes their own soul. The last part of v. 30 reminds us that it is important to take the time to help others see the light. God’s desire is that all would repent and come to Him. Dan. 12:3 talks about turning those around us to righteousness. James 5:20 says that when we influence others to live a life unto God the we save them from death…Pretty heavy thought. This passage reminds us again that there are more important things in this life than just making a wage and paying the bills. This passage reminds us to remember to invest in eternal things.
V. 31 The righteous and the wicked both are recompensed for their works. Matt. 25:31-46 reminds us that there will be a final Judgment and the righteous and the wicked will receive payment for their works. However, Solomon here makes it clear that his observation was that the righteous and the wicked receive recompense for their works here on earth. Some believe that we get no reward here. Solomon had a different view/belief.
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