Proverbs 11
In examining these chapters let us bear in mind that what they contain is not merely the wisdom of a great king, but the wisdom of God communicated through Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:77In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. (2 Chronicles 1:7)-ll; 9:22,23). Every “proverb” calls for our study as designed of God for His children’s help and blessing, though we can refer to a few of them in these lessons only.
Verse 1, applied literally, tells the tradesman he must give good measure, but it is a word for everyone. God is just; should His people have a lower standard ?
Pride is found in everyone by nature; it was the cause of Satan’s downfall (1 Timothy 3:66Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)). It leads to shame in the day of judgment, if not before. With the lowly, or modest, those who have no confidence in the flesh (to use a New Testament expression, Philippians 3:33For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)), is wisdom obtained from the knowledge of God through His Word.
More than lowliness or modesty is however, necessary for a clean, good life, integrity, uprightness or righteousness is needed in full measure, and of this a number of verses in chapter 11 (and others following) treat. The integrity of the upright guideth them (verse 3); righteousness delivereth from death (verse 4); the righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way (verse 5); the righteous is delivered out of trouble (verse 8); through knowledge—instruction received from God—are the righteous delivered (verse 9); he that soweth righteousness bath a sure reward now, (verse 18)—as well as in eternity; the righteous shall be requited (or repaid) on the earth (verse 31). Thus has God declared concerning those who love Him.
To lowliness and uprightness of heart and life is added understanding (verse 12); of great value in the believer's life is this gift of God,—to know Him well through His Word, the Bible; divinely given intelligence enables the submissive Christian to trace the path of Christ through the world, and in some measure to walk in it. He will keep apart from both greater and lesser evils in the world, holding his peace on occasion, and again faithfully concealing that which is unprofitable or damaging to tell concerning others (verses 13, 14). What important lessons God's Word teaches!
Verse 20: They that are of a froward (perverse) heart are abomination to the Lord, but such as are upright in their way are His delight.
What contrast is again seen in verse 23, where the two classes of humanity, "the righteous" and "the wicked," are shown in the springs or sources of their actions, which only God fully knows.
Verses 24 and 25 encourage the saint of God to use the means given to him for the help and blessing of others, "scattering" yet increasing in the truest wealth, for the liberal soul (literally, the blessing soul) shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1932