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11:1 Balances of deceit Dishonest scales were prohibited by the law (Lev 19:35–36; Deut 25:13–16).
Balance ISBE
Balances EDB
11:2 Pride comes Arrogance is a trait of the fool (Prov 12:15; 21:24).
11:3–9 These proverbs contrast the security enjoyed by the righteous with the inevitable destruction of the wicked. The righteous enjoy deliverance from trouble (v. 8) and have security because of their integrity (v. 3), righteousness (vv. 5–6), and wisdom (v. 9). In contrast, the wicked’s actions ultimately leads to destruction because of their perverseness (v. 3), overall wickedness (v. 5), and lust (v. 6). Instead of avoiding trouble, the wicked walk into it (v. 8). Riches cannot preserve the wicked (v. 4); when they die, their hope and wealth die with them (v. 6). |
Topics in Proverbs Table
11:9 by knowledge the righteous are delivered Knowledge (see note on 1:4) helps the righteous get themselves out of trouble created by the godless person.
11:10–11 These proverbs describe reactions to the fate of the righteous and the wicked. The whole city rejoices when the righteous prosper; they also rejoice when the wicked perish. Verse 11 offers the reason for these reactions: The righteous bring blessing to the city, while the wicked destroy it. The righteous are characterized by justice and fairness (1:3; 21:15; 29:4), while the wicked are characterized by violence and oppression (4:17; 17:23; 21:10). |
11:12 a person of intelligence will remain silent Like the prudent (10:19; compare 1:3 and note), those with understanding wisely restrain their speech (compare v. 9).
11:14 there is no guidance Can refer to either guidance or strategy. Compare 1:5, where the book promises its reader guidance.
11:15 he loans to a stranger Proverbs 6:1–5 warns against putting up security for a neighbor (see note on 6:1).
11:16 but the ruthless gets wealth This could be viewed as contradicting other statements about wealth (10:22; 14:24), but Proverbs never denies that the wicked can obtain wealth. Instead, Proverbs shows that a proper attitude of righteousness and humility is preferable to wealth—especially wealth earned through injustice or wickedness (16:8, 16:19; 28:6).
11:18 deceptive gain Wealth obtained by the wicked (v. 16) does not last (v. 4). In contrast, the righteous obtain a wage that leads to life characterized by a relationship with God (10:16).
11:21 the wicked will not go unpunished The ultimate punishment of the wicked is referenced throughout Proverbs (10:30; 12:7). These references serve as expressions of faith in God’s justice (compare Eccl 8:13).
11:22 A ring of gold in the snout of a pig A metaphor of mismatched things. The matching of the gold ring and the pig is paired with the remainder of the proverb about a beautiful woman without discretion.
11:24 yet grows richer Rather than a promise that generosity will yield financial profit, this verse reflects the general principle that kindness or stinginess will be reciprocated (v. 26). See note on 3:2.
Does Proverbs Promise Too Much? NICOT Pr 1–15
11:27 he who inquires of evil, it will come to him The person who goes looking for trouble (ra'ah; see note on 3:29) will find it.
11:28 like a green leaf the righteous will flourish An image of prosperity. Elsewhere, the righteous are compared to a stable and fruitful tree (Psa 1:3; Jer 17:8).
11:30 The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life Earlier, wisdom was called a tree of life. See Prov 3:18 and note.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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