Proverbs 11
v.2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
v.12
A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
One should hold one’s tongue rather than deride a neighbor. The wise man is a “man of discernment”; the other one “lacks judgement.” How one treats a neighbor is significant in Proverbs—one was expected to be a good neighbor.
It is foolish to deride one’s neighbor. This comes from the Hebrew term buwz, which implies contempt or a sneering form of spite. Snide, derogatory attitudes towards other people cause friction and hard feelings. If a man has good judgment, he will remain silent instead of deriding his neighbor. A flurry of insults never gains peace; refusing to say mean things about a neighbor contributes to a good, peaceful relationship (Proverbs 10:19; 29:20). At minimum, the choice to hold one’s tongue gives opportunity to rethink before saying something which cannot be taken back.
It is foolish to deride one’s neighbor. This comes from the Hebrew term buwz, which implies contempt or a sneering form of spite. Snide, derogatory attitudes towards other people cause friction and hard feelings. If a man has good judgment, he will remain silent instead of deriding his neighbor. A flurry of insults never gains peace; refusing to say mean things about a neighbor contributes to a good, peaceful relationship (Proverbs 10:19; 29:20). At minimum, the choice to hold one’s tongue gives opportunity to rethink before saying something which cannot be taken back.
v.13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
v.23
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
v.24
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another witholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
The paradox presented here does not refer to financial investments. Rather, in God’s economy generosity often determines prosperity: one must give in order to gain (see Ps 112:9; 2Co 9:6-9).
v.25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
v.27
He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
Whoever seeks good is seeking divine favor.
v.30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins soul is wise.
The idea of “winning souls” means capturing or laying hold of people with ideas or influence (2Sa 15:6).
v.31
If the righteous achieve their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!