Proverbs Chapter 11

11:1

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.

Be honest and fair in your business dealings.  You will gain a good reputation among men and favor with God.

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11:2

When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.

Pride is a sin that means love of self.  Humility is the opposite.  Love of others at your expense.

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11:3

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.

Integrity - high morals and honesty, keeps their slate clean.  The faithless, without morals will be destroyed by their own words and actions.

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11:4

Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

You are taking nothing with you when it's time for you to go.  But being righteous has it's rewards.

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11:5

The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.

You can walk the path to Heaven or you can walk the path to hell.  It's your choice.

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11:6

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.

The righteous do the right thing, and remains blameless therefore walking the straight and narrow path.  The faithless are trapped by their own desires.  And if they fulfill some of those desires, they will get into trouble.

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11:7

  

When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the hope of his strength vanishes.

The wicked man will go to hell.  He will abandon all hope.

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11:8

The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in.

The righteous man stays blameless.   The wicked man causes or gets into trouble.  

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11:9

With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

The evil man blames others for his doings.

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11:10

When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

The righteous thrive, is giving, is helpful, we all thrive, And we are just as happy to see the evil one go.

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11:11

By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

The righteous are a blessing to have around.  The evil one will run his mouth to ruin.

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11:12

Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.

It's best to just move on.  Your neighbor is digging his own hole and you should pray for him.  

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11:13

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

The fool has to speak, has to get a rise out of some drama.  The righteous man keeps his mouth shut.  He avoids the drama.  

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11:14

For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

It takes more than one man to run the world.  If we rely on one king with no council, we will probably all be in trouble.  Lack of guidance - bad decisions.

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11:15

He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.

Don't go into debt.  You will pay for it later.  You will protect yourself by not owing anybody anything.  They could come after it.

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11:16

A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

An evil man doesn't deserve a good woman, but he will get his riches in this life.

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11:17

A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

If you are kind to others, others will be kind to you.  If you are cruel to others, it will catch up to you.

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11:18

The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.

A true reward is a good life.  A peaceful life without blame.  The wicked man may get his riches, but it's nothing to be proud of.

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11:19

Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.

Sin leads to death. 

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11:20

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.

God wants us to be good and loving.

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11:21

Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

The wicked will be punished.   It will eventually catch up to them.  The righteous will be rewarded. 

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11:22

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

Piggish sluts are gross.

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11:23

The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.

A righteous man is a wise man who is concerned with the love of God and neighbor.   The hope of the wicked is all about personal gain.

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11:24

One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.

God rewards those who are generous, giving or loving.

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11:25

A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

If you are generous and help others, others will be generous and help you.

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11:26

The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.

If God blesses you with an abundance, it is meant to be shared.  Selling the grain at a good and fair price, will enable you to produce more. 

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11:27

He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.

If your intentions are good, you will find good and favor with God and man.  If you seek evil, it will find you.

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11:28

He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.

The righteous trust in God.  The wealthy trust in themselves and their riches.  God is more reliable.

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11:29

He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

If you cause trouble you will get trouble, and your family will cut you off.  If you are foolish, you will serve the wise.

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11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

The righteous seek God.  God is there for them.  He brings others to God by his own example and they benefit from the fruits of that.

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11:31

If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

You can have it on earth or in Heaven, it's up to you.