Proverbs 11

A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but accurate weights are his delight.

When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.

When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing.

A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place.

With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.

By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.

Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.

A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches.

The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death.

Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.

Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.

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

The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.

There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.

The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.

People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.

He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.

Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter contrasts the ways of righteousness and wickedness through a series of proverbial sayings, emphasizing God’s moral order in personal conduct, business, speech, and community life. It underscores that integrity, humility, and wisdom lead to life and communal flourishing, while deceit, pride, and treachery result in shame, downfall, and divine disfavor. The chapter fits within Proverbs’ broader theme of wisdom as a path of moral and spiritual discernment that reflects the fear of the Lord.

Flow.

Begins with God’s ethical standards in commercial honesty and the inner dispositions of pride and humility.
Traces the consequences of righteousness and wickedness in personal destiny, especially in times of judgment and trouble.
Expands to social dimensions: speech, neighborly conduct, civic well-being, and the necessity of wise counsel.
Closes with the certainty of divine retribution and the visible fruit of righteous living, particularly in shaping society.

Connections.
Following chapter 10, which introduces the contrast between the wise and foolish, the righteous and wicked, this chapter deepens that theme with greater attention to social and economic justice. It refines the earlier maxims by showing how personal character directly affects community life—particularly in commerce, speech, and leadership—which chapter 12 takes up by focusing on the tongue’s power to build up or destroy, continuing the concern for truthful, life-giving conduct.

What it teaches.
The LORD values moral integrity as a reflection of His own character (WCF 4.1), detesting perversity and delighting in righteousness (WCF 5.7). Righteousness is not merely avoidance of sin but active, merciful engagement that delivers from death (Prov. 11:4; cf. HC LD 21, Q&A 56) and fosters communal blessing (WCF 19.2). Trust in riches is idolatry (HC LD 43, Q&A 110), while humility and wisdom preserve life (WCF 13.2). The righteous, though not immune to trouble, are delivered by God’s justice, and their influence becomes a “tree of life” (Prov. 11:30; cf. WCF 16.2 on good works as evidence of faith). The recompense for both the righteous and the wicked in this life points to the ultimate justice of God, who will not let evil go unpunished (WCF 3.7; 14.1).

Apply.
Conduct your affairs so that honesty, mercy, and discretion shape both personal decisions and their impact on others.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.