Proverbs chapter 11

vs 11

Whole cities laid waste by the mouth of the wicked. Loose lips not only sink ships, but destroy entire cities. The idea that the righteous can lead to the exultation of a town could refer to a Sodom and Gommorah type situation, I suppose - although it didn't save those towns.

vs 12

It's not that you can't understand or realise the inadequacies of other people - but just going around blabbing is stupid. Better to keep your tongue, and just act appropriately an wisely.

vs 13

Everyone knows this, but we still gossip. Sometimes I think we think we're being helpful, but you have to be so, so wise to know when to say something, whereas it's easy to just not say it.

vs 14

Which means, of course, being prepared to take advice. All good leaders know that they can't make all decisions on their own, and respect the expertise of others.

vs 15

This verse is talking about loans and money. Just imagine putting up the guarantee on a stranger's house - why would they worry if they forfeit it? You could lose your own house. The idea being you're safe if you don't make any such pledges. Pretty simple wisdom, really. However, how does this compare with Jesus' words that you should lend to those who won't pay it back? Does this show the true wisdom of God - yes, of course it's easy to protect your money. But how eternally significant is that? When does such stewardship become greed? I think it takes a fair bit of wisdom to know.

vs 16

Heh, and there you go. I think this is here for good reason. "Only wealth" isn't good enough. Sure, don't squander it on people who won't respect it, but remember that kindness is honourable.

vs 17

The benefit of kindness to others is obvious - as is the benefit of cruelty are obvious to one's self. It's the reverse of the two that are so important to remember. Of course, the benefits and harms might not be always easily visible.

vs 18

I like this idea. The rewards of wickedness are there - everyone knows that. It's their fleeting nature, the deception of the reward that is not always well known. Unfortunately, the rewards of righteousness aren't always obvious, but God assures us they are definitely there.

vs 19

These terms 'life' and 'death' are sometimes a little confusing to me. I mean, what does it mean to 'attain life'? Is it perhaps long life? Or is it really that you don't "live life" if you're wicked? Because life is about being righteous?

vs 20

The crux of this verse is that you must understand what God likes and dislikes is important. If you don't get that, then this verse is meaningless. And so you must then agree with that proposition, or it is likewise meaningless.