Bible Commentaries
JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Proverbs 11
guide — to lead, as a shepherd (Proverbs 6:7; Psalm 78:52).
perverseness — ill-nature.
destroy — with violence.
deliver them — that is, from evil, which the wicked suffer by their own doings (Proverbs 5:22; Psalm 9:16).
perish — for death cuts short all his plans (Luke 16:25).
hope of unjust — better, “hope of wealth,” or “power” (compare Isaiah 40:29, Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.
The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.
despiseth — or, “reviles,” a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise.
holdeth his peace — as if neither hearing nor telling.
tale-bearer — (Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.
counsel — the art of governing (Proverbs 1:5).
counsellors — literally, “one giving counsel”; the participle used as a collective.
(Compare Proverbs 6:1).
suretiship — (Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.
retaineth — or literally, “lay hold of as a support.” Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.
merciful — kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Proverbs 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.
flesh — that is, his body, by penuriousness (Colossians 2:23).
a deceitful work — or, “wages,” which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 23:5).
sure reward — or, “gain,” as from trading (Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8, Galatians 6:9).
(Compare Proverbs 11:5).
froward — as in Proverbs 2:15, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright.
in their way — or, “conduct.”
The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship (Psalm 37:25, Psalm 37:26).
Jewels were often suspended from the nose (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.
The scope of the whole is a comment on Proverbs 11:23. Thus liberality, by God‘s blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.
liberal soul — (Compare Margin).
made fat — prospers (Proverbs 28:25; Deuteronomy 32:15; Luke 6:38).
watereth … watered — a common figure for blessing.
Another example of the truth of Proverbs 11:23; the miser loses reputation, though he saves corn.
selleth it — that is, at a fair price.
(Compare Proverbs 10:15; Psalm 49:6; 1 Timothy 6:17).
righteous … branch — (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8).
troubleth — as Proverbs 15:27 explains, by greediness for gain (compare Proverbs 11:17).
inherit … wind — Even successful, his gains are of no real value. So the fool, thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps up for others.
a tree of life — Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous (Proverbs 3:18).
winneth souls — (Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Proverbs 6:25; Ezekiel 13:18 (compare Luke 5:10).
Behold — Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Proverbs 11:23), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.
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