Proverbs 11

PROVERBS 11

"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD,
But a just weight is His delight.
When pride comes, then comes shame;
But with the humble is wisdom."
(vs 1-2)

God loathes the prideful, but loves those who are humble. To those who boast in their own abilities, and give not credit to the One from whom all abilities come, He says -

"The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ’Who will bring me down to earth?’ "Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down, " declares the LORD." - Ob 1:3-4

But to those who humble themselves before Him, He says -

“ I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones."- Isaiah 57:14


Contrast the humble and the prideful. Let us look at two kings, Herod and Hezekiah. In Acts 12:20-23, Herod’s boast was in himself before men, and he gave not God the glory, and God struck him down. When the Lord showed king Hezekiah the pride that was in his heart, he repented before God and men, and so spared himself from God’s wrath, as we read in 2nd Chronicles -

"Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come on them." - 2 Chron 32:26


"The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.

The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust."
(vs 3-6)

As in most of the Proverbs, and elsewhere in the Scripture, we read of the benefits that the Lord bestows upon those who live with integrity, act in righteousness, and give God rather than themselves the glory. Our paths will be made clear; we will be saved from destruction; we will be able to stand when tempted. As we read in the Book of Revelation, it is righteous behavior of Christians that will clothe the bride of the Lamb in that glorious Day.

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." - Rev 19:7-8


Contrast the righteous and the wicked. God loves those who are righteous (Psalm 146:8). He hates the wicked (Psalm 11:5). He looks upon us, and tests us to know where our hearts truly are (Deut 8:2, 13:3-4, Psalm 7:9).

"The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,
And the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Upon the wicked He will rain snares;
Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.
For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness;
The upright will behold His face." - Psalm 11:5-7

Even our righteousness will be tested. Do we act justly and with integrity only when all our needs are met? Is our trust truly in God and His promises, or is our trust in our own strength and in our earthly wealth?

"He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.
He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth,
How much more the ungodly and the sinner."
(vs 28-31)


Jesus told a parable about a man who stored up for himself, worldly goods. This man’s focus was on himself, this trust was in his own abilities, and he said to himself - "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."

"But God said to him, ’You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ "So is the man who (V)stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." - Luke 12:16-21

Those whose trust is in worldly riches will not stand; but those who are righteous, and trust in the Lord’s provision, are as solid as trees. Our wealth should be spiritual, our treasures laid up in heaven (Matt 6:19-21), we should be rich toward God. When these are the things we are striving for, not only will Christ dwell in us richly, but God has promised to provide all that we really need.

"Do not worry then, saying, ’What will we eat?’ or ’What will we drink?’ or ’What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matt 6:31-33


Dear friends, as we spend even a little time in these Scriptures, we get a glimpse of the depth of Truth contained in this Book of Proverbs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so, and I pray that all I share is indeed from the Throne of God, and serves to encourage and build up the body of Christ.

God’s peace and blessings, wisdom and understanding to each of us,

Michael


The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
(vs 25)