Proverbs 11 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
11:1
1. (Compare Margin). The Hebrews used stones for weights. just--complete in measure.
11:2
2. Self-conceit is unteachable; the humble grow wise (compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).
11:3
3. guide--to lead, as a shepherd (Pr 6:7; Psa 78:52). perverseness--ill-nature. destroy--with violence.
11:4
4. (Compare Pr 10:2). wrath--that is, of God.
11:5
5. direct--or, "make plain"; wicked ways are not plain (Pr 13:17).
11:6
6. deliver them--that is, from evil, which the wicked suffer by their own doings (Pr 5:22; Psa 9:16).
11:7
7. expectation ... perish--for death cuts short all his plans (Lu 16:25). hope of unjust--better, "hope of wealth," or "power" (compare Is 40:29, Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.
11:8
8. Perhaps the trouble prepared by the wicked, and which he inherits (compare Pr 11:6).
11:9
9. (Compare Psa 35:16; Da 11:32). The just is saved by superior discernment.
11:10–11
10-11. The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.
11:12
12. despiseth--or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise. holdeth his peace--as if neither hearing nor telling.
11:13
13. tale-bearer--(Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.
11:14
14. counsel--the art of governing (Pr 1:5). counsellors--literally, "one giving counsel"; the participle used as a collective.
11:15
15. (Compare Pr 6:1). suretiship--(Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.
11:16
16. retaineth--or literally, "lay hold of as a support." Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.
11:17
17. merciful--kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Pr 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others. flesh--that is, his body, by penuriousness (Col 2:23).
11:18
18. a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pr 10:2; 23:5). sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading (Ho 10:12; Ga 6:8, 9).
11:19
19. Inference from Pr 11:18 (compare Pr 11:5, 6; 10:16).
11:20
20. (Compare Pr 11:5). froward--as in Pr 2:15, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright. in their way--or, "conduct."
11:21
21. 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 (Psa 37:25, 26).
11:22
22. Jewels were often suspended from the nose (Ge 24:47; Is 3:21). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.
11:23
23. (Compare Pr 10:28). wrath--is that of God.
11:24–31
24-31. The scope of the whole is a comment on Pr 11:23. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.