Proverbs 11:1-16

Proverbs 11:1-16 

So many of the Proverbs have subtle and unexpected twists or conclusions that ought to cause us to pause and think about personal application. Verse 2 is a prime example. The first part is so well accepted that it has become an often-quoted maxim. But in the second part there is an unexpected twist. Read it fast and fail to think about it, and you will miss it. In contrast to “when pride comes, then comes dishonor,” we might expect “but with humility there is respect.” But that's not what we see. What we see is that “with the humble there is wisdom.” There is no promise of honor for the humble. In fact, in this world the humble person may not be honored or even noticed. The benefit of humility is primarily internal and personal. There are no award shows or trophies for the humble. They have a better, hidden, and internal reward: they operate out of and give more wisdom. 

Another unexpected turn occurs in verse 9. It was once believed that the internet in general and social media specifically would somehow promote unity and social concord by giving the average person a platform to hear and be heard. What is actually happening is that the most extreme and evil voices garner the most attention because they are the personification of their given position. Choose any subject, and the rhetoric is driven by those who would most aggressively tear down the other side. “They are destroying their neighbor." The second part of the verse offers a twist. On the surface we may see that by knowledge (righteous knowledge) the godly person avoids the destruction that the godless man brings. But there is a subtle implication here. By the godly knowledge of the righteous man, the hypocrites or the evil man benefit and are rescued. The ruin of a people is prevented by the knowledge or the wisdom of the righteous.

“Help me, Lord, to operate with the humble wisdom that You provide. Amen.”