THE TRIUMPH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE SAD END OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (PROVERBS 11:4). These next five verses lay great emphasis on the advantages of righteousness (obedience to YHWH's requirements). Righteousness delivers from death and judgment (Proverbs 11:4), it directs men in the right way (Proverbs... [ Continue Reading ]
NEIGHBOURS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS (PROVERBS 11:8). Solomon now deals with contrasts between the righteous and the wicked with regard to their neighbours and fellow-citizens. The first two verses in the subsection are connected together by the deliverance of the righteous, and can be seen together. The... [ Continue Reading ]
FURTHER CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS (PROVERBS 11:15). In this subsection we again have the continual contrast between the righteous, the gracious, the merciful and the blameless on the one hand, and the unrighteous, the violent, the perverse and the indiscreet on the other.... [ Continue Reading ]
GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT WILL BRING BLESSING AND PLENTY, BUT NIGGARDLINESS WILL BRING WANT AND CURSING (PROVERBS 11:24). We now have three proverbs in a minimal chiastic form which deal with the question of generosity and niggardliness. Those of a generous spirit will prosper and be blessed. Those who... [ Continue Reading ]
THE RIGHTEOUS SEEK WHAT IS GOOD, FLOURISH BECAUSE THEY HAVE TRUE LIFE, PRODUCING ITS FRUIT, AND WILL BE RECOMPENSED ON EARTH. THE UNRIGHTEOUS SEARCH AFTER WHAT IS BAD, TRUST IN RICHES, ARE BROUGHT LOW, AND ALSO RECEIVE THEIR DUE RECOMPENSE (PROVERBS 11:27). The ‘the one who --' of Proverbs 11:26 now... [ Continue Reading ]