Proverbs 11:14

A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. Under this prohibition of "a false balance" is forbidden all fraud, by whatsoever suns of deception it may be committed, (; ). It is "abomination to the Lord," because it is perpetrated under the semblance of justice. "A just weight" - literally, a perfect stone; because stones were anciently used as weights (; ; )....

10-31 This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her. 1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good. 2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women's business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not. 3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter. 4. S...

COUNSEL - See Proverbs 1:5 note. This precept may well be thought of as coming with special force at the time of the organization of the monarchy of Israel. Compare 1 Kings 12:6....

EXPOSITION PROVERBS 11:1 A FALSE BALANCE; literally, _balances of deceit _(Proverbs 20:23). The repetition of the injunctions of Deuteronomy 25:13, Deuteronomy 25:14 and Leviticus 19:35, Leviticus 19:36 points to fraud consequent on increased commercial dealings, and the necessity of moral and religious considerations to control practices which the civil authority could not a

WHERE NO COUNSEL [IS], THE PEOPLE FALL,.... Where there is no wise and prudent, sound and good counsel, as the word signifies; where that is not, there had as good be none, or better; a people, a kingdom, a commonwealth, nation, or city, fall into ruin and destruction, or into schemes which bring them to it; they are like a ship without a pilot, or without a helm, or one to steer it: the Targum, Syriac, and Vulgate Latin versions, render it, "where there is no governor;'' and the Arabic version, "they that have no providence (or forecast) fall as a leaf falls;'' and so the Septuagint version, "they that have no government fall as leaves,'' as leaves fall in autumn; and the word signifies the helm of government o, in allusion to a ship; BUT IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSELLORS [THERE IS] SAFETY; because what one may miss another may hit upon; and, if they agree in their advice, it may

CHAPTER 11 THE CONTRAST CONTINUED The continued contrast in this chapter between the righteous and the wicked contains many precious gems, sweet to faith and wholesome for instruction. In the second verse there is a warning as to pride. Pride and shame are vitally linked together, as is lowliness and wisdom. Lowliness therefore is true wisdom. A Rabbinical comment on this passage says, “Lowly souls are filled with wisdom as the lowly places are filled with water.” Again riches are mentioned. They profit nothing in the day of wrath. (See Zephaniah 1:1 .) But righteousness delivered from death (Proverbs 11:4). What wisdom there is in Proverbs 11:8, “The righteous is delivered out of trouble, but the wicked cometh

PROVERBS 11. The orthodox view of strictly retributive justice found in Proverbs 10:24 f., Proverbs 11:27 is represented by a further group (Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 11:18, and Proverbs 11:31). Proverbs concerning speech are also frequent (Proverbs 11:9; Proverbs 11:12 f.). There are, moreover, several new points_ e.g._ the value of wisdom to the commu

COUNSEL: or helmsman. MULTITUDE OF COUNSELLERS. Provided they are really "counsellers". SAFETY. salvation....

_counsel_ See Proverbs 1:5 note. The same Heb. word is there rendered _wise counsels_, A.V. and _sound counsels_, R.V. Here R.V. renders _wise guidance_, with reference perhaps to the root-meaning of the word, _steering a ship_, κυβέρνησις, LXX. Comp. Proverbs 15:22....

TEXT Proverbs 11:12-21 12. He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13. He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter. 14. Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure. 16. A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches. 17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18. The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. 19. He that is stedfast in righteousness shall at