Proverbs 11:22

As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
– Proverbs 11:22

A nose jewel, or ring as we would say, was one means of ornamenting beauty in the Bible. Putting such a jewel on a pig’s nose does not enhance the appearance of the pig but rather draws more attention to the fact it is an unclean beast. It becomes more disgusting or downright comical as all recognize how out of place it is. A fair woman is a beautiful woman. The word for discretion means good taste or judgment. When a woman lacks sensible judgment, her physical beauty is then like the jewel put on the pig’s nose. She is a monstrosity. The outward appearance and ornamentation should agree with and adorn the inner wisdom (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:21

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
– Proverbs 11:21

The first phrase is uncertain and has been interpreted variously. Hand to hand could be an expression that denotes the surety of something to happen. The joining of hands could also refer to confederacy, in this case to do evil. The former seems the most probable in that the sureness of the wicked coming to punishment is emphasized. With this gloss, the surety of the statement also applies to the contrast that the seed of the righteous are surely to be delivered. So both statements are sure to come to pass. The Proverbs consistently presents the theme that the wicked will not ultimately prosper and the righteous shall be rewarded (Proverbs 28:13).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:20

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
– Proverbs 11:20

The word for froward is common in the Proverbs and means twisted, or perverse. I like to think of it as bent, as in bending away from wisdom. A perverse or twisted heart is abhorrent to God and the line suggests they invite his judgment upon them. By contrast, the upright walk according to wisdom and are his delight. Therefore, they invite his pleasure and blessing upon them (Psalm 18:25-26; 11:7; 140:13).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:19

As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
– Proverbs 11:19

Wisdom is concerned with the long view and outcomes over time more than immediate circumstances. This proverb contrasts pursuing righteousness and evil. Pursuing righteousness results in life and pursuing evil in death. This is a continual wisdom theme throughout Proverbs (Proverbs 1:16-19; 8:36; 10:16; 11:4; 12:28; 13:21; 19:23).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:18

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
– Proverbs 11:18

The general tenor of Proverbs is that the gains of the wicked, whatever they are, are not lasting. The deceitful works of the wicked are also often the means that bring them down (Proverbs 1:18; 5:22; 22:8). The contrast emphasizes the reward, or wages, of sowing in righteousness is sure. The word indicates firmness, stability, and reliability. Those who work in righteousness are assured of a reward.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:17

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
– Proverbs 11:17

The word for merciful means kindness and also carries the thought of faithfulness. The word for cruel means merciless. The two are contrasted as well as their effects. The point of the proverb is the effect attitudes and actions have on the person more than on others (Proverbs 15:27). By mercy, a man does good to his own soul. Cruelty stirs up and disturbs a man’s own body.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:16

A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.
– Proverbs 11:16

The point of the contrast in this proverb is not to contrast men and women as such, but rather to provide a through-going contrast. Both lines present a contrast from start to finish. The word for gracious points to kindness and charm. It can refer to objective beauty, but physical beauty is not meant, or at least not the emphasis here, as verse 22 later shows. To retain is to obtain and to keep. The point of the phrase is that honor is obtained and kept through graciousness. The word for strong means oppressive and tyrannical. Riches can be obtained and kept by such means. The point of the contrast then becomes clear. Only riches can be obtained that way. Such men will not retain honor. The gracious woman may or may not obtain wealth, but she will retain honor.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:15

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.
– Proverbs 11:15

Proverbs consistently warns against striking hands, or becoming a guarantor for another (Proverbs 6:1-5; 17:18). The general truism is that one who becomes surety will have trouble for it. The earlier counsel was to get out of it as soon as possible and here to hate it or avoid it. Keeping from it is way to be sure, or confident and free from trouble.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 11:14

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
– Proverbs 11:14

The word for counsel literally means steerage, and so direction or guidance. The fool is depicted as one who will neither seek nor receive counsel (Proverbs 1:7; 10:8; 12:15; 15:5). The end of their folly is falling. The word for safety indicates a rescue or some deliverance. In this case, a multitude of counselors rescues or delivers from the fall in the first phrase. The proverb assumes the counselors to give wise counsel. The emphasis is the multitude, or abundance, which brings some different perspectives. The wisdom in this is echoed through Proverbs (Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; 24:6). No matter how knowledgeable a man is, he doesn’t know everything. Every man also has biases and blind spots. A multitude of counselors help to see what we don’t and help us to think through things from different angles.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

« Previous PageNext Page »