The Proverbs are a set of rules that will give us guidance in the real world that we are living in today, as well as our religious life. These set of rules deal with all of our actions not only in governmental civil life, but in your business and family life. All relationships in your life determine if people want to be around you and trust you, or if they stay away from you and look down on your character. This set of rules are nothing more than common sense that we deal with in everyday life.

Proverbs 11:1 "A false balance is abomination to the Lord: But a just weight is His delight."

Present things honest in the sight of all men, and be fair in your dealings with everyone. Unbalanced or false scales are set that way for only one purpose, to steal from the one you are dealing with. God considers that an abomination to Himself. Some things God hates, but when that thing is an abomination, you are in trouble before the Lord. Be fair to those you are around, and they will be fair with you.

Proverbs 11:2 "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom."

When wisdom or common sense is used in your relationships with your neighbors and friends, the little things will not be allowed to grow out of proportion. Wisdom also allows you to know when it is time to leave, and not allow things to get out of hand. "Lowly" means "modesty" and with modesty comes common sense. Pride was Satan's sin that caused his fall in that first earth age. Though Satan was created perfect in all his ways "till iniquity was found in thee", then came his fall.

Ezekiel 28:17 "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee."

It is declared that pride was Satan's sin leading to his fall. Satan thought he was so perfect that in his limited knowledge he wanted to be God. Satan was proud of himself and his great beauty, but he forgot that he was just a created being.

Proverbs 11:3 "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."

God will turn their own methods of wickedness back on their own heads. The evil will be turned back on their own heads. "Perverse" means to do something to your own body that is not natural. The perverseness that drugs brings causes damage to your brain cells, while excessive use of liquor not only messes up the systems within your body and causes your mind to be out of control. The only person fooled when you play around with God's health laws is you, for there is a price to pay for that kick you receive in taking messing with drugs or alcohol. It is interesting that the word "transgressors" would be better translated "traitors" for you become a traitor to your own self and it's best interest.

In the Hebrew text, "integrity" [#8538] means "innocence" and comes from the prime Hebrew word "tom" [completeness, with prosperity].

Proverbs 11:4 "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: But righteousness delivereth from death."

"Riches" from doing things God's way are blessings that God has given you to be enjoyed. However those riches gained by wicked dealings with others simply will not count on the day of judgment. A life spent cheating and stealing from other to gain vast riches, simple cannot be used to buy favor at the throne of God on Judgment day. The life and death that we are talking about here is the life and death of your very soul.

So what counts for profit on judgment day? It is your actions and service to him. Wisdom causes you to serve Him, and repent when you have stepped out of God's ways that delivers you from eternal death. The riches simply give you a better quality of life while living here in these flesh bodies, and those same riches can be what condemns your soul. Even though God has blessed you greatly with earthly riches, those riches will not save you in the day of wrath, for only repentance under the blood of Jesus Christ will save you. Earthly riches are only temporary, but the eternal life of your soul by God's grace is your greatest blessing.

Proverbs 11:5 "The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness."

"The righteousness of the perfect" is maturing and becoming blameless before God. Wisdom makes a person mature in his or her ways, for wisdom comes from God and is obtained by giving reverence to God and seek His ways. "The wicked shall fall by his own wickedness" is a second witness to the fact that you set the standard for all the trouble that comes upon you. The wickedness you do to others comes back on you, and the vices you do in perversion by your unnatural acts will cause your own fall. You bring to yourself what ever evil comes upon you, even though it takes many years to destroy you.

Proverbs 11:6 "The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: But transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness."

Your own honesty will be what delivers you from evil. However the wicked will be brought down by their own schemes. It doesn't matter whether it is in search of good times, or just out to rip someone off, but those transgressors against God's instructions will pay a price for the own naughtiness.

Proverbs 11:7 "When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: And the hope of unjust men perisheth."

When a wicked man dies, all those things that meant so much to him in this life, those dreams and riches, end. When they lay his body in the ground to decay back to the dust of the earth, his soul then goes to the Father that gave it, to face those wicked deeds that he did to obtain his wealth. At that point in that soul's life, the flesh body and all the wealth that it gained through unrighteousness will perish right along with that soul. All the wealth of this world age are just one big zero, worthless in the life hereafter. However that can be reversed, and it is never to late for repentance. Think about it, you are the one that decides if changes are made in your life, not another person, you. However intercessory pray can help from a righteous person, for God will bring things to come into the path of that son or daughter, husband or wife, or loved one to cause them to reconsider their ways.

Proverbs 11:8 "The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead."

Though it may seem that the wicked prosper and the righteous fail, that is not true, for in time the wicked will pay for every evil act committed. The reason that it appears that the righteous fail, is that many claiming the name of Jesus Christ, refuse to follow His Word, and walk in the path of righteousness.

Psalms 37 tells us exactly what is going to happen to the wicked, and there can be no confusion. This Psalm is written in an acrostic, and the acrostic is given and explained in detail in the Companion Bible. It is well worth your study.

Proverbs 11:9 "An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: But through knowledge shall the just be delivered."

Most of the time all of the problems that happen between neighbors are small misunderstandings, things that just don't amount to much. What this then is talking about is plain gossip, spreading lies in the neighborhood. What is the best way to kill a lie, of course it is with truth. When one comes to you with a lie, face that lie at that moment, and put it down before it spreads and does it's damage. Little things if left unattended can mount into a major conflict in the neighborhood. Remember from the first chapters of wisdom, we were instructed how to get along with our neighbor. Just don't let rumors start in the neighborhood, when the come by your ears, set the record straight immediately.

Proverbs 11:10 "When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: And when the wicked perish, there is shouting."

What this is saying is that when the wicked ones are removed from the community, the entire community is happy. When the troublemakers are put in jail, there is a peace in the community and the neighborhood. When everyone is seeking to do right in the community, those things that destroy a community don't rise up.

Although this has another application, as this is also talking about that time after Judgment day, when those souls that do wickedly are turned to ashes, and and we step into eternity without them. God will so eliminate them that even the thought of them will be erased from your memory forever. Wicked souls will be as if they had never existed. That is why there ill be no tears in heaven.

Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

When does this happen? After John saw the new heaven and a new earth come down: "For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."

Proverbs 11:11 "By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked."

"The blessing of the upright" will be exalted with the Just are delivered up in a city to witness against the Antichrist or wickedness. A wicked policy within any city will destroy that city more than anything else.

Proverbs 11:12 "He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: But a man of understanding holdeth his peace."

A person that mocks his neighbor is void of wisdom, and has no respect of anyone. This type just runs off at the mouth with no sense of the damage they are doing. Anytime you "despiseth your neighbor" you are void of wisdom. The man that has wisdom has learned to keep his mouth shut, and tend to his own business. Wisdom lets us know when to speak, and gives us the words to say at the right moment. A good neighbor is a valuable thing to you, for they are protection in the neighborhood, and watchmen when you are away, just as you are when they are away.

Proverbs 11:13 "A talebearer revealeth secrets: But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."

You just can not trust some loud mouth that rattles on with his or her gossip. If you know that a subject is private, then be careful when you are around some ratchet jaw. That poor soul just cannot help it for their mind is running out of control. The flesh mind controls the flesh body, and for many, their flesh controls their soul and spirit.

A man or woman's spirit is the intellect of their soul, and one that is faithful to Father and his Word, and under the control of the Holy Spirit can be trusted. The point here is that we are to keep our tongues under control; think before you speak lightly of someone else.

Proverbs 11:14 "Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety."

"Counsel" sets the direction for the people to follow, and wise counsel instructs according to what is laid out in God's Word. Where there is no counsel, the people will fall. We see today that the wise counsel of the Bible and the commandments are being taken from our schools and public places, and look at the troubles that are taking place in our land. So who do you listen to for your direction? You listen to those people you know to be grounded in God's Word, and can give directions on those matters that count. Where do you find them? in God's Word, they are the prophets, the disciples and even our Lord Jesus Christ. You can count on their counsel even to our generation and beyond for God placed the words in their mouth that were spoken and written down.

Proverbs 11:15 "He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: And he that hateth suretiship is sure."

Remember that "stranger" has two different meanings, "nakar" [one of another religion], and "zur" [an apostate] one that was a Christian, yet fell away from his or her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Friend, a stand for surety for someone like that, God is warning you that in the end you will pay for such ignorance. Surety is a legal term and today we call it co-signing, financially it means to stand good on a loan. If you never stand good or co-sign for an apostate you will never be forced to pay his debts. "Smart" as it is used here means "get hurt", and you will get hurt bad where it hurts, in the pocketbook, as well as damaging your character. In these end times, the apostate is one that is committed to the true Christ, yet in the end times he is chasing after the Antichrist. "If you even wish him "God's speed" you are a partaker of his evil deeds." [II John 2:11]

Proverbs 11:16 "A gracious woman retaineth honour: And strong men retain riches."

There is no gender applied to this verse, a gracious man or woman retains honor to his spouse and to the family and community. The strong "diligent woman or man that pays attention to her or his business retains their riches. It is a matter of using your good common sense [wisdom]. The basis of this verse gets to the strength of family ties, and that is important to God.

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

"The merciful man" is a man of loving-kindness, or grace. Remember that the soul is your self, and your spirit is the intellect our your soul. So what this is saying, is that when you help others, you are in fact helping yourself. When you do dirt to others, it is a reflection on your own self. Though he may think that he is troubling the other person, in the long run it will come right back on his own head.

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

Wick deeds done in this age of the flesh do not continue into the eternity, but those righteous acts that you do in the name of the Lord shall be well rewarded. Revelation 19:5-9 tells us exactly how important our righteous acts are in this flesh age.

Revelation 19:5-9 "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great." [5] "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth." [6] "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." [7]

This marriage supper of the Lamb is at the close of this earth age, after the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those of Christ's wife are those of the elect that were sealed in their minds and know the difference between the true Christ and the false Christ, and did not follow after the Antichrist.

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints." [8] "And he saith unto me, "Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." [9]

We are living in that time when our righteousness is important and it will be well tested before these end times are over. Those that make that stand in these end times will be present for the marriage supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His bride, His elect that made the stand.

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

As you live your righteous life, other things take care of themselves. Righteousness preserves life. Those that disregard the things of righteousness, in the end will pay for their evilness in the death of their soul. That death is called the "second death" the death of the soul, and comes after the Millennium age, and the great white throne judgment of Father.

Revelation 20:14, 15 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." [14] "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." [15]

Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him Which is about to destroy both soul and body in hell."

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."

Those that are of a prideful heart or mind are an abomination to the Lord. Remember what Satan's fall was over, His pride over his wisdom and great beauty. However when you love and revere the Lord, you become a delight to our Father. God created you for that purpose, to give Him honor. Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Keep this in mind next time you go on a glory trip and it will get your mind focused where it ought to be, in praise of our Lord. You were created or His pleasure: have you given Him any lately? Have you told Him that you love Him? He loves you.

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

What this is saying in the Hebrew is that; the wicked can make any kind of agreement that they want to saying, this won't happen, or that won't happen, however in the end they will be paid fully for their wicked deeds and words. However even though none of us are perfect, when we try to do right, God will count it for perfect if it is done in His name.

Proverbs 11::22 "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, So is a fair woman which is without discretion."

This applies to a man, just as to a woman. Don't hang this only on the female. Anything that appears to be good, but if the intent below the surface is for evil, the entire act is evil. If you are wondering how God looks upon this verse, remember that God considers swine and abomination. [Leviticus 11:7]

Proverbs 11:23 "The desire of the righteous is only good: But the expectation of the wicked is wrath."

The desire of the righteous, are the intentions of the righteous that lead to good things and deeds. However the expectations of an evil person will always bring the wrath of God down on his head. Their reward in the end is as we read about, to go into the lake of fire. There is no wrath like the wrath of God, for He has a way of bring your evil deeds right down on your own head. The cup of wrath that God is going to pour out on this earth will come shortly, at the end of this earth age, then all evil will be done away with. That pouring of God's wrath is detailed in Revelation 19:11-21.

Proverbs 11:24 "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."

Stop and think for a moment what this is saying. This is saying that every time you scattereth, it becomes richer. Remember what Jesus said in His sermon on the mount: Matthew 5:14, 15 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." [14] "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." When the light is hid from the sight of people, it is wasted and serves no purpose. If God plants a truth and gives you understanding of His Word in your mind, and you refuse to pass that truth on to other, God will hold you responsible for not sharing that truth.

As you "scattereth" to other minds and hearts, souls are increased into the kingdom of God. Is this dealing with money, only to a small point, for the riches we gain are from the blessings of being faithful to His Word.

Proverbs 11:25 "The liberal soul shall be made fat: And he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

When you have the wisdom of God within you, you can not help but have the Holy Spirit increase your wisdom, as you pass it on to others. The more you study to teach and plant seeds, the more you gain for yourself. All wisdom comes from God, and when you obtain it, it is for the purpose of telling other. The only way God's kingdom is increased is by God's people doing their job in living their lives and telling others.

Proverbs 11:26 "He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: But blessings shall be upon the head of him that selleth it."

To better understand this verse, lets put a modern day stock market twist on it. Say you are a farmer and you see that it is a bad year for harvest in the land. If all the farmers withhold their corn from the market, and people starve, not only will the people curse you for that act, but God is telling us that He will curse you also. Though it goes against what the world considers good business sense, it goes against God's instructions. Amos 8 is dealing with the end times, the time we are living in.

Amos 8:4, 5 "Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail," [4] "Saying, `When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn: and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?" [5]

We talked about this in the start of this chapter, the using of unbalanced scales, for it is an abomination to God.

Amos 8:6 "That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?"

Again, it is ripping people off by selling them old molded wheat, and presenting it as good wheat. Are we talking about wheat in these verses? well yes as an example of the spiritual lesson that is give in the eleventh verse.

Amos 8:11 "Behold the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord."

The famine for the hearing of the Word of God is growing faster and faster in our land today. We are living in that time, and this can apply both to the physical and the spiritual of today. There are many out there just waiting to rip you off.

Proverbs 11:27 "He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: But he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him."

The diligent person will seek to procure God's favor in all their dealings, for God blesses those that He can trust. If you don't seek to do things right in all your dealings, mischief will seek you out. You either seek God's way for your life, or follow your own mind; then when trouble comes, it is you that brought it down on your own head.

Proverbs 11:28 "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall, But the righteous shall flourish as a branch."

If you are trusting in your riches, they will fail you. However, the person that seeks to be righteous, will be blessed by God.

Proverbs 11:29 "He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: And the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart."

The wind comes and goes, and leaves nothing to hang on to. When you cause trouble within your one household, there will be nothing left for an inheritance. This is just the way life is, for when you live as a fool, you will be a servant to those that take advantage of you. Stop and think for a moment, if you are causing trouble with the family members of your own house, who are you troubling the most? Yourself of course. Your family will either be a blessing to you or a curse, and it is each family member that decides the level of family life. This applies to our spiritual family, the family of God, as well as our household.

Proverbs 11:30 "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise."

The "tree of life" is Christ, and the fruit of our righteousness draws us closer to our Lord and Savior. It is a wise man that seeks to draw souls into the kingdom of God.

Proverbs 11:31 "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: Much more the wicked and the sinner."

This is a true statement, for the righteous man or woman living in the world today will find much more chastisement than the sinner. For the ways of the world are to make light of the things of God, make good seem bad and wrong right. We see this in our school by removing prayer and scripture, and promoting things of perversion. Judgment and chastisement starts at the pulpit and in the church. The judgment is right here on earth.

I Peter 4:16, 17 "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." [16] "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us [the church], what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God." [17]

Judgment or correction, whether good or bad must start within the house of God.

I Peter 4:18 "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear:" [18] "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing [through correction], as unto a faithful Creator." [19]

Once God has made a correction in your life, you had better trust Him to keep that good thing that He has started within you. All correction should begin with the saints within the church, for that is where the Word should come from and the saints gather.