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Continuing the Proverbs of Solomon, we encounter four groupings of wise sayings. First, we consider financial and personal well-being (vv.1-8). The wicked are prone to trust in riches, but they need to know in reality, riches will not provide the security they seek. A man who seeks dishonest gain proves his heart is not with seeking the Lord (vv.1-4).
We come to verses 5-6 to see a parallel between the results of righteousness and the end of the destination of the wicked. Verses 7-8 continues this theme by expressly saying, when the wicked dies, his hope will perish. The point of this first section is to highlight the security seeking righteousness brings.
Our second grouping of Proverbs 11 comes in verses 9-12. Here we go back to consider what we say. These verses are framed by the mouth. Verse 9, with his mouth and verse 12, remains silent. Also, notice the poetic contrast drawn between the rejoicing city of righteousness and the shouts of gladness when the wicked perish (v.10). Verse 11 demonstrates the power of the tongue saying it used wickedly can overthrow a city.
The pursuit of wisdom does not mean personal benefit. Our individual pursuit of wisdom benefits the whole community.
Before our next grouping (vv. 16-21) we are reminded of verses 13-15. Verse 14 is a good reminder to not only have friends but friends who serve as counselors. But not only friends who are counselors, but a company of wise friends together pursuing wisdom.
There is no limit to how far a community can go if they collectively and righteously pursue wisdom.
Verses 16-21 present three pairs of proverbs that have a common theme. Verses. 16-17the gracious woman and the man who is kind contrasted with the cruel man and the violent man. The violent man gets riches but the point of these proverbs is the riches achieved through violence are not to be desired. Wisdom is far better. Verse 18 rounds out the meaning of verse 17, the sure reward belongs to the one who sows righteousness. As verses 20-21 remind us, there is more to be in pursuit of than temporary treasures gained by unjust means. The real lasting treasure is the eternal reward that wisdom brings (v.21). To illustrate the point, we have verse 22. The pig is still the pig even with a gold ring in its snout.
Our fourth grouping, the largest grouping covers verses 23-31 where we see the desires of the righteous and wicked played out in actions. Here we learn what Jesus said all along, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, or, in this case, your head will always follow your heart, as will your hands, ears, eyes, and feet. In other words, guard your heart against leading you astray. How can you guard your heart against leading you astray? Continue on Wisdom’s Way. How can you be assured you are on Wisdom’s Way? Look at your life and see the way you live. The way you live demonstrates what is in your heart. Not what you wish were in your heart, but what is in your heart. All the statements in verse 23-31 are a further commentary on verse 18, One who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
In verse 30 we see another reference to the tree of life. Connected with the tree of life is the winning of souls. The whole Proverbs put our attention on eternal realities. We have more to live for than what we see. Verse 31 puts the matter on an eternal perspective and is quoted by Peter in his first epistle. The point, there is a final day awaiting everyone. In the wise words of Jesus, what profit is it if a man gains the whole world and yet loses his own soul? In the words of a wise follower of Jesus, he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.