ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Proverbs 11

Prov. 11:1–8 These proverbs focus on matters of financial and personal security.

Prov. 11:1–4 These verses form a unit, with vv. 1 and 4 answering each other as vv. 2 and 3 parallel each other. The false balance with which a wicked man increases his income is contrasted with a just weight. The riches of the wicked will not save them, but righteousness will. The violation of fair standards is not worth the immediate gain it may offer.

Prov. 11:1 A false balance refers to deception by altering the scale used to measure the quantity of an item being bought or sold (compare 16:11; 20:10; 23; Lev. 19:35–36; Ezek. 45:9–12; Amos 8:5).

Prov. 11:5–6 These two verses parallel each other (the righteousness of the blameless/upright). They emphasize a common theme of the section: the faithfulness of righteous people guides (vv. 3a, 5a) and delivers (vv. 4b, 6a, 8a, 9b) them from the fate of the wicked.

Prov. 11:7–8 The expectation and hope provided by wealth will be useless when the wicked dies. Proverbs contrasts this sad outcome with the hope of the righteous (see 10:28). It assures those who fear the Lord that their pursuit of wisdom will not be in vain (see 23:18; 24:14).

Prov. 11:9 by knowledge the righteous are delivered. In Proverbs, “knowledge” usually means knowledge of God and of his will. Even when slandered, the righteous person knows how to conduct himself rightly.

Prov. 11:12 A man of understanding remains silent rather than spreading harmful information that he knows about his neighbor.

Prov. 11:15 To put up security is equivalent to cosigning for a loan (see note on 6:1–5). To do so on behalf of a stranger is not wise. Striking hands most likely refers to some kind of gesture used to seal such a deal, similar to a handshake.

Prov. 11:16–21 These three pairs of proverbs (vv. 16–17, 18–19, 20–21) relate to a common theme. The gracious woman (v. 16) and the man who is kind (v. 17) contrast with violent men (v. 16) and the cruel man (v. 17). The violent gain no happiness from their wealth, which has come at a high price.

Prov. 11:23–31 The ultimate destinies of the wicked and the righteous (e.g., vv. 23 and 31) are reflected in their actions (v. 27) and are suggested in the response of those affected by such actions (v. 26). The particular actions in focus are the way a person relates to provisions and people (vv. 24–26, 28).

Prov. 11:24 Because there is a God who blesses generosity and withholds blessing from the greedy, this paradoxical proverb makes perfect sense.

Prov. 11:30 The life of the righteous produces fruit that is so attractive that it captures the souls of people who are on the wrong path (compare Dan. 12:3; James 5:20).