
Proverbs 11:1-31
11:1 | Dishonest scales refers to dishonesty in business, condemned throughout Scripture. The teaching of the verse is clear: The Lord hates cheaters (20:10; Lev. 19:35-36). His delight is with those who charge what is fair. Scales, usually two plates suspended from a bar, were used in daily commercial transactions. On one pan a merchant would place a pre-measured weight; on the other pan, the product to be purchased. False labeling or manipulation of the standard weight would afford ample opportunity to cheat an unsuspecting.
11:4 | As Tertullian put it, “Nothing that is God’s is obtainable by money.” Riches cannot purchase salvation or rescue from judgement (Ezek. 7:19).
11:12-13 | Despises means “belittles.” God wants His people to treat their neighbors well (Lev. 19:13; 25:14). A gossip (tale-bearer) not only breaks confidences but magnifies and sometimes propagates mistruths and lies.
11:24-25 | As the Great Giver who will not be outgiven, God makes sure that generosity is returned (2 Cor. 9:6-7). With Him, giving is an opportunity for gain. Through Him, generosity is profitable, while greed leads to an impoverished life.
11:28 | To begin to trush one’s riches is to start to distrust God. A bank account should never be the source of a person’s strength.
11:29 | Wind represents being left with nothing, something that cannot be grasped. The foolish one who attempts to provide for his home and family in an unethical manner may eventually have to sell himself as servant to the wise person who is a better manager. A contemporary example would be someone who gets too deep into debt and has to sell all his or her possessions to pay off creditors.