Geneva Bible Notes on Proverbs
 
Geneva Bible Notes:
Proverbs Chapter 11:
 
(tap on a verse number below to return to Bridges' comments)
 
 
Verse 1:
1. False (a) balances are an abomination unto the Lord: but a perfect weight pleaseth him.
 
(a) Under this word he condemns all false weights, measures and deceit.
 
 
Verse 2:
2. When pride cometh, then cometh (b) shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
 
(b) When man so gets himself, and thinks to be exalted above his calling then God brings him to confusion.
 
 
Verse 3:
3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
 
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Verse 4:
4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
 
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Verse 5:
5. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
 
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Verse 6:
6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
 
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Verse 7:
7. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
 
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Verse 8:
8. The righteous escapeth out of trouble, and the wicked shall come in his (c) stead.
 
(c) That is, will enter into trouble.
 
 
Verse 9:
9. An (d) hypocrite with his mouth hurteth his neighbor: but the righteous shall be delivered by knowledge.
 
(d) A deceiver who pretends friendship, but privately is an enemy.
 
 
Verse 10:
10. In the prosperity of the righteous the city (e) rejoiceth, and when the wicked perish, there is joy.
 
(e) The country is blessed, where there are godly men, and they ought to rejoice when the wicked are taken away.
 
 
Verse 11:
11. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
 
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Verse 12:
12. He that despiseth his neighbor, is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding (f) will keep silence.
 
(f) Will not make light report of others.
 
 
Verse 13:
13. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
 
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Verse 14:
14. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but where many (g) counselors are, there is health.
 
(g) Where God gives store of men of wisdom and counsel.
 
 
Verse 15:
15. He shall be sore vexed, that is surety for a (h) stranger, and he (i) that hateth suretiship, is sure.
 
(h) He who does not without judgment and consideration of the circumstances put himself in danger, as in Proverbs 6:1.
 
(i) He who does not co-sign loans for others is very wise.
 
 
Verse 16:
16. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
 
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Verse 17:
17. He that is merciful, (k) rewardeth his own soul: but he that troubleth his own flesh, is cruel.
 
(k) Rewards both himself and others.
 
 
Verse 18:
18. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
 
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Verse 19:
19. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
 
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Verse 20:
20. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
 
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Verse 21:
21. (l) Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall escape.
 
(l) Though they make many friends, or think themselves sure, yet they will not escape.
 
 
Verse 22:
22. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
 
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Verse 23:
23. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the hope of the wicked (m) is indignation.
 
(m) They can look for nothing but God's vengeance.
 
 
Verse 24:
24. There is that scattereth, (n) and is more increased: but he that spareth more (o) than is right, surely cometh to poverty.
 
(n) Meaning they who give liberally, whom God blesses.
(o) That is, the miser.
 
 
Verse 25:
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
 
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Verse 26:
26. He that withdraweth the corn, the people will curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that (p) selleth corn.
 
(p) That provides for the use of them who are in need.
 
 
Verse 27:
27. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
 
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Verse 28:
28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
 
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Verse 29:
29. He that troubleth his own (q) house, shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be (r) servant to the wise in heart.
 
(q) The covetous men who spare their riches to the hinderance of their families, will be deprived of it miserably.
 
(r) For though the wicked are rich, yet they are only slaves to the godly, who are the true possessors of the gifts of God.
 
 
Verse 30:
30. The fruit of the righteous is as a tree of life, and he that (s) winneth souls, is wise.
 
(s) That is, brings them to the knowledge of God.
 
 
Verse 31:
31.  Behold, the righteous shall be (t) recompensed in the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner?
 
(t) Will be punished as he deserves, 1 Peter 4:18.