Thy Strong Word — Proverbs 11:1-15: The Rewards of Integrity

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These proverbs explore the themes of integrity, generosity, and community spirit through vivid contrasts between righteous and wicked behavior. The passage begins with a strong condemnation of dishonest scales, symbolizing the broader disdain for all forms of deceit and corruption. It praises the virtues of humility and righteousness, promising prosperity and deliverance as their rewards while foretelling ruin for the proud and deceitful.

The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Proverbs 11:1-15.

Step into the spiritually rich landscape of the Book of Proverbs, a text divinely inspired and attributed to Solomon, the sage king endowed by God with unsurpassed wisdom. This ancient scripture begins with heartfelt lessons from a father to a son, laying a foundation of moral and ethical guidance before unfolding into a collection of timeless proverbs. It uniquely personifies wisdom and folly as two paths that stand before humanity, offering a choice between a life filled with virtue, fear of the Lord, and understanding, and one marred by shortsighted pleasures and foolishness. Proverbs serves as a compass for those seeking to walk in righteousness, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience, guiding us toward a life of purpose and discernment according to God’s will.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

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Proverbs 11:1-15

11 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
² When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
⁴ Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
⁵ The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,
but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
⁷ When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,
and the expectation of wealth^[a] perishes too.
⁸ The righteous is delivered from trouble,
and the wicked walks into it instead.
⁹ With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
¹¹ By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
¹² Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
¹³ Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
¹⁴ Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
¹⁵ Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.

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Footnotes

1. Proverbs 11:7 Or of his strength, or of iniquity

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org