Sabbath, September 21 – Proverbs 11, 12

1. What does God feel about dishonest scales? Proverbs 11:1

2. What promise exists for a generous soul and those who refresh others? Proverbs 11:25

3. What is the difference between the righteous and the wicked in their treatment of animals? Proverbs 12:10

Commentary and Reflection:

As the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states, “The brevity of the individual proverbs and the diversity of teachings prevent the book from having much unity and progression.” (SDABC, Introduction, Outline). This is evident in today’s chapters, where each verse presents its theme.

The dishonest scale represents deceit in commercial transactions. The word “abomination” is strong, indicating that God detests, abhors, and finds any deceit intended to gain unfair advantage or dishonest profit repugnant.

On the other hand, “a just weight is His delight.” “Just” means accurate. We understand God is pleased with honest business dealings and delights in fair gain. For a business to be effective, there must be profit, but that profit must be “just.” Another connotation of the word refers to meticulousness and accuracy. God pleases in good accounting.

“False balances and short measures of any kind are a mean form of theft against which God has given many strong warnings (see Lev. 19:35, 36; Deut. 25: 13, 14). Such theft bears more heavily upon the poor because of their meager resources.” (SDABC, Proverbs 11:1)

“When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of the unjust perishes.” Proverbs 11:7

Life is the opportunity we all have to find God. The work of the Holy Spirit is to call us to see Him. Beyond this life, there is no hope for those who do not accept the offered salvation.

“He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.” Proverbs 11:12

“A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.” Proverbs 12:23

We can all talk, but wisdom teaches us when to do so. Wisdom can often be found in silence.

“Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.” Proverbs 11:21

This proverb is part of the thread of hope in final judgment woven through the writings of David and Solomon.

“There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:24-25

This is a beautiful proverb that exalts generosity and condemns stinginess and dishonesty. It is also a promise for those who refresh others. Paul quotes Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

“People will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.” Proverbs 11:26

This proverb speaks against the commercial practice of hoarding grain to manipulate the market, driving prices up and leading to more significant profit. Food is a gift from God for everyone. Commerce is accepted by God, but not manipulation that exploits hunger.

“He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” Proverbs 11:28

Do not place your trust in possessions; place it in the Lord.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

The testimony of life consistent with the gospel is part of God’s plan for winning souls. What beautiful words for those who work to save souls.

“A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.” Proverbs 12:16

It is wise and prudent not to allow oneself to be manipulated by provocation.

“The words of the wicked are, ‘Lie in wait for blood,’ But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.” Proverbs 12:6

“The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble.” Proverbs 12:13

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Proverbs 12:18

There is a difference between the words of the righteous and those who do not fear God. The words of the unrighteous manipulate and deceive, while the words of the wise bring healing.

May God allow us to manifest wisdom in our words today.