.11:1-31.

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Prosperity; uprightness; generosity (Prov 11:1-31)

People are foolish to try to get rich by dishonest methods, because dishonesty brings judgment from which riches cannot save (Prov 11:1-4).

By their blameless conduct, people ensure their ultimate victory; by crookedness they ensure their downfall (Prov 11:5-8).

When good people have influence in a city, the citizens live in peace and happiness. But each city also has its troublemakers, who are a nuisance to their neighbours and create unrest in the community (Prov 11:9-11).

Because of the trouble these people cause through their harmful speech, the city’s leaders must provide firm but wise direction (Prov 11:12-14).

A further warning is given against making rash guarantees (Prov 11:15; see notes on Prov 6:1-5).

Violence may bring prosperity, but the prosperity is deceptive, for it is shortlived. By contrast, kindness brings honour and a lasting reward (Prov 11:16-18).

God is in control of the lives of all people, and he makes sure that the righteous life is the only worthwhile life (Prov 11:19-20).

There are irregularities, both real and apparent, in the relationship between the inner lives and outer circumstances of some people, but in the end justice will be done (Prov 11:21-23).

Generosity will not result in poverty, for God will reward the generous person. But people curse those who hold back food in a time of scarcity in the hope of forcing the price up (Prov 11:24-26).

No matter what people look for, good or evil, they will get it, but if they look for security through wealth they will be disappointed (Prov 11:27-29).

The righteous, by their good lives, bring blessing to others.

If even they at times suffer from God’s just punishment, how much more will the wicked suffer (Prov 11:30-31).