Proverbs 11:20-31
Q.1. Why should we consider God in the way we live? How did Solomon view a woman who lacked discretion? About what can a generous person be confident? – (Prov.11:20-25)
Solomon distinguished between how God views and rewards the righteous, compared with how He regards the crooked – 20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord … 21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished. 20 … The blameless in their walk are His delight. And 21 … the descendants of the righteous will be delivered (Prov.11:2-21). The godly seek good for others continually. The ungodly have no security (Prov.11:23). He compared a beautiful woman who had no common sense, with the inappropriateness of a gold ring in a pig’s snout. (Prov.11:22). Solomon observed that – There is one who scatters, and yet increases even more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want (Prov.11:24). In fact – The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered (Prov.11:25). The righteous rely on a good and sovereign God to watch over every aspect of their lives.
Q.2. How should we treat others? Is it wise to depend on your wealth? What is the fruit of the righteous? Why is it wise to care for others? Is it possible to avoid God’s judgment? – (Prov.11:26-31)
There are always unexpected blessings that flow to the person who cares for others (Prov.11:26-27). The blessings we share will flow back to us, … and so will evil on those who sow evil (Prov.11:27). Solomon was one of the richest people to have ever lived, yet he learned that – He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish … (Prov.11:28). Righteous living produces a tree of life that always bears fruit. A sure way to inherit trouble, is to neglect your own family (Prov.11:29). The righteous bear fruit and will eventually be rewarded by the Lord. Those who capture souls for the Lord are wise (Prov.11:30). It pleases God when we join His mission of winning the world for Christ (Lk.5:10). No one will escape God’s judgment, and Solomon declared – If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner! (Prov.11:31).