Proverbs 11:10-19
Q.1. How is a city exalted and how is it torn down? What are the ingredients of a successful nation? What did Solomon advise about the use of the tongue? – (Prov.11:11-14)
King Solomon – became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom … He was the ruler over all the kings from the Euphrates River even to the land of the Philistines, and as far as the border of Egypt (2 Chron.9:22 & 26). With such experience, he knew about the rise and fall of nations. He observed – 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down … 14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory (Prov.11:10-11 & 14). He summed this up later as – righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Prov.14:34). As wise as Solomon was, he still valued the advice of others. He also warned about the damage that can be done by the tongue. A city can be torn down with a destructive tongue. Talebearers operate by revealing secrets. By contrast, a person with understanding keeps silent, and a trustworthy person conceals rather than spreads gossip (Prov.11:11-13).
Q.2. How should we respond to standing guarantor? What qualities should we develop to gain honour and life? Where do false and deceptive dealings lead? – (Prov.11:15-19)
Solomon encouraged resistance to standing guarantor, especially for strangers. (Prov.11:15). He advised to leave no stone unturned to free ourselves – if you have become surety for your neighbour and have given a pledge for a stranger (Prov.6:1 c.f. Prov.6:1-5). We must be prepared to forego or give what we offer as a guarantee … otherwise we should not stand guarantor. Solomon said that to gain honour in life, we need to give attention to the qualities of showing grace and mercy, and of being steadfast in righteousness (Prov.11:16-19). He warned that in the end a person who is evil, ruthless, and cruel will bring about his own death (Prov.11:16-19). Such people will not ultimately prosper.