Tuesday's Tidbit

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Good morning, everybody!

Thanks for joining me as we continue Perusing the Proverbs, with today's focus on Chapter 11. This chapter is also filled with individual proverbs which deal mostly with the contrast between the wicked and the righteous. I decided to pick out a few of the verses to comment on.

The first verse tells us that God hates those who handle business falsely, but He delights in those who are fair in their dealings with others.

Several verses give us the differences in the wicked and the righteous. The wicked will surely fall but the righteous will be delivered from death. Righteousness directs the upright, but perverseness destroys.

Quite a few verses in this chapter deal with our relationship with others. Verse 9 tells us that a hypocrite's mouth destroys his neighbor. Verse 12 tells us that a person who has no wisdom stirs up trouble with his neighbor, but a man with understanding works toward peace. Verse 13 describes the difference between a talebearer who tells all he knows, and the faithful who can keep his mouth shut. 

Verses 10 and 11 portray for us the difference in wicked leaders and righteous leaders. When we have the upright in authority, the city is bettered and the people rejoice. But, if you put in wicked people as officials, it is turned upside down.

Continuing to read this chapter, we find that sowing righteousness brings reward along with life. The wicked work deceit and their end is destruction; they will be punished. God despises a froward, or disobedient, heart but He delights in the upright.

We find another word picture in verse 22. Picture this - a dirty old hog with a jewel in its nose. Well, that's how a beautiful woman looks if she does not behave herself carefully.

The liberal, or generous, soul "shall be made fat," and if you give water, you'll receive water in return. (verse 25) We will always reap what we sow. If we give, it will be returned. (Luke 6:38)

If we diligently seek good we will find favor, while those searching for mischief receive their just reward, as well.

Riches do not benefit, but righteousness causes a person to flourish, or increase.

A favorite verse of my husband, and one that he lives by is verse 30, especially the last part..... "he that winneth souls is wise." If we want to win souls, we first need wisdom, and to get that we just need to seek God for it. He gives it liberally. (James 1:5)

There is a reward to those who live righteously and godly in this present world, and there is also a reckoning day coming for those who live wickedly.

I hope you are enjoying our walk and talk through the book of Proverbs. Much is to be gained by applying its principles to our daily lives.

May God bless your Tuesday, and I'll see you tomorrow, Lord willing!