12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (NIV)
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (NIV)
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.
But a man of understanding holds his peace.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. (NKJV)
But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. (NKJV)
The unwise, foolish person may despise or belittle his neighbour, friends or relatives. But the wise person will keep quiet and not criticize, not condemn his friends and relatives.
In people interrelationship, it is important not to criticize other people. Criticism will not invite resentment and enmity from other people. The person criticized will eventually want vengeance, and will criticize us in return. This may lead to more argument and quarrel. Reminds me of what I read in Dale Carnegie's book on How To Win Friends and Influence People.
Avoid gossips, rumours and tale-telling. All these will cause more trouble. Let the secrets that we have the privilege to know remains a secret. Do not expose our people's secrets, otherwise we will lose our trustworthiness.
14 14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls;
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (RSV)
14 14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers. (NIV)
14 14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (NKJV)
Clever minds, wise decisions, sound advice are important for important decisions. No Leader is so good and perfect that he doesn't need the advice and counsel of his assistants, subordinates, team members. All top leaders listen to their advisers. Kings have several/numerous advisers. We must listen to professional advice, ideas and suggestions. We must also be open to diverse and differing points of view. We must be open-minded to diverse opinions.
15 15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. (NIV)
15 15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer,
But one who hates being surety is secure. (NKJV)
We must not be surety or financial guarantee for a stranger or an acquaintance. If he does not pay up his loan or loan instalment, we will be forced by the bank/lender to pay in lieu. Whoever listens to this instruction of not becoming surety or loan guarantee will be financially secured from this risk.
16 16 A gracious woman gets honor,
and violent men get riches. (RSV)
16 16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth. (NIV)
16 16 A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches. (NKJV)
If we are kind-hearted and gracious, we will be honoured by God and men. If we are ruthless and bad in our business practices, all we get is only the money and riches, we will not be honoured by God, not favoured by men.
17 17 A man who is kind benefits himself,
but a cruel man hurts himself. (RSV)
17 17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (NIV)
Kindness is returned with kindness. If we are kind and good to others, our good deeds will please other people. Other people will also be kind to us. Do others a favour, the favour will later be returned to us.
Similarly, cruelty and wicked deeds will also return to the cruel man. If the cruel man is cruel and acts wickedly toward other people, somehow he will suffer some bad fate.
18 18 A wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. (RSV)
18 18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. (NIV)
A bad, wicked person who deceives and cheats others will not received much; he gets only the monetary wages. But the righteous person who conducts his business in integrity and fairness will make a definite profit and gain his reward (money, honour, respect, treasure in heaven).
19 19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will live,
but he who pursues evil will die.
20 20 Men of perverse mind are an abomination to the Lord,
but those of blameless ways are his delight. (RSV)
19 Truly the righteous attain life,
but whoever pursues evil finds death.
but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. (NIV)
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. (NIV)
The righteous person will attain life....a fuller and meaningful life in this world, and eternal life in heaver. The Lord loves the righteous person who lives a godly and blameless life. We must avoid sinful habits, and control our carnal/world desires.
Those who live sinful life will eventually lead to spiritual death. Perverse and bad-hearted people are hated by God.
Monday, Jan 20, 2014.
Michael Yeap.
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+11&version=NIV
RSV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+11&version=RSV
NKJV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+11&version=NKJV
Commentaries:
11) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.12-Prov.11.13
12) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.14
13) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.15
14) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.16
15) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.17
16) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.18
17) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.19
18) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.11.20
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