Wealth is Very Inferior to Honor
May 17, 2020
Commentary
Most of the verses from here to the end of the chapter refer in some way to the rewards of righteous living. It begins with a contrast between men and women. The gracious woman is able to retain honor, whereas the energetic man is able to retain riches (v. 16). It seems that this is pointing to the fact that wealth is very inferior in comparison to honor.
A contrast is made between wicked and righteous living (vv. 17-20). A wicked person receives harm (v. 17), useless money (v. 18), and eventually death (v. 19). Righteous living is rewarded with life and wickedness is rewarded with death (v.19). In other words both wickedness and righteousness benefit the giver.
Even the wages a sinful person earns are deceptive. He thinks his money will help him to get ahead but finds that ultimately it was of no benefit. On the other hand sowing righteousness (right living) and leading a righteous life will reap rewards that are beneficial and lasting. Righteousness leads to a meaningful life, whereas the way of the evil person leads only to death and eternal separation from God. Evil men will not go unpunished but ultimately can expect only frustration and punishment.
Application
I can be sure that people are watching me and the way I live. What do I think they are saying from what they observe? Am I influencing people for good or for bad? A pay day is coming!!
Proverbs 11:16– 21 (NET)
16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.
17 A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself trouble.
18 The wicked person earns deceitful wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a genuine reward.
19 True righteousness leads to life, but the one who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
20 The Lord abhors those who are perverse in heart, but those who are blameless in their ways are his delight.
21 Be assured that the evil person will not be unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous have escaped harm.