Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 11

• Here, honest practices are used in business (see also Proverbs 16:11; 20:10, 23; Leviticus 19:35–37; Deut 25:13–15; Ezekiel 45:10; Hosea 12:7–8; Micah 6:11).

• Scales often had two metal bowls hanging from a crossbar. The currency unit, the shekel, comes from the verb meaning “to weigh” (see Amos 8:5–6).

Pride involves promoting oneself dishonestly, while humility means honestly recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses.

Living rightly, which comes from wisdom, is more important than wealth. There is nothing wrong with riches (Proverbs 10:15, 22; 14:24) if earned honestly (compare 13:11; 21:6; 22:16).

Our actions, whether good or bad, impact the entire city (see Ecclesiastes 8:9–13).

This view on gossip is echoed in Proverbs 20:19.

The future of a nation depends on wise decisions.

This message appears in Proverbs 6:1–5, 17:18, 20:16, 22:26, and 27:13.

Respect is a lasting reward for being kind, while wealth is a temporary prize for being ruthless (see also Proverbs 10:2; 11:18).

Good behavior positively impacts the next generation.

Discretion is the skill to distinguish right from wrong, beauty from ugliness, and good taste from bad taste.

In the short term, bad people might succeed and good people might face hardships, but the future will correct this imbalance.

Generous people who give freely to others will succeed, but those who hoard their money will lose it (see Proverbs 28:27; 2 Corinthians 9:6–9).

Money can be a blessing from God, but it is not guaranteed. Those who trust in God will thrive (see Psalm 1).

The suggested answer is that evil people will face punishment on earth.