Proverbs 11.9-14 is part of a section where Solomon teaches his students about wisdom by contrasting wise and foolish behavior.
Verse 9 highlights the contrast between the godless and the righteous in their use of speech.
With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. (Proverbs 11.9)
The godless are characterized by destructive speech, using their mouths to harm and potentially destroy their neighbors.
James devotes the majority of the third chapter of his letter to the negative impact of speech. Below is a summary of his thoughts.
— He cautions against seeking to become teachers, as they will face stricter judgment.
— The tongue, though small, has great power and can cause harm like a small fire causing a great forest blaze.
— The tongue can both bless and curse, revealing the need for control over one’s speech.
— Bits in horses’ mouths and rudders on ships illustrate the control and impact of the tongue.
The knowledge of God is a key concept in the Old Testament. Wisdom is the product of a humble relationship with God and a willingness to follow His guidance.
God’s people are commanded to trust His protection from the threats of their enemies.
The Impact of Righteousness on the Community
Verses 10-11 contrast the impact of righteous individuals on the community versus the behavior of the wicked.
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.
By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 11.10-11)
Righteousness is a central character trait of God. God’s people should exhibit God’s character in the way they relate to others in their community.
Art Buchwald was best known for his column in The Washington Post. He tells a story about getting in a taxi with a very friendly cab driver. Buchwald asked the cabbie why he was so positive.
The cab driver told him that he tried to make every passenger smile while riding in his cab. He believed that there would be a ripple effect as his passengers spread a smile throughout New York.
Solomon knew that righteousness acts like the cabbie’s smile. It spreads through the city and blessed everyone.
It is unfortunate that the fools and scoffers, through their words and actions, can contribute to a city’s downfall.
Let’s be like the cabbie and choose to make an impact on the well-being of where we live, work, and play.
The Importance of Wise Speech and Counsel
The third contrast is that of belittling others contrasting with the intelligence displayed by those who remain silent in such situations.
Whoever belittles another lacks sense,
but an intelligent person remains silent.
A gossip goes about telling secrets,
but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.
Where there is no guidance, a nation falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:12-14)
Other words for belittle are: “despise,” “show contempt for,” or “treat with disregard.” While they greatly harm others through sarcasm or course jokes, they demonstrate the truth that they lack sense.
Gossip is one of the most destructive behaviors in the workplace, community, or church.
Solomon envisions wise people who keep secrets and refrain from destructive speech. What would be the impact if we added intercessory prayer to no longer gossiping?
As we are praying, let’s ask for God to guide politicians to make decisions that benefit the nation and the world.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 