November 9 – Proverbs 11:18-28
Main Focus: The Just Life: Greed vs. Justice
Proverbs 11:16-21 says wealth brings the violent no happiness, and that it comes at a high price. The idea of striving to gain something governs vv.18-19. Verse 18 speaks of laboring (earns and sows), whether it be for deceptive wages for the evil or for a sure reward for the good. Verse 19, similarly, speaks of pursuing righteousness or evil and of the results that follow. Verses 20 and 21 both concern divine judgment, with punishment for the evil and deliverance for the good.
The shared structure and vocabulary of Proverbs 11:1; 20-21 draw attention to the character and actions that are either an abomination or a delight to the LORD. The implication is that it is the Lord himself who makes the consequences of v.21 assured (and this implies that the consequences of vv. 3–9 and 18–19 are also brought about by the Lord).
Proverbs 11:21-33 tells us the ultimate destinies of the wicked and the righteous (e.g., vv. 23 and 31) are reflected in their actions (v.27) and are prefigured in the response of those affected by such actions (v.26). The particular actions in focus are the way a person relates to provisions and people (vv. 24–26, 28). The benefit of the generous life of the righteous for themselves and for others is represented throughout the section in several agricultural images: waters/watered (v.25), flourish like a green leaf (v.28), fruit (v.30), and tree of life (v.30). These images represent a fuller illustration of the statement in v.18b: “one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.”
Discussion questions
– Read Proverbs 11:18-28
– Christian justice is rooted in God’s character and calls followers of Jesus to both “do justice” (righting wrongs) and be “generous” (generosity and social concern). How does the gospel of grace motivate followers of Jesus for social justice, and can the church be a model of God’s justice?
– Proverbs 11:18 talks about “deceptive wages” or “empty” versus a “sure reward.” What are some examples of “deceptive wages” (e.g., wealth acquired dishonestly, temporary pleasure, status) in today’s world?
– How does the concept of sowing and reaping in this verse affect your evaluation of your current actions and long-term goals? What does this look like for you in the local church?
– Can morality and justice have a basis without a divine creator?, How does the Christian concept of justice, which includes giving people their due and caring for the poor, differ from secular ideas?
– Verse 24 presents a paradox:”One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor” (CSB). How have you seen this principle work in real life?
– Verse 25 promises that a “generous person will be enriched” and “the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.” What are practical ways we can give and act justly with our resources, time, or encouragement?