In this next culmination of verses, Solomon stresses again the importance of righteousness. Righteousness will always lead to life, but wickedness will always lead to death.
"A gracious and good woman wins honor [for her husband], and violent men win riches; [but a woman who hates righteousness is a throne of dishonor for him]." Proverbs 11:16, Amplified
This is the first time in the book of Proverbs that Solomon references women. I like the fact that the first reference is in regard to a wife. It is so important that the relationship between a husband and wife be in good standing. I am reminded of the movie "The Taming of the Shrew" with Elizabeth Taylor. This man took this obstinate woman who did not bring any honor to her father and turned her into a loving wife who brought honor to her husband.
A violent and wicked man will always have his eyes on another prize: riches. Riches are the main concern of the wicked in this life, but the righteous man has other concerns. The righteous man can be content and poor if he were to have a gracious and good wife. But the wicked man will never be at peace with his own soul, though he obtain all the riches of this life.
"The merciful, kind and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him], but he who is cruel and callous [to the wants of others] brings on himself retribution." Proverbs 11:17, Amplified
There are those in this life who live blessed lives simply because they bless others. To here the cry of the poor and destitute and reach out one's hand in compassion is a truly blessed life. This is the man whose concern is less for himself. There is an epidemic of "Meism" running about the world where people think that the center of the universe is themselves.
But the man who turns a deaf ear and a blind eye to the cry and condition of the less fortunate will have a life that is less blessed.
"A wicked man earns deceitful wages, but he who sows righteousness [moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation] shall have a sure reward - permanent and satisfying." Proverbs 11:18, Amplified
"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Galatians 6:8, NKJV) This is a spiritual truth in any nation culture or tongue. The man who is concerned more about riches is not concerned with how he obtains wealth, only that he get that wealth. Whether by honest and hard work or by dishonest means, his eyes are fixed on one prize. This is the same man that we found in verse sixteen earlier in this chapter of Proverbs. For the man who sows to the Spirit will receive everlasting life.Is there anything more satisfying and permanent for us than everlasting life?
Remember that the actions of a man reflect the nature and condition of his heart.
"He who is steadfast in righteousness - uprightness and right standing with God - shall attain life, and he who pursues evil does it till his own death." Proverbs 11:19, Amplified
This is what we just covered in the previous verse. If we are right with God we shall attain life for ever in the hereafter. But there are those who are not content with that. They must pursue evil till the day they die. The condition of the heart of a man who is not in right standing with God is atrophied. His own deeds will bring about his own demise.
They who are willfully contrary in heart are extremely disgusting and shamefully vile in the eyes of the Lord, but such as are blameless and wholehearted in their ways are His delight!" Proverbs 11:20, Amplified
I always enjoyed the word "wholehearted". It reminds me of humanity as it tries to fill itself with more and more evil. The man who does not know God will never truly be wholehearted; his heart will constantly be in pieces, always broken. But when the Lord gets a hold of us, then He takes the pieces and fills in the gaps and makes us truly wholehearted.
But to know what is right in the eyes of the Lord and be contrary to that is a bad place for us to be. Those who are in this place are vile to the Lord. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16, NKJV) This is a message from the Lord to His own church, the lukewarm church. This is the man who is vile to the Lord, the man who is willfully contrary to the Lord. Is that this what we are producing in the Lord, a need to vomit us out?
"Assuredly - I pledge it - the wicked shall not go unpunished, but the multitude of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be delivered." Proverbs 11:21, Amplified
solomon ends this list of verses with a promise. The wicked will be punished and the righteous will be delivered. It is time for a heart check. In these last few verses, we have a great litmus test. Check your heart brothers and sisters.
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