Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

Proverbs 11 is a continuation of Solomon’s study of contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. Like a metronome clicking back and forth, the two opposite paths are described. What becomes clear is that wickedness is unlimited in its ability to bring destruction wherever it is fed. While the wicked man may find short-term gains, ultimately, “He who pursues evil will bring about His own death”. In other words, those who pursue evil will find themselves pursued by evil. The traps set for others will ensnare their own feet. Righteous or wicked, you get whatever you put into the world.

This idea could easily be conflated with the concept of karma—that those who do good will receive what is good, and those who do bad will receive what is bad. Yet, this Proverb is more so an observation in practicalities. Wickedness is a poison wherever it appears, whether that be in families (v. 29), business (v. 6), neighborhoods (v. 9), leadership (v. 14), or any other area of our lives. Wickedness is a destroyer and thus brings destruction to whoever wields it. This proverb, like many others that we will read in the days to come, is trying to paint us a full picture of what the righteous life (and the wicked life) really looks like.

In the same way, the one who walks upright with the Lord brings life wherever He goes. The choice seems obvious, but the reality is that living righteously is frustrating and difficult. Like the metronome, we click back and forth between living as the righteous and the wicked. We feel caught between what the Spirit is calling us to do and what our flesh is pulling us towards. We are not alone in this struggle. Paul wrote in Romans, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” Therefore, we must rely on Christ daily to guide us into wisdom and righteousness.