Proverbs 11:11 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Proverbs 11:11

Comments

To complete the contrast of regimes, Solomon says, 'By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted.' The good rulers show favour and benevolence, with the result that the city becomes lifted up in the knowledge and estimation of its neighbouring towns. Perhaps it becomes famous for its fine public buildings, defensive walls and amenities. Certainly it becomes renowned for its justice, prosperity and happiness, so that the people of the entire region are envious of those who live there.Although the kingdom of heaven is made up of individuals and each one has his or her own relationship with God, when they act as part of their community, it is as if a new entity has come into existence. This entity, which in New Testament times is the church of God, is of vital importance to the believer, for not only does the individual contribute to the community but the community deeply influences the individual also. The health of God’s community should therefore be a matter of great importance to us. The church of Christ is concerned to be a thing of beauty, both in itself and to the lost world around, for the message of the church is commended by the conduct of the church. If the members of the church live by the doctrine of God in truth and not in pretence, if the church is characterised by kindness, mercy, honesty, humility, and faithfulness, and if it rejects slander, gossip, envyings, hatred and strife, then it will be blessed by the Lord. It will be exalted, for the Lord will not allow its enemies to triumph over it. The wicked here are not those who come from outside, but those who operate within its walls. Where there is disloyalty, compromise, abandonment of God’s standards, and replacement of God’s law with the traditions of men, God’s protection will be withdrawn and the community will be overthrown. We must long to be noted by those who observe us as a people of godliness, happiness and power, who are proving the power of the Lord.

Application

How is this to be brought about? First, it is brought about by the most perfect Lord and Ruler, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has prospered marvellously for his people. He has paid our debts and secured righteousness and peace for us, and his benevolent sharing of his spiritual riches has transformed our lives. The church on earth is a community of changed hearts, and truly, 'the city rejoiceth'. The tyranny of Satan is ended for the people of this favoured city. The despot has been cast out. The message that there is a perfect divine Ruler of God's people, is the first and best object of Solomon's parable, but this must be applied further to the people of the city.

The city is a place of happiness and prosperity only if those people who have the Saviour's rule appreciate him, and reflect his character and ways. Our spiritual power and joy is dependent upon our spirituality and godliness. We will be blessed and useful to God in effective evangelism, only if we are a sanctified people. Our godliness or our backslidings will make or break our church. Should the church lose its vital Christian kindness, love and consecration, and become a community of selfishness, bitter speaking and laziness, it will collapse suddenly into hostility and compromise, even to the point of losing its 'candlestick' - its status as a true church of Christ.

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Proverbs 11:11 Commentary and Bible Study