Proverbs 11:1-17
We have noticed how in almost every verse of these chapters the outlook and the character of the righteous and of the wicked are contrasted. So it is in the daily life of the child of God: set, as he is, side by side with the unbelievers of this world, his faith makes their iniquity stand out, and the reverse is also true. Vv. 9 to 14 are concerned more particularly with social life. The righteous man is not called upon to live alone. His presence in the midst of the world which observes him is a witness. The epistle to Titus warns us that we should live righteously . . . in this present world, to adorn (like the illustrations in a book) "the doctrine of God our Saviour" (Titus 2:10-12).
"With the lowly is wisdom" (v. 2). The believer who stands before God never has a high opinion of himself. The best remedy for pride is to think of the greatness of the Lord Jesus. Such pride, accompanied by scorn for one’s neighbour, is the very opposite of understanding (v. 12). For understanding will always lead me to find reasons to esteem others better than myself (Philippians 2:3).