Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Proverbs 11:1
pro 11:1
A false balance - The use of all false weights and measures in commerce.
Proverbs 11:8
pro 11:8
Cometh - Into trouble.
Proverbs 11:9
pro 11:9
Delivered - From the infection of the hypocrite's evil counsel.
Proverbs 11:11
pro 11:11
The blessing - Wherewith they bless the city, by their sincere prayers, and wise and wholesome counsels. The mouth - By their curses, and oaths, and blasphemies, and wicked counsels.
Proverbs 11:12
pro 11:12
Despiseth - Which he shews by contemptuous or reproachful expressions. Holdeth peace - Forbears all such expressions, and silently and patiently bears those reproaches.
Proverbs 11:13
pro 11:13
Secrets - Such things as were committed to his trust with a charge of secrecy.
Proverbs 11:16
pro 11:16
Gracious woman - A woman endued with the grace of God. Retaineth - Or, holdeth fast her honour, or reputation.
Proverbs 11:18
pro 11:18
Worketh - A work which will deceive his expectation. Soweth - That worketh it with constancy, and diligence.
Proverbs 11:21
pro 11:21
Though hand join - Though they are fortified against God's judgments by a numerous issue and kindred, and friends, and by mutual and strong combinations. The seed - Not only their persons, but their children.
Proverbs 11:22
pro 11:22
So is a fair woman without discretion -
"Of beauty vain, of virtue void, What art thou in the sight of God? A slave to every base desire, A creature wallowing in the mire. Go, gaudy pageant of a day, Thy folly, with thy face display: Set all thy charms and graces out, And shew - the Jewel in thy snout!"
Proverbs 11:23
pro 11:23
The desire - The desires and expectations of the righteous shall end in their happiness, but the desires and expectations of the wicked men shall be disappointed, and end in the wrath of God.
Proverbs 11:24
pro 11:24
Scattereth - That gives liberally. Increaseth - Through God's blessing upon his estate. Poverty - By God's providence secretly blasting his estate.
Proverbs 11:25
pro 11:25
Fat - Shall be enriched both with temporal and spiritual blessings.
Proverbs 11:26
pro 11:26
With - holdeth corn - In a time of scarcity. Selleth - Upon reasonable terms.
Proverbs 11:27
pro 11:27
Seeketh - To do good to all men. Favour - With God and men.
Proverbs 11:29
pro 11:29
Troubleth - He who brings trouble upon himself and children, either by prodigality, or by restless endeavours to heap up riches. Wind - Shall be as unable to keep what he gets as a man is to hold the wind in his hand.
Proverbs 11:30
pro 11:30
The fruit - His discourses and his whole conversation, is like the fruit of the tree of life. Winneth - That gains souls to God.
Proverbs 11:31
pro 11:31
Recompensed - Punished for his sins.