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Proverbs 11:18
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Man consists of body and soul. In regard to both, benevolence brings its reward, and hatred its punishment. The godless acquires deceptive gain; But he that soweth righteousness, a true reward. Jerome makes 18b an independent clause, for he translates it as if the word were written וּלזרע; the Syr. and Targ. also, as if אמתּו שׂכרו (his fidelity is his reward). But according to the text as it stands, עשׂה extends its regimen to both parts of the verse; to make is here equivalent to, to work out, to acquire, περιποιεῖσθαι, as Gen 31:1; Jer 17:1, etc. The labour of the godless has selfishness as its motive, and what he acquires by his labour is therefore "delusive gain," - it is no blessing, it profits him not (Pro 10:2), and it brings him no advantage (Pro 10:16). He, on the contrary, acquires truth, i.e., a truly profitable and enduring reward, who sows right-doing, or better: good-doing, by which we also, as the biblical moral in צדקה, think principally of well-doing, unselfish activity and self-sacrificing love. Hos 10:12 speaks of sowing which has only צדקה as the norm; and how צדקה is understood is seen from the parallel use of חסד [piety]. The "true reward" is just the harvest by which the sowing of the good seed of noble benevolent actions is rewarded.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pro 10:2; Pro 23:5). sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading (Hos 10:12; Gal 6:8-9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wicked worketh a deceitful work,.... Such a wicked man as before described; that neither enjoys the good things of life he has, nor suffers others to enjoy them; and all to accumulate riches, which are deceitful and perishing; and who abstains from meats, which God has created for use, under a pretence of religion, and so deceives his own soul; and indeed every sin which a wicked man commits is a deceitful work; it promises him that pleasure, or profit, or liberty, which it does not give him, and in the issue is the ruin of him; and so all false doctrines, propagated by deceitful workers, are deceitful works, by which they deceive the simple, and at last themselves; they "obtain a deceitful reward of their work", as Gussetius (w) renders it; but to him that soweth righteousness; does acts of beneficence and liberality; see Co2 9:9; and all other good works, or works of righteousness, shall be a sure reward; according to what a man sows, and the manner in which he sows, so shall he reap, Co2 9:6; or, "a reward of truth"; instead of being given up to believe a lie, he shall receive the love of the truth, and abide in it, which will bring him to eternal glory and happiness; he being chosen to it through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, Th2 2:10; and, instead of a deceitful reward, shall have a true, real, solid, and substantial one. (w) Ebr. Comment. p. 692.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Sinners put a most fatal cheat upon themselves: The wicked works a deceitful work, builds himself a house upon the sand, which will deceive him when the storm comes, promises himself that by his sin which he will never gain; nay, it is cutting his throat when it smiles upon him. Sin deceived me, and by it slew me. 2. Saints lay up the best securities for themselves: He that sows righteousness, that is good, and makes it his business to do good, with an eye to a future recompence, he shall have a sure reward; it is made as sure to him as eternal truth can make it. If the seedness fail not, the harvest shall not, Gal 6:8.
Proverbs 11:18
Dishonest Scales
17A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. 18The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Proverbs 10-11
By Chuck Smith1.7K1:07:25ProverbsPSA 37:25PRO 11:18PRO 12:2PRO 12:21PRO 12:28MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the diligent and the lazy. He emphasizes that the lazy person will end up poor, while the diligent person will become rich. The preacher also highlights the importance of seeking counsel and advice from others, as it leads to safety and wise decision-making. Additionally, he mentions the impact of a foolish son on his mother, causing her heartbreak. The sermon concludes by mentioning the blessings of righteousness and the judgment faced by the wicked.
The Seeds We Are Scattering
By J.R. Miller0Consequences of ActionsInfluencePRO 11:18ECC 11:6MAT 7:2LUK 6:381CO 3:82CO 9:6GAL 6:7HEB 9:27JAS 3:18REV 22:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of the seeds we scatter in the lives of others, particularly through the nurturing influence of a mother and the collective contributions of family and society. He illustrates how every action, word, and thought serves as a seed that can grow into either good or evil, shaping character and destiny. The sermon warns that both positive and negative influences leave lasting impressions, and we must be mindful of the seeds we sow, as they will ultimately return to us in some form. Miller encourages listeners to focus on scattering seeds of love, truth, and goodness, while recognizing the inevitable consequences of our actions. He concludes with the reminder that our lives are interconnected, and we will reap what we sow, both in this life and the next.
Sowing and Reaping
By Catherine Booth0JOB 4:8PSA 126:5PRO 11:18PRO 22:8HOS 10:12LUK 8:111CO 15:422CO 9:6GAL 6:7Catherine Booth preaches on the universal principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that just as in the physical world, there is a direct correlation between what one sows and what one reaps spiritually and morally. She warns against sowing to the flesh, which leads to corruption, and encourages sowing to the Spirit, which results in everlasting life. Catherine delves into the consequences of sowing to the flesh, illustrating how sin darkens the understanding, hardens the heart, and leads to a spiral of corruption and despair.
Giving Birth to a Monster
By Warren Wiersbe0PSA 7:10PSA 7:14PRO 11:18PRO 22:8MAT 5:44ROM 12:19GAL 6:71PE 3:9Warren Wiersbe delivers a powerful sermon based on Psalms 7:10-17, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of persecution. The passage illustrates God's judgment on sin and the need for believers to trust in His justice. David's plea for God to examine his heart serves as a reminder for self-reflection and repentance. Wiersbe highlights the destructive nature of sin, likening it to giving birth to a monster that will eventually bring harm. The sermon concludes with a message of hope, encouraging listeners to pray for their persecutors and trust in God's ultimate justice and redemption.
The Devil's Boomerangs
By Billy Sunday0Moral AccountabilityConsequences of SinPSA 1:6PRO 11:18ECC 11:9MAT 12:36ROM 14:121CO 3:132CO 5:10GAL 6:7JAS 4:171PE 1:17Billy Sunday passionately addresses the consequences of sin and the inevitability of judgment, urging young people to recognize that their actions have repercussions. He emphasizes the biblical truth that 'whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,' warning against the seductive nature of sin and the destructive paths it leads to, particularly through alcohol and immorality. Sunday shares personal anecdotes from his past and the lives of others to illustrate the devastating effects of a life lived in indulgence and vice. He calls for a single moral standard for both men and women, condemning the hypocrisy in society that allows men to escape accountability for their actions. Ultimately, he challenges his audience to choose righteousness over sin, as the consequences of their choices will be faced in the end.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Man consists of body and soul. In regard to both, benevolence brings its reward, and hatred its punishment. The godless acquires deceptive gain; But he that soweth righteousness, a true reward. Jerome makes 18b an independent clause, for he translates it as if the word were written וּלזרע; the Syr. and Targ. also, as if אמתּו שׂכרו (his fidelity is his reward). But according to the text as it stands, עשׂה extends its regimen to both parts of the verse; to make is here equivalent to, to work out, to acquire, περιποιεῖσθαι, as Gen 31:1; Jer 17:1, etc. The labour of the godless has selfishness as its motive, and what he acquires by his labour is therefore "delusive gain," - it is no blessing, it profits him not (Pro 10:2), and it brings him no advantage (Pro 10:16). He, on the contrary, acquires truth, i.e., a truly profitable and enduring reward, who sows right-doing, or better: good-doing, by which we also, as the biblical moral in צדקה, think principally of well-doing, unselfish activity and self-sacrificing love. Hos 10:12 speaks of sowing which has only צדקה as the norm; and how צדקה is understood is seen from the parallel use of חסד [piety]. The "true reward" is just the harvest by which the sowing of the good seed of noble benevolent actions is rewarded.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pro 10:2; Pro 23:5). sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading (Hos 10:12; Gal 6:8-9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wicked worketh a deceitful work,.... Such a wicked man as before described; that neither enjoys the good things of life he has, nor suffers others to enjoy them; and all to accumulate riches, which are deceitful and perishing; and who abstains from meats, which God has created for use, under a pretence of religion, and so deceives his own soul; and indeed every sin which a wicked man commits is a deceitful work; it promises him that pleasure, or profit, or liberty, which it does not give him, and in the issue is the ruin of him; and so all false doctrines, propagated by deceitful workers, are deceitful works, by which they deceive the simple, and at last themselves; they "obtain a deceitful reward of their work", as Gussetius (w) renders it; but to him that soweth righteousness; does acts of beneficence and liberality; see Co2 9:9; and all other good works, or works of righteousness, shall be a sure reward; according to what a man sows, and the manner in which he sows, so shall he reap, Co2 9:6; or, "a reward of truth"; instead of being given up to believe a lie, he shall receive the love of the truth, and abide in it, which will bring him to eternal glory and happiness; he being chosen to it through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, Th2 2:10; and, instead of a deceitful reward, shall have a true, real, solid, and substantial one. (w) Ebr. Comment. p. 692.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Sinners put a most fatal cheat upon themselves: The wicked works a deceitful work, builds himself a house upon the sand, which will deceive him when the storm comes, promises himself that by his sin which he will never gain; nay, it is cutting his throat when it smiles upon him. Sin deceived me, and by it slew me. 2. Saints lay up the best securities for themselves: He that sows righteousness, that is good, and makes it his business to do good, with an eye to a future recompence, he shall have a sure reward; it is made as sure to him as eternal truth can make it. If the seedness fail not, the harvest shall not, Gal 6:8.