9 The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction; the common sense of the godly preserves them.
10 When it goes well for good people, the whole town cheers; when it goes badly for bad people, the town celebrates. 11 When right-living people bless the city, it flourishes; evil talk turns it into a ghost town in no time.
12 Mean-spirited slander is heartless; quiet discretion accompanies good sense. 13 A gadabout gossip can't be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won't violate a confidence.
14 Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9-14
Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
(Read Proverbs 11:9)
Hypocrites delude men into error and sin by artful objections against the truths of God's word.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:10-11
(Read Proverbs 11:10-11)
Nations prosper when wicked men are cast down.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:12
(Read Proverbs 11:12)
A man of understanding does not judge of others by their success.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
(Read Proverbs 11:13)
A faithful man will not disclose what he is trusted with, unless the honour of God and the real good of society require it.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:14
(Read Proverbs 11:14)
We shall often find it to our advantage to advise with others.