Proverbs 11:15-21 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure. 16 A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches. 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Christians Are Gracious

The fruit of the Christian life should be graciousness. We have received undeserved grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. We – in turn – should be gracious to others. When Jesus sent out His Apostles to minister, He told them:

Matthew 10:8 … (NIV) Freely you have received; freely give ..

The Apostle Paul gathered the Church at Ephesus and, speaking to those he so loved, encouraged the Church to live by GRACE. He said:

Acts 20:32-35 (NKJV) So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

God gave grace freely to His Children, and we, in turn, are to give graciously. The mark of the true Christian is the one who shows the fruit of hospitality. The Scripture says “show HOSPITALITY to one another WITHOUT GRUMBLING” (1 Peter 4:9). We are commanded to “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). But our generosity is not just to be IN the Church, but OUTSIDE of the Church. We are told:

Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

The stingy Christian has forgotten where their priority is to be. As Christ gave to the glory of the Father, so we give to the glory of the Son.

However, we are to be careful in our grace giving. We read:

Proverbs 11:15 He that is SURETY for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.

This Proverb is almost poetic! “He that hateth suretyship is sure”. What is the Proverb talking about? The Hebrew for “SURETY” is ʿāraḇ (pro. Aw-rab’) which means “to give a pledge for, to sign a contract or enter a covenant for”. As believers we are to give help to those in need – as needed. But we are NEVER to enter into a contract or an obligation for another whom we do not know. The only ones that we should give “SURETYSHIP” (tāqaʿ, pro. taw-kah’) to is someone that we are WELL acquainted with. The word tāqaʿ means “to bind yourself with contractually, to tie the knot with, to become a bondsman with or yoke yourself legally with”. You need to be very careful who you make a pledge to, who you make a contract with. Your good name is important. If you are not careful with who you become “co-signers” with, they can destroy your estate.

In short, there are a lot of godless monsters out there that will destroy you if you yoke yourself with them. Be careful! Hate suretyship with anyone that you are not VERY WELL acquainted with – even if it’s a relative.

The Bible tells us to avoid unequal yokes or partnerships with people. Particularly with unbelievers:

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

As a pastor I come into contact with people who are down on their luck, and needing assistance. I do not give loans to anyone. People come to me needing help with their utility bills. If I do this, I go to the utility myself and pay what portion of the bill I agree to. I’ve had people ask if we have “gas cards”. No, I will not give gas cards nor food cards to strangers. They can use the cards to buy alcohol, cigarettes, etc rather than gas. I go to the gas station and pump their gas myself. There was a time when we could put people in motel rooms overnight. Now I can’t. If I do, the motel requires that we exercise surety for that homeless person. If they steal a television, I am liable for it. I will NOT put someone up because of that.

As believers, we are to be gracious. But we are also to be careful. Jesus said,

Matthew 10:16 … I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Several years ago I had the pleasure of knowing a strange couple I’ll just call “R” and “K”. “R” worked a good job, and brought in much more money every week than I did as a pastor (though I didn’t know it at the time). “R’s” wife “K” was a bipolar manic-depressive person. She would get hold of the bank card and spend all their money on frivolous things, so much so that they couldn’t pay their utility bills. This is when “R” would call me, and beg the Church to pay his utility bills. I did that twice before I realized “R” and “K” were robbing me and the Church. “R” made twice my paycheck. I told “R” that before we would help them any more, they would have to come to the Church and the Deacons along with the Treasurer would help them set a budget. “R” refused indignantly. This was a violation of his privacy. “R” and “K” left the Church, spreading the news that the Church was money grubbing, and would not help its members. They are liars on the order of Ananias and Sapphira.

This couple tried looking me up a couple of years ago, but I hid from them. I gnawed my leg off one time to get away – I’m not going to get back into that trap again!

Proverbs 11:16 A GRACIOUS woman retaineth honor: and STRONG men retain riches.

Word Study: The word “GRACIOUS” is the Hebrew ḥēn (pro. Khane) which means “one who is favored, precious, the recipient of Grace”. The Christian woman should always remember that the greatest thing she possesses is her HONOR, her standing in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the world. I can’t tell you how many young women I have met who chose to marry ungodly and uncouth men thinking that they could change them in time.

Beloved, if you marry a monkey,
you’ll have to live with an ape!

The Blood of Jesus Christ purchased your salvation. You are daughters of God. Walk as His daughters. He has chosen a proper mate for you, and will reveal that man at the right time. Before giving yourselves away, realize who you are giving yourselves to. Turn away from the godless man, regardless as to how “exciting” he looks. Retain your honor – do not give away your precious life to a person who hates Christ. Now the man is addressed:

STRONG men retain riches

Being a Christian does not mean that you are to be a doormat. You are a son of God by the sacrifice of the Only Begotten. You are precious in God’s sight. Do not allow yourself to be bullied into the foolishness of this fallen world. Be generous with what you can freely give, but do not let anyone take evil advantage of you. The Bible says that …

Numbers 12:3 … the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.

Moses was a humble man, but he was not a milksop nor effeminate. Moses stood his ground when challenged, and clung to the Word of God. When challenged, he prayed to God. And Moses knew how to say NO. He was a STRONG MAN.

When we as men rely on God, we have His promise.

Psalm 37:11 … the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalm 147:6 … The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

Our Lord Jesus is “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29), but He was not wishy-washy, effeminate, sissy, or a floor-mat. Jesus spoke the truth in love whether it hurt feelings or not. Twice Jesus chased the money changers out of the Temple with knotted cords, saying “You shall not make My Father’s House a den of thieves” (Jeremiah 7:11; Matthew 21:12-13).

A strong man will not let another rob him of his riches. The strong Christian man will not let the devil or this world rob him of his blessed walk with Christ.

Christians Are Gracious In Forgiveness

Proverbs 11:17 The MERCIFUL man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is CRUEL troubleth his own flesh.

When Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), He did not say it was BETTER, but MORE BLESSED. There is a difference. Yes, it is better to give. But it is better BECAUSE IT BRINGS MORE BLESSINGS TO THOSE WHO DO SO. “MORE BLESSED” is the Greek mallon makarios, which literally means “much greater HAPPINESS”. People today are looking for happiness in fame, in beauty, in money or power. These are all things that are focused on self. But Jesus said “If you want to truly be HAPPY, then GIVE of yourself”. When you give of yourself, freely and without strings, God will bless it. We are told in;

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

When you graciously give, God will give graciously to you. The same is true nor of just TANGIBLES like goods and food, but INTANGIBLES like forgiveness and mercy. When someone wrongs you, rather than seek retribution, do good toward that person. Jesus said:

Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

You love your enemies not because it is better for THEM, but because it is better FOR YOUR SOUL.

Proverbs 11:17 The MERCIFUL man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is CRUEL troubleth his own flesh.

When you carry grudges or hatred, a sense that you have been wronged, then it weighs down on your own soul. It is sinful to do so. I tried explaining this to a Deacon named “S” years ago. He had a grudge again another Deacon named “T” because “T’s” wife hurt his feelings with her sharp, naggy tongue. Yes, “T’s” wife “L A” was a hot mess … but Deacon “S” mounted a campaign to have the family he hated cast out of the Church. He did so, but also ended up destroying the Church. The Bible says to trust God and let it go:

Romans 12:19 (NKJV) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Let God deal with it. Put it out of your head. Be merciful, not cruel – and protect your own soul.

The Christian Is To Do Good, Not Evil.
To Be Light, Not Dark.

Proverbs 11:18-19 The wicked worketh a DECEITFUL work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

Word Study: The WICKED or lost person is characterized by “DECEITFUL” work. The word “DECEITFUL” is the Hebrew šeqer (pro. sheh’-ker) which means “lying, falsehood, that which deceives or is fraudulent”. The Pastor who tells you that you can walk an aisle, profess Christ, then go live life whatever way you want and you’ll go to Heaven is wicked, evil, lost. That person is like the Pharisees of whom Jesus said:

Matthew 23:13-15 … woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

People are always church-hopping, looking for a preacher to tickle their ears, to make them happy. The preacher who loves you will tell you the truth – even if it stings. Jesus did this. He preached hard messages, but He did so because He loved those He preached to. God will bless those who “soweth righteousness”, who speak the Word of God truly and without embellishment. We are told:

righteousness tendeth to life

When God saves a soul, He saves that soul FROM sin, not IN sin. He saves a person, then leads us to follow Christ, to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:8-9). Those who pursue righteousness – who live for the Lord – have abundant life now, and eternal life in glory. However,

he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death

The Bible is very clear that “the wages of sin IS DEATH” (Romans 6:23). There is coming a payday someday. God promises,

Romans 2:8-9 (ESV) … those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek …

We read:

Proverbs 11:20-21 They that are of a FROWARD (ʿiqqēš, pro. Ik-kashe’, twisted or perverted) heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

God will one day cut off the unrighteous from this earth. The unrighteous cannot inherit Heaven, but are headed toward eternal damnation. But God will deliver the “SEED”, the house of those who love the Lord. Let us strive to honor our God while we have life. He will bless His children by faith – if we will but follow Him.

May God lead you to follow Christ this very day. Amen.