Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:11, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
American Standard Version
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
World English Bible version
By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 11:11 Meaning & Commentary
When we see the words “upright,” “righteous,” “godly,” or something along these lines, we know that in the New Testament context, this applies to those of us who have faith in Jesus Christ. Proverbs 11:11 says that by the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted. What does this mean, and how does this happen? The Bible calls believers the salt of the earth and the light of the world: Matthew 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
This means that as we prosper, succeed, and walk in God’s blessing, that should overflow into the city and to others. We should make an impact for God and His Kingdom here on earth. Practically speaking, this could mean us doing things such as building schools, building hospitals, and helping the poor – Not only by giving but even in more practical ways, such as teaching them God’s principles to bring them out of poverty. This explains why a city can be exalted by the blessing of the upright – Because if we are doing what we should be doing as believers and stewarding our blessings correctly, there will be an overflow of that into the city.
Proverbs 11:11 goes on to say that the mouth of the wicked overthrows a city. Words carry tremendous power, and the words we speak can bring life or death to people or even the cities and areas we live in. We cannot control what other people do or say, but as believers, we are God’s representatives on earth and are responsible for stewarding his blessing well!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:11 to our lives?
God calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but we must choose to be that. We cannot be all things to everyone, but we can be something to someone. If we take a step back and look at the cities and towns we live in, we will likely see so many different problems and challenges that we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged because of what we see. But, if we focus on what can, and impact a few people, help a few, or reach out to a few, we can make a massive difference. If everyone adopts that mentality of helping whom they can, we will collectively make an enormous difference.
The Bible commands us to be very practical in living our Christian life and not only love people in word or talk, but take action and be practical: 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth. We see a similar command in the book of James about taking action, not just loving in word or talk only: James 2:15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
This is not only about giving financially; each person has something to share and impart to our city. God wants us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world where he has planted us. The city will be better because of us!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for creating me with a specific purpose. Help me to recognize my gifts, talents, and abilities so that I can be a blessing to the people around me. Please help me live out my walk towards others practically, not only in word or deed.
Please open my eyes to the needs all around me and help me to be a channel of blessing to others. I pray this in Jesus’s name! Amen
