Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:1, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
American Standard Version
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; [But] he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
World English Bible version
He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
Proverbs 11:1 Meaning & Commentary
To understand this scripture fully, we need to know how things were sold or purchased in Biblical times. In Solomon’s time, scales were used in the transaction of business, and stones were placed in the balances to weigh what was sold or purchased. Dishonest business people would use light stones when selling and heavier stones when buying to determine the cost of a product. Therefore, this scripture refers to dishonest and honest business practices. Of course, this behavior can transcend just business only and apply to life in general.
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Why do people practice dishonesty in business? It is because of the love of money, which The Bible tells us is the root of all kinds of evil, dishonest business practices being one of them. Proverbs 11:1 makes it clear that The Lord is not pleased with dishonesty but that he delights in honesty and integrity. Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Although crafty business dealings may seem to prosper and succeed for a time, they eventually catch up with people! Walking with integrity and honesty is a sure way to walk securely because there is nothing that needs to be covered up or hidden. An open and honest approach is always better when doing business and working with others. Not only do we please The Lord in doing so, but we maintain a good name before others, which is very important in the business world! Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:1 to our lives?
We need to be honest and just in our dealings with others. As Christians, we should walk in the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. One of the fruits of The Spirit is goodness, which you can often hear about when people do business with one another.
Someone may say, “That person was good to me,” or they may say, “That person was good to do business with.” This should be the testimony of other people when they deal with us. The Bible teaches us that we are ambassadors for Christ: 1 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
So, when doing business or interacting with others, we must never forget that we represent Christ. If we, therefore, are dishonest people in our dealings and lack integrity, it can poison the other person’s view of God if they find out that we are Christian, but their experience with us has left them questioning our integrity and honesty. James 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. Partiality refers to treating some people differently from other people.
This, too, displeases God and can easily creep into business practices when we realize some people have more money than others and could potentially bring us more revenue; however, there should be an honest sincerity about how we conduct business! Lastly, if we love money, that opens the door for all kinds of evil to creep into our lives! How do we break the love of money in our lives? It is by giving generously. If we let go of money, its power over our hearts (as our God) is broken!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that I would be a good ambassador of Christ in all things! Please help me in my business dealings with others or my daily interactions to always walk in integrity and honesty. Please help me treat all people with respect and show your goodness to others. I ask that you help me be generous always and that the love of money would never take root in my heart. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
