Proverbs 11:16 Meaning:

Introduction

Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:16, here’s different Bible translations:

King James Version

A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

American Standard Version

World English Bible version

Proverbs 11:16 Meaning & Commentary

This is an interesting portion of scripture. Another scripture uses the word ruthless instead of violent, which is a more accurate interpretation and easier to understand. How do ruthless men get and retain riches? One of the biggest things is that they do not allow compromise. This is why a ruthless person can fire someone for doing something seemingly small. At face value, this could seem terrible and unjust, and it could be (Depending on the circumstances surrounding the matter), but this can (in balance) be a good quality.

Because by a little compromise, a little relaxing, and just allowing a little bit of something which is not right, something can be destroyed! Proverbs 24:30-34: I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. This portion of scripture ties in very closely to Proverbs 11:16 and shows how a little compromise over time eventually causes something to be destroyed entirely.

Ruthlessness and compromise are like two opposing forces; one brings poverty and ruin, and the other brings prosperity and riches. A ruthless person can be a good person – Just someone who shuts the door on any form of compromise and apathy, which can bring ruin and destruction! Proverbs also says that a gracious woman gets honor. A woman’s role in society is very noble, and there is arguably no more significant or noble task than being a mother and helping raise a family! Women are often looked down on in society, but this should not be so, and a gracious woman who walks in her calling nobly is well worthy of all honor!

Application

How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:16 to our lives?

We must foster a continual attitude of ruthlessness in our lives and in everything we do. This is about not allowing compromise or what we know to be right to slip. This can apply across many different areas and spectrums of our lives. If we slowly start to allow compromise, it will creep up further and further on us and potentially ruin everything if left unchecked! To be ruthless in what matters is to do everything as unto God and with no apathy or lack of passion and effort.

Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Let us remember the example of Proverbs 24:30-34 and immediately act when we see the thorns growing, the bush growing, and things getting out of control. Let’s stamp out anything that we know is right, especially in our workplaces. Let us not compromise at all, and God will cause growth (including riches) to come to us and remain with us because of our faithfulness to the seemingly insignificant things: Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Now, regarding a gracious woman receiving the honor, we need to take time to honor the woman in our lives. Honor means to esteem someone highly or place a high value on something. The Bible tells us to honor The Lord with our substance, so honor is usually not done quietly; it needs to either be said or acted out through some form of action!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for opening my eyes through Your Word today. Help me to be ruthless in dealing with that which I know is displeasing to you and will hinder and hold me back. I desire to walk a life of no compromise, as I set my face to do your will in every area.

Also, please help me honor the women you have placed in my life and appreciate the tremendous sacrifice they make. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!