Proverbs 11:11

11 The blessing of honest people builds up a city. But the words of sinners destroy it.

Proverbs 11:11 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted
That is, either by the blessings with which they are blessed; and these are either temporal or spiritual: when good men are blessed with temporal blessings, the place where they live is the better it; and especially the poor, for they do not eat their morsel alone; and where there are many of these, and in prosperous circumstances, it is the exaltation and glory of a city taken in a literal sense; and which is the more blessed for their sakes, as well as they themselves are a blessing to it: and as the upright are blessed with spiritual blessings, with blessings indeed, with the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God; when they are fruitful and flourishing in grace, the city or church of God is in an exalted state: or rather this is to be understood of the blessings with which the upright bless others; and may be interpreted of the blessed deeds or good works which they do, and which are profitable to men; or of their blessed counsel and advice which they give on emergent occasions, and which proves salutary, and for the good of the city; or rather for their blessed prayers which they put up for the peace and prosperity of it, and which succeed. So by the blessing of the Gospel of Christ, or by the blessed doctrines of his apostles, those upright and sincere ministers of the word, the city of the living God was greatly exalted in their times; as it also was in the times of Constantine, and at the reformation; and this now is a reason why the city rejoices at its going well with the righteous, whether in temporals or spirituals. So Aben Ezra thinks the words have a connection with the former; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked;
by the corrupt communication which proceeds out of their months; by their obscene and filthy talk the inhabitants of a place are corrupted; evil communications corrupt good manners; by their swearing and cursing, their oaths and imprecations, by their lying and perjury, they bring the judgments of God upon a city, to the overthrow of it. So by false doctrines, as the faith of particular persons is subverted, so whole cities, or visible congregated churches, have been corrupted and destroyed, as with the Arian heresy and others.

Proverbs 11:11 In-Context

9 With their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors. But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge.

10 When those who do right succeed, their city is glad. When those who do wrong die, people shout for joy.

11 The blessing of honest people builds up a city. But the words of sinners destroy it.

12 A person who has no sense makes fun of his neighbor. But a man who has understanding controls his tongue.

13 Those who talk about others tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves.