Proverbs 11:10 - Meaning and Application

Here it is observed:

I. Good people are generally well loved by their neighbors, but nobody cares much for wicked people. It is true that a few people are enemies of the righteous. They are against God and godliness, so they are upset to see good people in power or in prosperity. But most fair-minded people, even those who are not very religious themselves, speak well of a good person. So when it goes well with the righteous, when they are lifted up and given a chance to do good as they want, that is a blessing for everyone around them, and the city rejoices.

We should be glad to see virtuous people prosper and gain respect. That honors goodness and encourages it, and it also fulfills God’s promise. Wicked people may have a few supporters among others like themselves, but most of their neighbors dislike them. They may be feared, but they are not loved. So when they perish, people shout for joy. Everyone is glad to see them disgraced, disarmed, removed from trust and power, or gone from the world. People do not wish any worse trouble on the town, especially because they hope the righteous will take their place, just as the wicked once took the place of the righteous and caused them trouble (Proverbs 11:8).

Let a sense of honor keep us in the path of virtue, so that we may live desired and die mourned, and not be driven off the stage with shame (Job 27:23; Psalm 52:6).

II. There is good reason for this, because good people do good, but, as the old proverb says, wickedness comes from the wicked. Good people are a public blessing. By the blessing of the upright, meaning both the good things God gives them and the good they pass on to others through their advice, example, prayers, and useful service, the city is lifted up. It becomes more pleasant for the people who live there and more respected by neighboring places.

Wicked people are public harms. They are not only a burden, but a plague to their generation. The city is brought low by the words of the wicked. Their bad talk corrupts good morals, is enough to spoil a town, destroy virtue in it, and bring God’s judgments on it.