Proverbs 11:10-14--The Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 11:10-14
English Standard Version
​10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
    and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
    but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
    but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
    but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

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The righteous man's wisdom is good for the entire community.  They all celebrate together when things go well for him.  The wicked man however should be a burden on the community of God's people (remember these words are written to the nation of Israel, they may not seem to ring true for Gentile nations and rulers), therefore, the congregation of God's people will rejoice when the wicked man dies and faces the LORD's judgment.  I wish we could look at the world today and say that we still see this proverb to be true, but it has turned on its head since the hearts of the rulers and the people in general seem to have been inverted.  Now the people rejoice when the righteous are kills, and they rejoice in the exploits of the wicked men that lead terrorist organizations.  That is a sad commentary on today's society that calls evil good and good evil.

It's still true though that the actions of one righteous man can exalt and bless an entire city or community.  Even an entire nation can be blessed by the wisdom and right living of one great man of God that walks and talks unlike those around him.  However, the wicked man's mouth will often bring about his own downfall and destruction.

Solomon now focuses in on the things that a wicked man says that leads to his ruin.  He belittles his neighbor, but the righteous man keeps silent.  Think of the saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."  That's basically what Solomon is going for here.  The wicked man also uses his mouth to slander and to gossip.  The wicked man can't keep a secret that was told to him in confidence, especially if sharing it will make someone else look bad.  The righteous man knows how to be someone people can trust and knows how to keep things secret.

Last, but not least in this section, Solomon speaks to the need for an abundance of wise counselors for the people and especially for their leaders.  Where there is no one to give wise counsel, the people will stumble and fall (maybe even perish), but there should be safety in an abundance of counselors as they should all be telling you the wisdom of the LORD and you can't ignore it when they all tell you the same truth, even if that truth is hard and not something you want to hear.  Don't be like the kings of Israel that sought "yes-men" for their counselors and to be their prophets.  Look for people that will tell you what God thinks and will give you good and wise advice.  This is the best thing for the leaders and the people they lead.