What Does Proverbs 11:11 Mean?

In the Proverbs chapter 11 verse 11 it is written "By the blessing of the upright is a city exalted, And by the mouth of the wicked thrown down(YLT). The author meant by this that the when the upright people of a city put their blessing on that city, it would be exhausted, or built up. And on the other side of the coin, the destruction of a city is the result of the wickedness within it. It could be said that the mouths of the wicked curse the city like the mouths of the upright bless it. God's preference on a people through his grace will results in that people's righteousness; therefore their exaltation will ensue. The wickedness of a people is the result of their rejection of God, so they are cursed and will not be built up.

One such implication of this passage is that the upright people within a region are the reason why a city is exalted. In Bruce K. Waltke's commentary of Proverbs, he explains that this term "exalted" literally means "to build up." This can imply that the city in question can be built up in the respects of capital, expanse or other various respects. The building up of a city can have various connotations. When one initially considers the term, popularity may come to mind. A people group within a region becomes popular because of what they have accomplished. So, in respect, the exaltation on, say, a church from God is the reason why that church can accomplish great and memorable things. This exaltation is the result of this church remaining upright in many respects. It is important to note that this implication is not definite. There are obvious exceptions such as a perverted nation like Egypt who did many memorable things, and today there are misguided churches that vainly use Gods name who are doing memorable and seemingly great things.

Another implication of Proverbs 11:11 is that the wicked, or evil, people bring the peril to the city; and likewise, the righteous will bring good to the city. The hearts and deeds of a group of people can decide the prosperity of the whole city. This can mean that in the context of today; one good youth group within a church can bring honor and respect to the rest of the church group, surrounding churches, and the whole community. On the contrary; a bad youth group can bring disgrace to the rest of the church, surrounding churches, and the surrounding community. This can also be applied to poor leadership within a church. Such as when the deacons become selfish and prideful, which will result in the ultimate demise of the church. Or when the same leaders remain faithful and keep the glory of God in mind, the church may grow as a result.

This text may also be Biblical proof of a more common proverb "one bad apple spoils the bunch." The blessings of the upright will build up the city. So in our case, a family or a church can be built up by its own blessings of its good. However, by one wicked mouth, it will be overthrown. One kid with an over zealous mouth, and desire to express his or her inappropriate opinion can be the down fall of the reputation of a truly good family unit. Or one member of a church body who loudly voices his or her misguided and un-Christ like opinions to the community will be the end of that church's good name.

This text has a personal significance also. If I am going to be apart of any unit, whether it be my church, family, or Boy Scout troop, I must be ever present of my heart and deeds. I must also pray for the heart and deeds of the others. For I know, by the Holy Scriptures, that exaltation will be the result of righteousness. And I know that if we are to put on un-Godly mouths and hearts; we will fail at all we do. I must let the Word become apparent in me so that I may continue to be upright. I must also hope and pray that the Word is ever present in my peers so that they are made upright. If this does not happen, then failure may ensnare me as it is seen fit by God's good judgment.