Proverbs 10:31-11:12 LXX, especially vs. 5, "Righteousness traces out blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing." An earlier passage in Proverbs (8:22-30) provides rich insight into the miracle of Wisdom's Incarnation and illumines the Lord Jesus as the eternal Wisdom of God. As the Divine, eternal Word, He upholds "all things by the word of His power," as the Apostle states (Heb. 1:3). His present and active power are of great importance to the Faithful, for, as we draw into union with Him, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the good will of the Father, He will keep us from every word and deed which can mar the soul, and will give us godly understanding and enlightenment. Wisdom, in giving Himself, imparts a wisdom far superior to the knowledge or so-called 'wisdom' of this world (1 Cor. 1:30). He transforms us into persons that today's reading calls righteous, just, and sensible. In fact, today's reading from Proverbs is a portrait of what those look like who strive to receive wisdom from Incarnate Wisdom. The reading is a string of contrasts which compare those blessed ones who receive wisdom from God with the ungodly, unjust, and senseless ones who seek wisdom from this world and through their own effort. These two sorts of people are polar opposites of each other in speech, business dealings, self-valuation, their estimation of others, in coping with troubles, before God, with respect to their public worth, and in terms of what they contribute to their nations' security.
We can expect the righteous who receive Wisdom into their lives to "drop wisdom and grace from their mouths" (Pr. 10:31, 32) and to be sensibly quiet when speaking to others (vs. 11:12). In the world today, what strikes one's vision on every side? Those who pervert language, abuse speech, and sneer at their fellow men. They are ubiquitous, numerous, and influential. The fashion of one-up-man-ship and quick, off-color comebacks prevails.
The reading reminds us that the difference between the godly and the perverse in business dealings will be clear and marked as well. Behind the abusive speech and sneering, are the crooked deals, shoddy workmanship covered with glitz and "false balances" (vs. 11:1). Let us thank God that there still are those doing business and providing services who are honest, fair, and eager to provide "a just weight" (vs. 11:1).
Centuries before Wisdom became Incarnate He taught the humble and meek the dangers of pride and arrogance (vs. 11:2). As the Prophet David said: "the sinner praiseth himself in the lusts of his soul....but the desire of the poor hast Thou heard, O Lord" (Ps. 9:23, 37 LXX).
In contrast with the humility which the godly holds of himself, he is held in high estimation by those around him who are open to the truth which Wisdom imparts. Therefore, "When a just man dies he leaves regret"(Pr. 11:3), being appreciated for his manner of living.
How different are the actions of the godly from the unjust as they face troubles and afflictions! Having received wisdom from the Lord, the righteous "man escapes from a snare" frequently because the Holy Spirit reveals truth and every right path to him, whereas "the ungodly man [often] is delivered" into the pitfalls of his own making (vs. 11:7).
In the public arena, the difference between the godly and the perverse is also evident. Even national prosperity and security are seriously threatened by those who "snare" their fellow men with clever words and proposals but lack godly wisdom. Blessed the nation which is led by wise and Spirit-filled leaders, for the people shall "prosper" (vs.11:10).
O Lord, our true Wisdom, open the eyes of our hearts to receive Thy wisdom as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. (see Ps. 118:105 LXX)