#1344. Proverbs 11:14–23 – Let’s seek true beauty (4/9/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 11:14-23, let’s learn to seek true beauty -  pursuing the beauty of wisdom, righteousness and kindness over foolishness, bad choices and aggressive ambition. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Wise people seek advice

None of us are meant to walk alone. Wisdom means seeking advice — from mentors, friends, Scripture, and sound resources. Isolation leads to error, but wise counsel brings safety and success.

Today, let’s ask ourselves, who are my advisors? What people, books, podcasts… am I learning from?

ii. Don’t make rash promises

Kindness must be matched with wisdom. Don’t rush into financial or personal obligations out of pressure or guilt. Jesus calls us to be generous — but also to ‘count the cost’ and be discerning.

iii. Kindness is rewarded

In case the warning of the last proverb makes us shy away from kindness and generosity, We are given two parables about the rewards of kindness. 

‘A kindhearted woman gains honour, but ruthless men gain only wealth.’ (Proverbs 11:16) 

We are told that this woman gains honour, in contrast with a ‘ruthless’ man who gains ‘only wealth.’ Worldly wisdom teaches that if we are ‘hard-nosed’ and aggressive, we will succeed— and we will in certain measures; however, true success and true wealth is gained through kindness wisely applied.  

There is a simple truth here - when we are kind to people, it’s very likely that they will, in turn, be kind to us. True kindness is of great benefit to ourselves! Initially, this may sound all wrong: surely, we surmise, kindness is all about serving others! Yes, of course, this is true, but in God’s Kingdom and His ‘laws of life’ - like gravity, so kindness to others always has benefits on us. This is why we are encouraged:

iv. Righteousness will be rewarded

The following five proverbs have a consistent message: there is a vast difference between the path of the righteous and the path of the wicked — not only in how they live, but in what they ultimately receive.

The wicked may seem to profit in the short term, but their ‘wages’ are ‘deceptive’ (v18). Their apparent gain is fleeting and hollow. In contrast, those who ‘sow righteousness’ — living in wisdom, kindness and to please God — are promised a ‘sure reward.’ God will not overlook their life of faith and obedience.

We are told the righteous ‘attain life’ (v19). This is more than mere survival; it’s the fullness of life in relationship with God, both now and eternally. Pursuing evil may look like freedom, but it leads to death — a life cut off from God's blessing and presence.

The pursuit of righteousness is not just about behaviour, it more about the heart. The Lord ‘detests’ a perverse heart (v20) — one that twists truth, resists correction, and pursues sin. But He delights in those whose ways ‘are blameless’ — not perfect, but consistently seeking to honour and obey God in their lives. 

Finally, in this section on righteousness, we are given a clear and sober assurance: ‘the wicked will not go unpunished’. God’s justice will prevail. But the righteous will go free. For Christians, this pursuit of righteousness is about living in the truth of the gospel with its removal of the punishment and power of sin. 

This proverb contrasts two kinds of people: the righteous and the wicked. One seeks God’s will, the other their own gain. On initial reading, we are tempted to ask, Is this really true? Does the desire of the righteous end only in good? Does the hope of the wicked only in wrath? Here we are being encouraged to step back and look at things with the lense of eternity; ultimately - in the end - all righteous plans for the glory of God will be rewarded! All wickedness - whilst they may enjoy temporary success- ends in eternal sorrow! 

v. Tainted beauty or true beauty

This is a vivid and deliberately jarring image. In the ancient world, a gold ring was a sign of value, beauty, and dignity. A pig, by contrast, was an unclean animal — unattractive, messy, and offensive in Jewish culture. To imagine a beautiful gold ring shoved into a pig’s snout is to picture something precious and appealing completely out of place, debased by what surrounds it.

So it is, says the proverb, when physical beauty is not matched by character — specifically discretion, which includes wisdom, self-control, modesty, and discernment. The point isn’t to shame women, but to teach all of us (men included) that external beauty without inner wisdom is not only unhelpful — it’s misleading and tragic.

In a culture obsessed with outward appearance, Proverbs reminds us that character is the true measure of a person’s worth. Discretion, integrity, and the fear of the Lord are what give lasting beauty and honour.

In response:

• Are you walking in community, inviting godly counsel into your decisions?

• Are we making wise, rather than foolish and rash in our commitments?

• Are we kind and wise rather than aggressive in our dealings? 

• Are we pursuing righteousness and putting off the things of our old lives? 

• Are you pursuing true beauty - a life of discretion and character that in keeping with the Spirit of God? 

To bring all of these proverbs together, let’s seek true beauty. Let’s pursue wisdom and righteousness and kindness over foolishness, bad choices and aggressive ambition. 

Let’s pray together:Father, thank you for your wisdom that leads to life. Help me to seek advice from those who honour you. Help me to be kind and peaceable in all my relationships. And help me to pursue righteousness — not just outwardly, but in my deepest desires. I trust you to bring good from a life lived for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #13: Proverbs 11:1-11:31. A vision of the Righteous life

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.