Proverbs 11:10

“When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth, etc.] As it always does, even in the worst of times; in times of public calamity and distress, and when enemies rise up on all hands; it is well with them in life, in death, and to all eternity; (see <230310>Isaiah 3:10); but there are particular times when it goes well with them, which is matter of joy to others; when they prosper in the worm, increase in riches and honour, and are advanced to places of authority and trust; just magistrates in a city or commonwealth are a blessing, and so cause joy; (see <202902>Proverbs 29:2); and when it goes well with them in spiritual things, they increase in gifts and grace, the humble hear of…”

“The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.”

“11:10 Our actions, whether godly or wicked, affect the whole city (cp. Eccl 8:9-13).”

“it goeth: Pro 28:12, Pro 28:28; Est 8:15, Est 8:16 when: Exo 15:21; Jdg 5:31; Job 27:23; Psa 58:10, Psa 58:11; Rev 19:1-7 Proverbs 11:11”

“Three proverbs follow relating to the nature of city and national life, and between them two against mockery and backbiting: 10 In the prosperity of the righteous the city rejoiceth; And if the wicked come to ruin, there is jubilation. The בּ of בּטוּב denotes the ground but not the object, as elsewhere, but the cause of the rejoicing, like the ב 10b, and in the similar proverb, Pro 29:2, cf. Pro 28:12. If it goes well with the righteous, the city has cause for joy, because it is for the advantage of the community; and if the wicked (godless) come to an end, then there is jubilation (substantival clause for תּרן), for although they are honoured in their lifetime, yet men breathe freer when…”