King James Version
Proverbs 11
31 verses with commentary
Proverbs Contrasting Righteousness and Wickedness
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. A false: Heb. Balances of deceit just: Heb. perfect stone
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False weights and balances were common tools of commercial fraud in the ancient world, and God's abomination of them reveals His character of absolute justice. The Hebrew 'toebah' (abomination) is strong language, used elsewhere for idolatry and sexual immorality, showing that dishonest business practices are moral abominations, not merely ethical lapses. God's delight in 'just weight' (Hebrew 'shalem'—complete, perfect) demonstrates that integrity in daily transactions reflects His own righteous nature.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
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This proverb contrasts pride and humility: 'When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.' The sequence is causal—pride leads inevitably to shame. The Hebrew word for pride (zadon) denotes arrogance, presumption, and insolence. Shame (qalon) refers to disgrace, dishonor, and humiliation. Pride sets one up for a fall because it distorts reality, refuses correction, and overestimates one's abilities. The contrasting phrase presents humility (tsanu'im—the lowly, humble ones) as possessing wisdom. Humility enables learning, accepts correction, and maintains accurate self-assessment. This principle appears throughout Scripture: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
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This proverb contrasts the guiding power of integrity with the destructive force of perverseness. "The integrity of the upright shall guide them" employs tummah (תֻּמָּה, integrity, completeness, innocence) and yashar (יָשָׁר, upright, straight). Integrity serves as an internal compass—tancheh (תַּנְחֵם, shall guide) indicates leading, conducting, directing. Those who walk in wholehearted honesty find their very character provides moral direction.
"But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them" presents the alternative. Selef (סֶלֶף, perverseness, crookedness) characterizes bogedim (בֹּגְדִים, traitors, treacherous ones, those who deal falsely). Their own crookedness yeshoddem (יְשָׁדֵּם, shall destroy them)—the verb emphasizes violent destruction. The wicked aren't destroyed by external enemies but by their own corrupt character.
The principle is self-fulfilling prophecy: virtue leads to life, vice to death. Integrity creates trust, opens opportunities, and aligns with reality. Perverseness breeds suspicion, closes doors, and conflicts with God's moral order. Psalm 25:21 prays, "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me." Conversely, Proverbs 11:5-6 warns that wickedness overthrows the wicked. Paul teaches that sin pays wages—death (Romans 6:23). Only Christ's imputed righteousness and transforming grace establish true integrity that guides to eternal life.
"But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them" presents the alternative. Selef (סֶלֶף, perverseness, crookedness) characterizes bogedim (בֹּגְדִים, traitors, treacherous ones, those who deal falsely). Their own crookedness yeshoddem (יְשָׁדֵּם, shall destroy them)—the verb emphasizes violent destruction. The wicked aren't destroyed by external enemies but by their own corrupt character.
The principle is self-fulfilling prophecy: virtue leads to life, vice to death. Integrity creates trust, opens opportunities, and aligns with reality. Perverseness breeds suspicion, closes doors, and conflicts with God's moral order. Psalm 25:21 prays, "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me." Conversely, Proverbs 11:5-6 warns that wickedness overthrows the wicked. Paul teaches that sin pays wages—death (Romans 6:23). Only Christ's imputed righteousness and transforming grace establish true integrity that guides to eternal life.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
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Riches provide no security on judgment day—only righteousness delivers from death. This anticipates the eschatological perspective where earthly wealth means nothing before God's throne. The Hebrew 'natsal' (delivers) suggests rescue from danger, pointing to righteousness as the only true salvation.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. direct: Heb. rectify
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The righteousness of the perfect directs his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Perfect (tamim - complete, blameless) righteousness provides guidance like a compass directing the path. Conversely, wickedness causes self-destruction - 'fall by his own wickedness' emphasizes that evil is self-sabotaging. Righteousness produces flourishing; wickedness produces ruin. The verse refutes the lie that wickedness leads anywhere but destruction.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
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The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. Righteousness provides deliverance from dangers that trap the wicked. The wicked are captured by their own evil (havvah - wickedness, calamity) - sin becomes snare entrapping the sinner. This demonstrates sin's self-destructive nature and righteousness's protective power. What righteousness delivers from, wickedness ensnares in.
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
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This sobering proverb announces the death of hope for the wicked. "When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish" declares the moment of ultimate reckoning. Rasha (רָשָׁע, wicked) describes the habitually ungodly. "Expectation" (tiqvah, תִּקְוָה) means hope, thing waited for, confident expectation. For the wicked, death doesn't fulfill hopes but annihilates them—toved (תֹּאבֵד, shall perish, be destroyed).
The parallel clause intensifies: "and the hope of unjust men perisheth." Tokhelet aven (תּוֹחֶלֶת אָוֶן, hope of iniquity or hope of wicked men) emphasizes the futility of ungodly aspirations. Everything the wicked hoped for—pleasure, power, possessions—vanishes at death. They stored up treasures for themselves without being rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).
This proverb confronts the illusion that wickedness pays. The wicked may prosper temporarily, building hopes on earthly foundations. But death exposes the bankruptcy of godless life. Job 8:13-14 warns: "The hypocrite's hope shall perish: Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web." By contrast, the righteous have hope in death (Proverbs 14:32), for their treasure is in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Christ's resurrection guarantees that Christian hope transcends the grave—"we which have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18).
The parallel clause intensifies: "and the hope of unjust men perisheth." Tokhelet aven (תּוֹחֶלֶת אָוֶן, hope of iniquity or hope of wicked men) emphasizes the futility of ungodly aspirations. Everything the wicked hoped for—pleasure, power, possessions—vanishes at death. They stored up treasures for themselves without being rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).
This proverb confronts the illusion that wickedness pays. The wicked may prosper temporarily, building hopes on earthly foundations. But death exposes the bankruptcy of godless life. Job 8:13-14 warns: "The hypocrite's hope shall perish: Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web." By contrast, the righteous have hope in death (Proverbs 14:32), for their treasure is in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Christ's resurrection guarantees that Christian hope transcends the grave—"we which have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18).
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
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The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead. A great exchange occurs - the righteous escape trouble that then falls on the wicked. This isn't vindictive but demonstrates divine justice - trouble intended for the righteous finds its proper object in the wicked. The principle appears throughout Scripture (think Joseph and his brothers, Daniel and his accusers).
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
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A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. The hypocrite (chaneph - godless, profane) uses speech to destroy others. In contrast, the just are delivered through knowledge (da'at) - discernment recognizing hypocrisy's danger. The verse warns against destructive speech while promising that wisdom provides protection from such attacks.
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
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When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. Righteous prosperity benefits the whole community, producing celebration. Wicked destruction also brings joy because their oppression ends. This verse establishes that individual righteousness or wickedness affects corporate welfare. The righteous person's success blesses society; the wicked person's downfall relieves it.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
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This proverb addresses the corporate impact of individual character on communities. "By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted" shows how godly people benefit society. Birkat yesharim (בִּרְכַּת יְשָׁרִים, blessing of the upright) indicates both the blessings upon the righteous and the blessings they bring to others. Their presence elevates (tarum, תָּרוּם, is exalted, lifted up) the entire city—morally, economically, socially, spiritually.
"But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked" presents the destructive alternative. Peh resha'im (פֶּה רְשָׁעִים, mouth of the wicked) can tear down what righteousness builds. Their words—lies, slander, corruption, false teaching—teharas (תֵּהָרֵס, overthrow, tear down, destroy) the city. Evil speech corrupts justice, incites violence, undermines trust, and spreads moral decay.
The principle is communal responsibility. Societies rise or fall based on the character of citizens. Abraham's intercession for Sodom revealed that ten righteous could have preserved the city (Genesis 18:32). Conversely, Achan's sin brought defeat upon Israel (Joshua 7). Proverbs 29:2 affirms: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." Believers are salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), preserving and illuminating society. As God's people pursue righteousness, nations benefit; as they compromise, nations suffer.
"But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked" presents the destructive alternative. Peh resha'im (פֶּה רְשָׁעִים, mouth of the wicked) can tear down what righteousness builds. Their words—lies, slander, corruption, false teaching—teharas (תֵּהָרֵס, overthrow, tear down, destroy) the city. Evil speech corrupts justice, incites violence, undermines trust, and spreads moral decay.
The principle is communal responsibility. Societies rise or fall based on the character of citizens. Abraham's intercession for Sodom revealed that ten righteous could have preserved the city (Genesis 18:32). Conversely, Achan's sin brought defeat upon Israel (Joshua 7). Proverbs 29:2 affirms: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." Believers are salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), preserving and illuminating society. As God's people pursue righteousness, nations benefit; as they compromise, nations suffer.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. void: Heb. destitute of heart
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He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace. Lacking wisdom produces contempt toward neighbors - foolish persons disparage others. The understanding person remains silent rather than expressing contempt. This verse connects wisdom with charity - genuine understanding produces patience with others' faults. Contempt reveals both intellectual and moral deficiency.
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. A talebearer: Heb. He that walketh, being a talebearer
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The talebearer violates trust and destroys community bonds through gossip. Faithful spirit conceals matters, demonstrating discretion and love that covers offenses (1 Peter 4:8). This reflects the ninth commandment's protection of reputation and the positive duty to guard others' honor.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
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Wise counsel provides safety through multiple perspectives identifying dangers and opportunities. This verse validates church governance through plurality of elders and the foolishness of independent decision-making. God's wisdom is often mediated through fellow believers who offer biblical insight and accountability.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. smart: Heb. be sore broken suretiship: Heb. those that strike hands
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He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it, and he that hates suretyship is sure. Becoming financial guarantor for strangers (zarim - foreigners, unknown persons) brings trouble. Hating such arrangements provides security. This practical wisdom warns against reckless financial commitments. While generosity is virtuous, wisdom requires discernment - helping those you don't know well through risky guarantees often ends badly.
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
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A gracious woman retains honor, and strong men retain riches. The parallelism suggests that character (grace) brings honor just as strength brings wealth. The woman of grace (chen - favor, kindness) maintains respect and reputation. This verse values feminine virtue while acknowledging masculine strength, recognizing different contributions of men and women to society's welfare.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
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The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. Mercy benefits the merciful person himself - kindness to others is ultimately self-blessing. Cruelty harms the cruel - brutality damages one's own humanity. This principle refutes purely utilitarian ethics while showing that virtue produces human flourishing. Mercy and cruelty both return to their source.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
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The wicked works a deceitful work, but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. Wicked labor is deceitful (sheqer - false, illusory) - appearing profitable but ultimately empty. Sowing righteousness brings certain (emet - true, faithful) reward. The agricultural metaphor emphasizes both effort (sowing) and harvest (reward). Righteousness may require patient cultivation, but the harvest is guaranteed.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
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As righteousness tends to life, so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death. This verse presents two trajectories - righteousness toward life, evil toward death. Each path leads inexorably to its destination. Pursuing evil isn't neutral activity with risky outcomes but active pursuit of one's own death. The verse exposes the suicidal nature of sin - evil doesn't merely risk death but actively pursues it.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
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They that are of a froward heart are abomination to YHWH, but such as are upright in their way are His delight. God's emotional response to humans depends on their moral character - perverse hearts provoke His abhorrence; upright conduct brings His delight. This verse grounds ethics in theology - morality matters because it affects God's disposition toward us. Divine delight or disgust depends on human righteousness or wickedness.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
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Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. Even united wickedness can't escape judgment - conspiracies don't provide protection from divine justice. In contrast, the righteous's descendants will be delivered. This verse promises both comprehensive judgment on evil and comprehensive blessing on righteousness, extending to future generations.
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. is without: Heb. departeth from
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As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman without discretion. The striking image presents incongruity - precious jewelry adorning a filthy animal. External beauty without moral discretion (ta'am - taste, judgment) is similarly incongruous and wasted. Beauty should accompany wisdom; without it, physical attractiveness is absurd. This verse subordinates external beauty to internal character.
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
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The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. What the righteous desire is exclusively good - their wants are rightly ordered. What the wicked expect (qatsooh - hope, expectation) is actually wrath - though they expect good, judgment awaits. This verse contrasts righteous desires rightly anticipating blessing with wicked expectations falsely anticipating good while heading toward wrath.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
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Generosity produces increase while withholding results in poverty. This paradox reflects kingdom economics—giving doesn't deplete but multiplies through God's blessing. The principle applies spiritually and materially: those who freely share God's grace receive more, while hoarders spiritually impoverish themselves.
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. liberal: Heb. soul of blessing
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This verse promises blessing for generosity: 'The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.' 'Liberal soul' translates nephesh berakhah (literally 'soul of blessing')—one who blesses others through generosity. 'Made fat' means prosperous, flourishing, satisfied—the opposite of lean and impoverished. The agricultural metaphor 'he that watereth shall be watered' illustrates reciprocity: as you irrigate others' fields, your own receives water. This principle of generous living appears throughout Scripture: give and it shall be given (Luke 6:38), sow bountifully and reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). The verse promises that generosity produces flourishing, though not as mechanical formula but as God's gracious pattern.
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
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He that withholds grain, the people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it. Hoarding grain during scarcity for price gouging brings public curse. Selling it (even profitably) brings blessing. This verse addresses economic ethics - profiteering from others' need is cursed; providing needed goods is blessed. Free markets should serve human welfare, not merely maximize profit.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
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He that diligently seeks good procures favor, but he that seeks mischief, it shall come unto him. Pursuing good brings favor; pursuing evil brings evil upon oneself. This principle presents moral universe as responsive - what you seek, you find; what you pursue, pursues you. The verse promises both reward for righteousness and retribution for wickedness built into reality's moral structure.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
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Trusting riches brings downfall, but the righteous flourish like green foliage—alive, growing, fruit-bearing. Material security is unstable foundation, while righteousness provides enduring vitality. The branch imagery suggests organic growth and connection to the life-giving vine (John 15:5).
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
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He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. Domestic strife brings empty inheritance - 'wind' suggests vanity, nothing of substance. The fool's folly results in servitude to the wise. This verse warns that family dysfunction produces lasting harm while wisdom produces lasting advantage. Troubling one's house forfeits inheritance; wisdom secures position.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. winneth: Heb. taketh
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The righteous produce fruit that gives life to others—their influence blesses and preserves. Winning souls demonstrates wisdom's outward orientation toward others' eternal good. This evangelistic dimension shows that wisdom compels mission, sharing the knowledge of God that brings salvation.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
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Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner. If even the righteous receive recompense (reward or discipline) for their deeds, how much more will the wicked face judgment! The verse uses qal vachomer (light to heavy) reasoning - if lesser case is true, greater case certainly is. Peter quotes this verse (1 Pet 4:17-18), applying it to judgment beginning with God's house.