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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KJV Study Commentary
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 'sh...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**XI.**
(1) **A false balance is abomination to the Lord.**—A similar proverb is found in Proverbs 20:23, and praise of just weights, Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10. The repetition suggests that this form of cheating had become common in the time of Solomon, when the commerce of Israel began to develop. If so, there would be good reason for these frequent warnings, for it would have been useless t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
173-174. (Compare Psa 119:77, 81, 92).
**I have chosen--**in preference to all other objects of delight.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 overest...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Then cometh shame.**—For they have not the grace of God to keep them from falling. (See above on Proverbs 6:17.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
173-174. (Compare Psa 119:77, 81, 92).
**I have chosen--**in preference to all other objects of delight.
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts the guiding power of integrity with the destructive force of perverseness. "The integrity of the upright shall guide them" employs <em>tummah</em> (תֻּמָּה, integrity, completeness, innocence) and <em>yashar</em> (יָשָׁר, upright, straight). Integrity serves as an internal compass—<em>tancheh</em> (תַּנְחֵם, shall guide) indicates leading, conducting, directing. Those who wa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.**—Fraudulent persons (literally, *those who “cover” a matter up*) pervert the truth, thereby ruining their own characters (inasmuch as in time they can hardly distinguish right from wrong), and losing the favour of Almighty God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
175. Save me that I may praise Thee.
**thy judgments--**as in Psa 119:149, 156.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **In the day of wrath.—**Riches profit in no day of wrath when God “visits” His people to take account of their evil doings; much less will they avail in “the day” (1Corinthians 3:13).
**Righteousness delivereth from death.—**See above on Proverbs 10:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
176. Though a wanderer from God, the truly pious ever desires to be drawn back to Him; and, though for a time negligent of duty, he never forgets the commandments by which it is taught.
**lost--**therefore utterly helpless as to recovering itself (Jr 50:6; Lu 15:4). Not only the sinner before conversion, but the believer after conversion, is unable to recover himself; but the latter, after tempo...
Read full commentary →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 refut...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Shall direct his way.**—Or, *make smooth, *as Proverbs 3:6. The just man by his exact performance of all duty both towards God and man receives more and more light, and therefore continually sees more clearly how to avoid the difficulties that beset his path. The wicked darkens his conscience more and more by the commission of evil, till he stumbles as in the night (John 11:9), and at last f...
Read full commentary →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 righteousn...
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(6) **In their own naughtiness.**—Rather, *passionate desire, *as at Proverbs 10:3. Their own strong passions are their ruin.
**His expectation.**—What he hoped for, worldly prosperity. (Comp. Wisdom Of Solomon 5:14.)
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
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KJV Study Commentary
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. <em>Rasha</em> (רָשָׁע, wicked) describes the habitually ungodly. "Expectation" (<em>tiqvah</em>, תִּקְוָה) means hope, thing waited for, confident expectation. For the wicked, death doesn't fulfill hopes but annihilates them—<em>toved...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 120 Psa 120:1-7. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) entitled "A Song of Degrees" (Psa 121:1--literally, "A song for the degrees"), or ascents. It seems most probable they were designed for the use of the people when going up (compare 1Ki 12:27, 28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (De 16:16), three times a year. David appears as the author of four, Solomon of one (Psa...
Read full commentary →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).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The righteous is delivered out of trouble**. . . .—That is, misfortunes pass by the righteous and fall upon the wicked. (Comp. Proverbs 21:18.) Or, it may mean that the righteous “is taken away from the evil to come “by death (Isaiah 57:1), the wicked lives on to suffer in his place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 120 Psa 120:1-7. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) entitled "A Song of Degrees" (Psa 121:1--literally, "A song for the degrees"), or ascents. It seems most probable they were designed for the use of the people when going up (compare 1Ki 12:27, 28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (De 16:16), three times a year. David appears as the author of four, Solomon of one (Psa...
Read full commentary →An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **An hypocrite.—**Rather, *the impure, profane.*
**Through knowledge.—**The just, by the knowledge given them by God, shall see through the fraud.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Sharp arrows of the mighty--**destructive inflictions.
**coals of juniper--**which retain heat long. This verse may be read as a description of the wicked, but better as their punishment, in reply to the question of Psa 120:3.
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 per...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. A residence in these remote lands pictures his miserable condition.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
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. <em>Birkat yesharim</em> (בִּרְכַּת יְשָׁרִים, blessing of the upright) indicates both the blessings upon the righteous and the blessings they bring to others. Their presence elevates (<em>tarum</em>, תָּרוּם, is exalted, l...
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(11) **By the blessing of the upright.—**Especially by their prayers, which, like Abraham (Genesis 18:23, *sqq.*)*, *and the Jews of the captivity (Jeremiah 29:7; Ezra 6:10) they offer for those with whom they live.
**By the mouth of the wicked—***i.e., *by the “cursing, deceit, and fraud” with which his mouth is filled (Psalm 10:7).
**He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour.—**A warning...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. While those who surrounded him were maliciously hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised joys of God's worship.
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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KJV Study Commentary
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 ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. While those who surrounded him were maliciously hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised joys of God's worship.
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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KJV Study Commentary
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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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **In the multitude of counsellors there is safety**—*i.e., *where there are plenty to guide the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 121 Psa 121:1-8. God's guardian care of His people celebrated.
**1. I will lift up mine eyes--**expresses desire (compare Psa 25:1), mingled with expectation. The last clause, read as a question, is answered,
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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KJV Study Commentary
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 throug...
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(15) **He that is surety for a stranger.—**Rather, *for another, *as Proverbs 6:1.
**Is sure.—**Rather, *is in quiet, *undisturbed by the anxieties described in Proverbs 6:3-5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. by avowing God to be the helper, of whose ability His creative power is a pledge (Psa 115:15), to which,
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **A gracious woman retaineth honour **. . .—Each sex has its own power. A woman by her attractiveness wins and retains favour, a man by his strength and riches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. His sleepless vigilance is added.
**to be moved--**(Compare Psa 38:16; 66:9).
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **The merciful man.—**Rather, *one who shows love. *(See above on Proverbs 3:3.) Our good and evil deeds return to us in blessings or curses. (Comp. Proverbs 11:25.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. His sleepless vigilance is added.
**to be moved--**(Compare Psa 38:16; 66:9).
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 harve...
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(18) **Worketh a deceitful work—**i.e., which ends in nothing, deceiving his hopes. (Comp. Proverbs 11:7.)
**But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.**—Rather, *he that soweth righteousness *(worketh) *a sure reward for himself. *(For “righteousness,” see above on Proverbs 10:2.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. upon thy right hand--**a protector's place (Psa 109:31; 110:5).
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 activ...
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(19) **As righteousness tendeth to life.—**Rather, *genuine righteousness tendeth to life.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-8. God keeps His people at all times and in all perils.
**nor the moon by night--**poetically represents the dangers of the night, over which the moon presides (Ge 1:16).
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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KJV Study Commentary
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 ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-8. God keeps His people at all times and in all perils.
**nor the moon by night--**poetically represents the dangers of the night, over which the moon presides (Ge 1:16).
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 g...
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(21) **Though hand join in hand.—**For this sense comp. Isaiah 28:15, *sqq. *The passage may also mean “hand to hand,” *i.e., *from one generation to another; or, what is most probable, “the hand to it,” *i.e., *assuredly. For the general sense of the verse, comp. Psalms 37
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-8. God keeps His people at all times and in all perils.
**nor the moon by night--**poetically represents the dangers of the night, over which the moon presides (Ge 1:16).
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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KJV Study Commentary
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 ch...
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(22) **As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout.—**Rather, *a nose-ring *run through the right nostril and hanging down over the mouth; a female ornament used from the earliest times (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21; Ezekiel 16:12), and still worn in the East.
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 goo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The desire of the righteous is only good, **and therefore it, being in accordance with the will of God, is granted to them.
**The expectation of the wicked is wrath.—**Rather, *presumption; *they do not ask in the way or for the things which God wills they should (James 4:3), and therefore it is mere presumption on their part to expect the fulfilment of their desires.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 122 Psa 122:1-9. This Psalm might well express the sacred joy of the pilgrims on entering the holy city, where praise, as the religious as well as civil metropolis, is celebrated, and for whose prosperity, as representing the Church, prayer is offered.
**1-2. Our feet shall stand--**literally, "are standing."
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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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **There is that scattereth—***i.e.*, with bounteous hand (comp. Psalm 112:9), “and yet increaseth” in wealth and blessings (comp. Proverbs 19:17, and the old epitaph, “What we spent, we had; what we saved, we lost; what we gave, we have.”)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 122 Psa 122:1-9. This Psalm might well express the sacred joy of the pilgrims on entering the holy city, where praise, as the religious as well as civil metropolis, is celebrated, and for whose prosperity, as representing the Church, prayer is offered.
**1-2. Our feet shall stand--**literally, "are standing."
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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KJV Study Commentary
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 wate...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-5. compact together--**all parts united, as in David's time.
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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KJV Study Commentary
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 maxim...
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(26) **He that withholdeth corn **till it has reached an exorbitant price, “the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it” at a fair price. The truth of this is not affected by the fact that the dealer’s selfishness is in the long run beneficial to the community by limiting consumption in consequence of the rise in the price of corn.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-5. compact together--**all parts united, as in David's time.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Procureth favour.—**By the very act of striving after good, he is seeking for the favour of both God and man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-5. compact together--**all parts united, as in David's time.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
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KJV Study Commentary
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).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **He that trusteth in his riches shall fall.—**Because of their uncertainty, and because they prevent his trusting in the living God (1Timothy 6:17).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-7. Let peace--**including prosperity, everywhere prevail.
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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KJV Study Commentary
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; wisdo...
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(29) **He that troubleth his own house.—**Possibly by his niggardliness and avarice, as Proverbs 15:27.
**Shall inherit the wind.**—Will get nothing for his pains.
**The fool **(*‘evîl*)*.—*The self-willed, who will listen to no advice, and so comes to ruin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-7. Let peace--**including prosperity, everywhere prevail.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. winneth: Heb. taketh
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KJV Study Commentary
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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.**—The righteous, by the performance of his duty to his neighbours, brings, as it were, life and healing (Revelation 22:2) to them, and “the wise man winneth souls,” attracts them to himself, and induces them to follow his example.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. In the welfare of the city, as its civil, and especially the religious relations, was involved that of Israel.
**now--**as in Psa 115:2.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
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KJV Study Commentary
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 beginni...
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(31) **Behold the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth.**—That is, even he shall be punished for his misdeeds, as were Jacob, Moses, David; how much more shall “the wicked and the sinner.” The LXX. translates freely, “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” a rendering adopted in 1Peter 4:18.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Courtes...
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8-9. In the welfare of the city, as its civil, and especially the religious relations, was involved that of Israel.
**now--**as in Psa 115:2.