Proverbs11
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1 A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them; But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath; But righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish; And the hope of iniquity perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble; And the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.
14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure.
16 A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
19 He that is stedfast in righteousness shall attain unto life; And he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death.
20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a fair woman that is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good; But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat; And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; How much more the wicked and the sinner!
Study
Proverbs 11Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 11. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
v1
However men may make light of giving short weight or measure, and however common such crimes may be, they are an abomination to the Lord.
v2
Considering how safe, and quiet, and easy the humble are, we see that with the lowly is wisdom.
v3
An honest man's principles are fixed, therefore his way is plain.
Key Words
מִרְמָה: fraud
מֹאזֵן: (only in the dual) a pair of scales
תּוֹעֵבַה: properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
שָׁלֵם: complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
אֶבֶן: a stone
רָצוֹן: delight (especially as shown)
זָדוֹן: arrogance
בּוֹא: to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
קָלוֹן: disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda
צָנַע: to humiliate
Cross References
Proverbs 111 Peter 4:18 quotes the Septuagint translation of this verse regarding the judgment of the righteous and wicked.
Direct thematic parallel linking pride with imminent downfall and destruction.
Supported by JFB
New Testament parallel using the same agricultural metaphor of sowing righteousness to reap a sure reward.
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Prophetic exhortation matching the language of sowing in righteousness and reaping mercy.
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Thematic parallel comparing the righteous who trust in God to a flourishing green tree.
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Standard biblical simile comparing the godly man to a well-watered, fruitful tree.
Supported by JFB
Explains that troubling one's own house is linked with greediness for illicit gain.
Supported by JFB
Identical proverbial contrast showing that riches fail in judgment, while righteousness delivers.
Supported by JFB
Detailed warning against the severe financial dangers of becoming surety for another.