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Proverbs 11

Proverbs11

King James Version · Public Domain

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1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: 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 transgressors 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 transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just 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 is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which 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 yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Study

Proverbs 11

Public-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.

Cross References

Proverbs 11
v311 Peter 4:18allusion

1 Peter 4:18 quotes the Septuagint translation of this verse regarding the judgment of the righteous and wicked.

v2Proverbs 16:18thematic

Direct thematic parallel linking pride with imminent downfall and destruction.

Supported by JFB

v18Galatians 6:8thematic

New Testament parallel using the same agricultural metaphor of sowing righteousness to reap a sure reward.

Supported by JFB

v18Hosea 10:12thematic

Prophetic exhortation matching the language of sowing in righteousness and reaping mercy.

Supported by JFB

v28Jeremiah 17:8thematic

Thematic parallel comparing the righteous who trust in God to a flourishing green tree.

Supported by JFB

v28Psalms 1:3thematic

Standard biblical simile comparing the godly man to a well-watered, fruitful tree.

Supported by JFB

v29Proverbs 15:27thematic

Explains that troubling one's own house is linked with greediness for illicit gain.

Supported by JFB

v4Proverbs 10:2thematic

Identical proverbial contrast showing that riches fail in judgment, while righteousness delivers.

Supported by JFB

v15Proverbs 6:1-5thematic

Detailed warning against the severe financial dangers of becoming surety for another.