Proverbs 11

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 11

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.

6The 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.

11By 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.

13A 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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 11 sharply contrasts the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that integrity and just dealings are pleasing to the Lord, while deceit and pride lead to destruction. It teaches that righteousness brings life, deliverance, and blessing, both to individuals and communities, whereas wickedness results in shame, trouble, and ultimate perishing. The chapter highlights the importance of humility, wisdom, and generosity for a prosperous and favored life.

Medium Summary

Proverbs 11 delineates the stark differences between the righteous and the wicked, asserting that God abhors false balances and froward hearts, but delights in just weights and upright ways. Pride is shown to lead to shame, while humility is associated with wisdom and integrity guides one's path. The chapter illustrates that riches offer no protection in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death and ensures a sure reward. It warns against destructive speech, such as that of hypocrites and talebearers, and underscores the value of wise counsel for societal stability. Furthermore, it extols generosity, stating that those who scatter yet increase, and that a liberal soul shall be made prosperous. Conversely, selfishness and cruelty bring trouble, and trusting in riches ultimately leads to a fall, while the righteous flourish.

Long Summary

Proverbs 11 systematically contrasts the character and consequences of the righteous and the wicked, beginning with the Lord's abomination of false balances and delight in just weights. It establishes that pride precedes shame, while wisdom resides with the lowly, and integrity serves as a guide, whereas perverseness destroys. The chapter asserts that worldly riches are profitless in the day of wrath, but righteousness offers deliverance from death and directs one's way, ensuring a sure reward. It describes the wicked's expectation perishing at death and their being ensnared by their own naughtiness, while the righteous are delivered from trouble. The power of speech is addressed, noting that hypocrites destroy neighbors, but knowledge delivers the just, and a city is exalted by the blessing of the upright, yet overthrown by the wicked's mouth. The text advises against suretiship for strangers and highlights the value of wise counsel for safety. It commends merciful actions as beneficial to one's soul and warns against cruelty. A significant theme is generosity, where scattering can lead to increase, and a liberal soul is made prosperous, contrasting with the poverty that results from withholding more than is meet. Those who diligently seek good procure favour, while seekers of mischief invite it upon themselves. The chapter concludes by reiterating that trust in riches leads to a fall, while the righteous flourish, and that the righteous shall be recompensed on earth, with the wicked and sinner receiving much more.

Core Concepts

  • Just Weights and IntegrityThe Lord abhors deceitful practices like false balances, delighting instead in honest dealings and the integrity that guides the upright in their way.
  • Pride and HumilityPride inevitably leads to shame and destruction, while humility is associated with wisdom and allows for guidance and deliverance.
  • Righteousness and DeliveranceRighteousness is presented as a path to life, delivering from death and trouble, and ensuring a sure reward, contrasting with the wicked's perishing hope.
  • The Power of SpeechDestructive speech, such as that of hypocrites and talebearers, harms individuals and communities, while the wise hold their peace and the upright's blessing exalts a city.
  • Generosity and ProsperityGiving freely and liberally leads to increase and prosperity, whereas withholding what is due or being selfish results in poverty and curses from the people.
  • Trust in Riches vs. RighteousnessTrusting in material wealth ultimately leads to a fall, but those who are righteous will flourish and receive recompense, even on earth.
  • Community ImpactThe actions of individuals, whether righteous or wicked, have a profound impact on the well-being and stability of the entire city and community.