Proverbs 11
Darby Translation
11 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 guideth them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroyeth them.
4 Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way; but the wicked falleth by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivereth them; but the treacherous are taken in their own craving.
7 When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish; and the hope of evil [men] perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 With his mouth a hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge are the righteous 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 neighbour is void of heart; but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no advice is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 It goeth ill with him that is surety for another; but he that hateth suretyship is secure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
19 As righteousness [tendeth] to life, so he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death.
20 The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in [their] way are his delight.
21 Hand for hand! an evil [man] shall not be held innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 A fair woman who is without discretion, is [as] a gold ring in a swine's snout.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good; the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is right, 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 corn, the people curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that is earnest after good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for mischief, it shall come upon him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a leaf.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and the wise winneth souls.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be requited on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner.
Proverbs 11
1599 Geneva Bible
11 1 False [a]balances are an abomination unto the Lord: but a perfect [b]weight pleaseth him.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh [c]shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The uprightness of the just shall guide them: but the frowardness of the transgressors shall destroy them.
4 (A)Riches avail not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the upright shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall in his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the just shall deliver them: but the transgressors shall be taken in their own wickedness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his hope perisheth, and the hope of the unjust shall perish.
8 The righteous escapeth out of trouble, and the wicked shall come in his [d]stead.
9 An [e]hypocrite with his mouth hurteth his neighbor: but the righteous shall be delivered by knowledge.
10 In the prosperity of the righteous the city [f]rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is joy.
11 By the [g]blessing of the righteous the city is exalted: but it is subverted by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that despiseth his neighbor, is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding will [h]keep silence.
13 He that goeth about as a slanderer, discovereth a secret: but he that is of a faithful heart, concealeth a matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but where many [i]counselors are, there is health.
15 He shall be sore vexed, that is surety for a [j]stranger, and he that hateth suretiship, is sure.
16 A [k]gracious woman attaineth honor, and the strong men attain riches.
17 He that is merciful, [l]rewardeth his own soul: but he that troubleth his own [m]flesh, is cruel.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but he that soweth righteousness, shall receive a sure reward.
19 As righteousness leadeth to life: so he that followeth evil, seeketh his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart, are abomination to the Lord: but they that are upright in their way, are his delight.
21 [n]Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall escape.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout: so is a fair woman which [o]lacketh discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the hope of the wicked [p]is indignation.
24 There is that scattereth, [q]and is more increased: but he that spareth more [r]than is right, surely cometh to poverty.
25 The [s]liberal person shall have plenty: and he that watereth, shall also have rain.
26 He that withdraweth the corn, the people will curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that [t]selleth corn.
27 He that seeketh good things getteth favor: but he that seeketh evil, it shall come to him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a leaf.
29 He that troubleth his own [u]house, shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be [v]servant to the wise in heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is as a tree of life, and he that [w]winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be [x]recompensed in the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner?
Footnotes
- Proverbs 11:1 Under this word he condemneth all false weights, measures and deceit.
- Proverbs 11:1 Hebrew, stone.
- Proverbs 11:2 When man so getteth himself, and thinketh to be exalted above his vocation, then God bringeth him to confusion.
- Proverbs 11:8 That is, shall enter into trouble.
- Proverbs 11:9 A dissembler that pretendeth friendship, but is a privy enemy.
- Proverbs 11:10 The country is blessed, where there are godly men, and they ought to rejoice when the wicked are taken away.
- Proverbs 11:11 Or, prosperity.
- Proverbs 11:12 Will not make light report of others.
- Proverbs 11:14 Where God giveth store of men of wisdom and counsel: whose conversation he knoweth not.
- Proverbs 11:15 He that doeth not without judgment and consideration of the circumstances, puts himself in danger, as Prov. 6:1.
- Proverbs 11:16 Or, modest.
- Proverbs 11:17 Is both good to himself and to others.
- Proverbs 11:17 Or, neighbor.
- Proverbs 11:21 Though they make never so many friends, or think themselves never so sure, yet they shall not escape.
- Proverbs 11:22 Or, of uncomely behavior.
- Proverbs 11:23 They can look for nothing but God’s vengeance.
- Proverbs 11:24 Meaning them that give liberally, whom God blesseth.
- Proverbs 11:24 That is, the niggard.
- Proverbs 11:25 Or, generous.
- Proverbs 11:26 That provideth for the use of them that are in necessity.
- Proverbs 11:29 The covetous men that spare their riches to the hindrance of their families, shall be deprived thereof miserably.
- Proverbs 11:29 For though the wicked be rich, yet are they but slaves to the godly, which are the true possessors of the gifts of God.
- Proverbs 11:30 That is, bringeth them to the knowledge of God.
- Proverbs 11:31 Shall be punished as he deserveth, 1 Pet. 4:18.
Proverbs 11
King James Version
11 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.
Proverbs 11
New King James Version
The Folly of Wickedness
2 When pride comes, then comes (B)shame;
But with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright will guide (C)them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
4 (D)Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But (E)righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless will [c]direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own (F)wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.
7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will (G)perish,
And the hope of the unjust perishes.
8 (H)The righteous is delivered from trouble,
And it comes to the wicked instead.
9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor,
But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
10 (I)When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices;
And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is (J)exalted,
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He who [d]is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.
14 (M)Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
16 A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.
17 (O)The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
18 The wicked man does deceptive work,
But (P)he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
19 As righteousness leads to (Q)life,
So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own (R)death.
20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in their ways are His delight.
21 (S)Though they join [g]forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;
But (T)the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
So is a lovely woman who lacks [h]discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good,
But the expectation of the wicked (U)is wrath.
24 There is one who (V)scatters, yet increases more;
And there is one who withholds more than is right,
But it leads to poverty.
25 (W)The generous soul will be made rich,
(X)And he who waters will also be watered himself.
26 The people will curse (Y)him who withholds grain,
But (Z)blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
29 He who troubles his own house (AD)will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be (AE)servant to the wise of heart.
31 (AG)If the righteous will be [k]recompensed on the earth,
How much more the ungodly and the sinner.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 11:1 deceptive
- Proverbs 11:1 Lit. perfect stone
- Proverbs 11:5 Or make smooth or straight
- Proverbs 11:12 Lit. lacks heart
- Proverbs 11:15 guaranty
- Proverbs 11:15 those pledging guaranty, lit. those who strike hands
- Proverbs 11:21 Lit. hand to hand
- Proverbs 11:22 taste
- Proverbs 11:27 Lit. seeks
- Proverbs 11:30 Lit. takes, in the sense of brings, cf. 1 Sam. 16:11
- Proverbs 11:31 rewarded
Proverbs 11
The Message
Without Good Direction, People Lose Their Way
11 God hates cheating in the marketplace;
he loves it when business is aboveboard.
2 The stuck-up fall flat on their faces,
but down-to-earth people stand firm.
3 The integrity of the honest keeps them on track;
the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.
4 A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart,
but a principled life can stand up to the worst.
5 Moral character makes for smooth traveling;
an evil life is a hard life.
6 Good character is the best insurance;
crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.
7 When the wicked die, that’s it—
the story’s over, end of hope.
8 A good person is saved from much trouble;
a bad person runs straight into it.
9 The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction;
the common sense of the godly preserves them.
10 When it goes well for good people, the whole town cheers;
when it goes badly for bad people, the town celebrates.
11 When right-living people bless the city, it flourishes;
evil talk turns it into a ghost town in no time.
12 Mean-spirited slander is heartless;
quiet discretion accompanies good sense.
13 A gadabout gossip can’t be trusted with a secret,
but someone of integrity won’t violate a confidence.
14 Without good direction, people lose their way;
the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.
15 Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned;
if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.
16 A woman of gentle grace gets respect,
but men of rough violence grab for loot.
A God-Shaped Life
17 When you’re kind to others, you help yourself;
when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.
18 Bad work gets paid with a bad check;
good work gets solid pay.
19 Take your stand with God’s loyal community and live,
or chase after phantoms of evil and die.
20 God can’t stand deceivers,
but oh how he relishes integrity.
21 Count on this: The wicked won’t get off scot-free,
and God’s loyal people will triumph.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful face on an empty head.
23 The desires of good people lead straight to the best,
but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration.
24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
26 Curses on those who drive a hard bargain!
Blessings on all who play fair and square!
27 The one who seeks good finds delight;
the student of evil becomes evil.
28 A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.
29 Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air;
common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.
30 A good life is a fruit-bearing tree;
a violent life destroys souls.
31 If good people barely make it,
what’s in store for the bad!
Public Domain (Why are modern Bible translations copyrighted?)
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson