Proverbs 11:3
What does Proverbs 11:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 11:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 11:3 means
This proverb contrasts the destinies of two types of people: the upright and the treacherous. "Integrity" (Hebrew: *tom*) refers to completeness, soundness, and moral blamelessness, suggesting a life lived consistently in accordance with God’s will. This integrity acts as a guide, leading them on a path of safety and wisdom. Conversely, "perverseness" (Hebrew: *saleselfah*), implying distortion and crookedness, characterizes the treacherous. Their deceitful nature and morally twisted ways ultimately lead to their ruin and destruction, a stark consequence of their chosen path. The verse highlights the direct correlation between one's moral character and their ultimate outcome.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The integrity of the upright shall guide them; But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The integrity of the upright shall guide them; But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The righteousness of the upright will be their guide, but the twisted ways of the false will be their destruction.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The integrity of the upright leadeth them, And the perverseness of the treacherous destroyeth them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The simplicity of the just shall guide them: and the deceitfulness of the wicked shall destroy them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The integrity of the upright guideth them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroyeth them.
Context
Proverbs 11 is a collection of contrasts, often presenting parallel ideas that highlight the benefits of righteousness and the pitfalls of wickedness. This particular proverb fits squarely within this theme, immediately following verses that discuss the fate of the wicked and the righteous, and preceding further proverbs that elaborate on the internal and external consequences of one’s choices. The chapter, like much of Proverbs, presents ethical instruction, usually from a wise elder (often considered Solomon) to a younger learner, emphasizing practical wisdom for daily living grounded in a fear of the Lord. It’s part of a broader discourse on justice, humility, and the importance of ethical conduct in society.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for thee.
- Ecclesiastes 7:17
Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
- Proverbs 19:3
The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah.
- Proverbs 28:18
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
- Isaiah 1:28
But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and they that forsake Jehovah shall be consumed.
- Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
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