Proverbs 11:9
What does Proverbs 11:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 11:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 11:9 means
Proverbs 11:9 highlights the destructive power of the ungodly person's speech and contrasts it with the righteous person's deliverance through wisdom. The "godless man" (or hypocrite, as some translations render it) uses his words to harm, slander, or mislead his neighbor, leading to ruin and conflict. This destruction can be social, reputational, or even spiritual. In stark contrast, the "righteous" individual avoids such pitfalls. Their "knowledge" refers to discernment, spiritual understanding, and adherence to God's truth. This wisdom acts as a shield and a guide, protecting them from the schemes of the wicked and enabling them to navigate life's challenges safely, ultimately leading to their preservation and well-being.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.
KJV
King James Version · 1611An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949With his mouth the evil man sends destruction on his neighbour; but through knowledge the upright are taken out of trouble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862With the mouth a hypocrite corrupteth his friend, And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The dissembler with his mouth deceiveth his friend: but the just shall be delivered by knowledge.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890With his mouth a hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge are the righteous delivered.
Context
This verse fits within a larger section of Proverbs 11 that frequently contrasts the fate and character of the righteous and the wicked. Chapters in Proverbs are typically collections of independent, divinely inspired sayings rather than continuous narratives. For instance, verses immediately preceding and following often deal with themes of integrity, honesty, and the consequences of one's actions, whether good or bad. Proverbs 11:8, for example, speaks of the righteous being delivered from trouble while the wicked fall into it. This consistent thematic juxtaposition reinforces the wisdom of godly living and warns against the destructive path of unrighteousness, showing the distinct outcomes dependent on one's moral alignment and conduct.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 2:21
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
- Proverbs 4:5
Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;
- Psalms 55:20
He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.
- 1 Timothy 4:1
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
- Matthew 15:5
But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God;
- 2 Corinthians 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.
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