Proverbs 11:11 kjv

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:11 nkjv

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:11 niv

Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

Proverbs 11:11 esv

By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.

Proverbs 11:11 nlt

Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,
but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 11 Meaning

Proverbs 11:11 conveys the profound truth that the moral character and actions of individuals, especially the righteous and the wicked, directly influence the destiny of a community or city. It states that the active and beneficial influence ("blessing") of upright people leads to the city's upliftment, prosperity, and secure standing. Conversely, the destructive influence and corrupt speech ("mouth") of the wicked bring about the city's downfall and ruin. This proverb underscores the social implications of individual righteousness and wickedness, showing how the well-being of society is intrinsically tied to the morality of its inhabitants.

Proverbs 11 11 Context

Proverbs 11 is a chapter largely dedicated to highlighting the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked, illustrating the societal implications of individual choices. It explores themes such as integrity versus deceit (v. 1, 3), generosity versus stinginess (v. 24-26), wisdom versus foolishness (v. 29-31), and the lasting versus transient nature of their inheritances. Verse 11 specifically places the actions and words of these two contrasting groups within the public sphere of the "city" (qiryah), emphasizing that personal morality is not merely a private matter but has tangible effects on the well-being and stability of the entire community.

Historically and culturally, in ancient Israel and the wider Near East, the "city" represented the pinnacle of social organization, providing security, trade, and communal life. Its stability, prosperity, and reputation (being "exalted") were paramount. The moral integrity of its inhabitants, particularly its leaders (elders, judges, kings), was believed to directly influence its fate, reflecting a worldview where divine blessing or judgment often manifested through societal conditions. The proverb could also indirectly serve as a polemic against rulers or cultures whose foundations were built on injustice and oppression, affirming that true stability comes from righteousness, not brute power.

Proverbs 11 11 Word analysis

• By the blessing (בִּבְרָכַת - biv'rakhat from בְּרָכָה - berakah): This word signifies not merely a good wish or prayer, but the active and tangible influence of divine favor and prosperity. It refers to the beneficial actions, intercession, just conduct, and integrity of the righteous that bring about actual good outcomes for others. It implies God's favor resting upon and manifesting through upright individuals.
• of the upright (יְשָׁרִים - yesharim from יָשָׁר - yashar): "Upright" describes those whose character and conduct are "straight," conforming to God's standards of righteousness, justice, and truth. Their lives are characterized by integrity, honesty, and alignment with God's will. This isn't just a label, but a descriptor of their moral posture and actions.
• the city (קִרְיָה - qiryah): This term denotes the organized urban community or town, representing society as a whole. It refers to the physical dwelling place but also, more importantly, the collective population, its governance, and its reputation. Its fate reflects the character of its inhabitants and leaders.
• is exalted (תָּרוּם - tarum from רוּם - rum): To "be exalted" means to be lifted up, to achieve a state of prosperity, honor, security, and stability. It implies a flourishing condition, public esteem, safety from enemies, and good governance, demonstrating tangible benefits.
• but by the mouth (פִּי - pi from פֶּה - peh): "Mouth" here represents not just speaking, but the source of counsel, influence, slander, false testimony, or oppressive decrees. It encompasses the power of communication to persuade, corrupt, or manipulate, signifying the spoken or declared intent and will.
• of the wicked (רְשָׁעִים - r'shaim from רָשָׁע - rasha'): "Wicked" refers to those who are guilty, lawless, and defiantly disobedient to God's commands. Their actions are characterized by injustice, corruption, oppression, and disregard for truth. Their character is antithetical to that of the upright.
• it is overthrown (נֶהֱרָסָה - neherasah from הָרַס - haras): To "be overthrown" means to be broken down, demolished, or destroyed. It implies societal decay, moral collapse, political instability, and eventually physical ruin. It’s the ultimate opposite of being "exalted."

Words-group Analysis:

• By the blessing of the upright: This phrase highlights the beneficial societal impact stemming from the righteous character and godly influence of individuals. Their lives—lived justly, generously, and in obedience to God—act as conduits of divine favor, contributing to public welfare and good governance, building trust and fostering peace.
• the city is exalted: This signifies a state of true societal flourishing. It’s not just about material wealth, but encompasses peace, security, strong reputation, justice, and overall well-being for the entire community. It represents a state of being raised to prominence and stability, reflective of God’s blessing.
• by the mouth of the wicked: This refers to the destructive power inherent in the speech, counsel, and public declarations of those who oppose God's ways. It encompasses deceitful words, corrupt policies, slander, false accusations, and oppressive edicts that erode moral foundations and social cohesion.
• it is overthrown: This denotes complete ruin and destruction. The city loses its integrity, stability, and ultimately its existence, collapsing under the weight of its internal corruption. This highlights the inevitable consequences of unrighteousness and unjust leadership.

Proverbs 11 11 Bonus section

This proverb speaks to the biblical principle that righteousness (tzedaqah) is not just a personal virtue but has tangible, corporate consequences. The flourishing of a community is divinely linked to the moral behavior of its members. The "blessing" refers not only to a state of favor but to the material and spiritual good that genuinely emanates from those who align themselves with God's principles. It highlights the often-overlooked truth that strong foundations of justice, equity, and compassion are the true pillars of lasting prosperity and societal endurance. Conversely, the swift, insidious, and corrosive effect of wicked words—which stir up division, spread falsehood, and undermine trust—demonstrates that moral decay often begins with speech before manifesting in societal breakdown. The city in the proverb can represent any group or organization, from a small family to a nation, reflecting this timeless principle.

Proverbs 11 11 Commentary

Proverbs 11:11 offers a profound commentary on the socio-moral dynamics of a community. It teaches that the health and prosperity of a city are not merely dependent on economic prowess or military strength, but fundamentally on the moral integrity of its people, particularly those in positions of influence. The "blessing of the upright" is not passive but refers to their active pursuit of justice, truth, and mercy. When righteous people fill a city, their honesty in commerce, fairness in judgment, and selfless contributions to the common good create an environment where the city "is exalted"—it thrives, gains respect, and experiences genuine stability and security. Their prayers and petitions, their acts of kindness, and their firm stance against evil contribute to a holistic well-being.

Conversely, the "mouth of the wicked" symbolizes the destructive power of their corrupt counsel, slander, deceit, and unjust pronouncements. Their lies undermine trust, their greed leads to oppression, and their disregard for God’s law sows discord and fosters an environment of injustice. This decay from within ultimately causes the city to be "overthrown," collapsing under the weight of its moral degradation and the societal fissures created by wickedness. The proverb emphasizes that righteousness builds, while wickedness demolishes.

Practically, this verse implies:

• Ethical leadership in government, business, and even families brings about societal well-being and honor.
• A community where truth, honesty, and integrity are valued will prosper and be known for its stability.
• When corruption, false narratives, and deceit become prevalent, even mighty structures can crumble.
• Every individual, by choosing righteousness or wickedness, contributes to the uplifting or the downfall of their surrounding community.