Proverbs 11:16 kjv

A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

Proverbs 11:16 nkjv

A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches.

Proverbs 11:16 niv

A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Proverbs 11:16 esv

A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.

Proverbs 11:16 nlt

A gracious woman gains respect,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 16 Meaning

Proverbs 11:16 articulates a profound contrast between the sources and sustainability of valuable assets. A woman characterized by grace, inner charm, and kindness inherently attracts and securely retains genuine honor and respect. In stark opposition, powerful and often oppressive men may seize and amass material wealth, but this gain is frequently devoid of true honor or is inherently more transient compared to the enduring nature of character-based reputation.

Proverbs 11 16 Context

Proverbs 11, like much of the book, uses antithetical parallelism to present sharp contrasts between the characteristics and ultimate fates of the righteous and the wicked. Verse 16 stands as a prime example, contrasting the enduring value of inner character (grace, leading to honor) with the transient nature of external acquisition (riches, often gained through ruthlessness). It fits within a broader theme in wisdom literature that consistently elevates moral and spiritual integrity over mere material accumulation. In ancient Near Eastern societies, honor and shame were paramount values, with communal reputation often carrying more weight than individual wealth in terms of social standing. The proverb therefore implicitly critiques the prevalent pursuit of raw power and material gain, affirming that true "retaining" means securing virtues that lead to lasting dignity and respect.

Proverbs 11 16 Word analysis

• A gracious woman: אֵשֶׁת־חֵן ('eshet-chen). Eshet signifies a "woman" or "wife of," identifying her nature. Chen denotes "grace, favor, charm, beauty." This refers not merely to physical attractiveness, but primarily to an inner winsome character, pleasantness, and the favor or approval she evokes. It suggests a person whose innate disposition makes her agreeable, persuasive, and held in high esteem.

• retains honor: תִּתְמֹךְ כָּבוֹד (titmokh kavod). Titmokh (she seizes, grasps, lays hold of, upholds, supports, maintains, retains). This verb implies an active, secure, and ongoing possession. Kavod signifies "glory, honor, respect, dignity, reputation, splendor, weightiness." It represents true, lasting esteem from both God and people, stemming from one's character and actions.

• And ruthless men: וְעָרִיצִים (ve'aritzim). Ve is the conjunction "and." Aritzim (ruthless, tyrannical, mighty, violent, oppressors). This term describes individuals who exert strength or power in a harsh, aggressive, or coercive manner, often without moral restraint, seeking dominance or self-interest.

• retain riches: יִתְמְכוּ־עֹשֶׁר (yitm'khu-osher).Yitm'khu(they grasp, retain). This is the same verb root as in "retains honor," drawing a direct grammatical parallel in the act of 'holding,' though differing greatly in the object held.Osher` refers to "riches, wealth, prosperity, substance," denoting material possessions and abundance.

• Word-group Analysis:

  • "A gracious woman retains honor": This phrase emphasizes the enduring, almost natural consequence of virtuous character. Honor is a byproduct of her nature and conduct; it is not external to her but organically flows from her. The retention is active but feels effortless because it is inherent to her being, leading to an internally-possessed virtue that is externally recognized and sustained.
  • "And ruthless men retain riches": This phrase contrasts sharply, highlighting a forceful acquisition and persistent holding of material wealth. The implicit critique suggests that while such men do acquire and maintain riches, this gain is often at the expense of moral integrity, earned without honor, and may ultimately prove less secure or fulfilling than the honor possessed by the gracious. The parallelism highlights what is retained by each type, drawing a clear value judgment.

Proverbs 11 16 Bonus section

• Gender-Specific Application, Universal Principle: While the proverb specifically mentions a "woman" and "men," its wisdom is widely applicable beyond strict gender roles. The contrast is between character-driven acquisition of honor (which is implicitly spiritual and relational) versus power/might-driven acquisition of material wealth. The specific archetypes may reflect observed societal tendencies in ancient Israel but the core truth speaks to all who prioritize internal virtues over external possessions.
• The Nuance of "Retains/Seizes": The Hebrew verb tamakh implies a firm grasp, to hold fast, support, or uphold. For the gracious woman, this suggests that her honor is not just given but is something she actively sustains and keeps by her consistent character. For the ruthless men, it indicates a tenacious, often forceful grip on their accumulated riches, possibly hinting at their effort to prevent loss, unlike the more organic 'retaining' of honor.
• Implied Critique of Worldly Values: The proverb subtly critiques a societal inclination to value wealth and power above all else. By showing that one path leads to "honor" (a qualitative, relational asset) and the other to "riches" (a quantitative, material asset), it guides the listener towards prioritizing moral value. It teaches that what one retains speaks volumes about what one truly values and how one chooses to live.

Proverbs 11 16 Commentary

Proverbs 11:16 is a masterful expression of antithetical wisdom, profoundly contrasting two paths and their divergent, lasting outcomes. The "gracious woman" embodies qualities of inner beauty, pleasantness, and God's favor, suggesting a person whose life radiates positive influence. Her innate character attracts and firmly "retains" something truly valuable: honor and respect. This honor is not merely a temporary award but becomes an intrinsic, enduring part of her identity, reflecting her inherent dignity and the respect she garners through her actions and nature.

Conversely, "ruthless men"—individuals characterized by oppression, might, or tyranny—are depicted as successful in acquiring and "retaining" material wealth. However, the juxtaposition with the gracious woman implies a stark difference in the quality and source of what is retained. Their wealth, often gained through questionable means, comes at the expense of true honor and often lacks the moral foundation of the woman's esteemed reputation. The proverb thus champions enduring character over fleeting possessions, underscoring that while external power might amass riches, true, lasting worth is found in integrity, virtue, and the genuine respect that these qualities attract. This verse reminds believers that honor, derived from God-fearing character, is a more precious and secure possession than any material wealth.