Proverbs 11:27 kjv

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

Proverbs 11:27 nkjv

He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

Proverbs 11:27 niv

Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.

Proverbs 11:27 esv

Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

Proverbs 11:27 nlt

If you search for good, you will find favor;
but if you search for evil, it will find you!

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 27 Meaning

Proverbs 11:27 conveys a profound truth about the correlation between one's intentions and the consequences experienced in life. It asserts that diligent pursuit of good naturally leads to receiving favor and blessing, while actively seeking or delighting in evil inevitably draws negative outcomes and trouble to oneself. This principle highlights the moral order established by God, where our earnest efforts and inner focus shape our destiny.

Proverbs 11 27 Context

Proverbs chapter 11 largely focuses on contrasting the righteous and the wicked, outlining the distinct paths and outcomes associated with each. The chapter repeatedly juxtaposes justice with deceit, generosity with stinginess, and humility with pride, demonstrating how a life aligned with God's wisdom brings blessing, security, and favor, while a life of perversity leads to ruin and contempt. Verse 27 fits perfectly within this wisdom framework, providing a concise summary of the active pursuit required for each outcome. It highlights the intentionality of the heart and mind: the blessings or troubles one receives are often a direct result of what they earnestly seek or obsess over, thereby reinforcing the practical consequences of moral choices in God's ordered universe.

Proverbs 11 27 Word analysis

• Whoever diligently seeks: (Hebrew: mᵉshaḥer ṭôḇ)

  • Whoever: Implies universal applicability. This principle applies to all people, regardless of background.
  • diligently seeks: From the root shaḥar (שָׁחַר). This verb means "to seek early," "to be intent upon," "to rise early for," or "to earnestly search." It implies an active, persistent, and fervent pursuit, often at dawn, symbolizing dedicated effort and eager anticipation. This is not a casual wish but a determined quest.
  • good: (Hebrew: ṭôḇ, טוֹב) Refers to what is morally good, beneficial, pleasant, and in alignment with divine will. It encompasses righteousness, ethical conduct, well-being, and actions that are productive and constructive.

• finds favor: (Hebrew: yᵊḇaqqēš rāṣôn)

  • finds: (Hebrew: bāqaš, בָּקַשׁ) Here, it implies to "obtain," "acquire," or "gain." The diligent seeker of good effectively obtains what follows.
  • favor: (Hebrew: rāṣôn, רָצוֹן) Refers to goodwill, acceptance, delight, approval, or pleasure. This can be God's favor, leading to blessing and protection, or favor from others, leading to positive relationships and success in ventures.

• but evil comes: (Hebrew: vᵉʾōtô yᵊᵸbō rāʿ)

  • but: Marks a strong contrast, emphasizing the stark difference in outcomes.
  • evil: (Hebrew: ra‘, רָע) Denotes wickedness, harm, disaster, misfortune, trouble, or moral corruption.
  • comes: (Hebrew: yᵊbō, יְבֹא) Simply means "will come" or "approaches." It signifies an inevitable consequence.

• to him who searches for it: (Hebrew: vᵊdōrēš rā‘āh)

  • searches for it: (Hebrew: dōrēš from dārash, דָּרַשׁ) This verb means "to seek," "inquire," "frequent," or "to pursue." While also meaning "seek," dārash used for evil often implies a persistent investigation, an obsession, or a deliberate seeking out of that which is destructive. Unlike shaḥar (diligent seeking of good), dārash for evil here implies that the individual’s attention and efforts are consciously directed towards wickedness or harmful schemes.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Whoever diligently seeks good finds favor": This phrase portrays the active and earnest pursuit of moral integrity and beneficence as a pathway to divine approval and positive reception, whether from God or humanity. It underlines a proactive engagement with righteousness.
• "but evil comes to him who searches for it": This contrasting phrase reveals that focusing one's energies, thoughts, or actions on wickedness and harm results in attracting or drawing corresponding negative consequences. It is not just that evil happens; it actively finds the one who invites or pursues it.

Proverbs 11 27 Bonus section

• The usage of two distinct Hebrew verbs for 'seeking' (shaḥar for good and dārash for evil, while bāqaš indicates obtaining favor) highlights a nuanced intensity and specific orientation of the heart. Shaḥar implies an early, ardent seeking, suggesting enthusiasm and diligence for what is beneficial. Dārash when linked with evil, often denotes a focused, almost obsessive inquiry or pursuit of wrongdoing. This lexical variation underscores the nature of the intention in each case.
• This Proverb is an affirmation of a just and moral universe where actions and intentions are not without consequence. It aligns with the "sowing and reaping" principle found throughout Scripture.
• The verse emphasizes human agency and moral responsibility. Individuals are not passive recipients of fortune or misfortune but actively contribute to their outcomes through their choices and sustained endeavors.

Proverbs 11 27 Commentary

Proverbs 11:27 succinctly captures a fundamental moral and spiritual principle: what we earnestly seek, we tend to find, and what we proactively sow, we will eventually reap. The diligent and sincere pursuit of "good"—defined not merely by personal preference but by righteousness, kindness, and alignment with God's wisdom—is presented as a direct route to "favor." This favor can be the divine grace and blessing of God, or the positive regard and assistance of fellow humans. This implies that cultivating a righteous character and living justly creates an environment for blessings to unfold. Conversely, the individual who "searches for evil"—who intentionally plots, desires, or is preoccupied with harm, injustice, or wickedness—will discover that such negativity cycles back to them. The text emphasizes personal accountability and the intrinsic connection between inward desire, outward action, and resulting destiny in the divine order of things. This verse encourages deliberate ethical choices, reinforcing that one's disposition and intentions have real, tangible outcomes. Practically, it means investing in character and service fosters a life of blessing, whereas dwelling on malice and self-serving desires precipitates trouble.