Proverbs 11:3 kjv
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Proverbs 11:3 nkjv
The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Proverbs 11:3 niv
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Proverbs 11:3 esv
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Proverbs 11:3 nlt
Honesty guides good people;
dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
Proverbs 11 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 17:1 | "...Walk before Me and be blameless." | Call to integrity/completeness |
| Ps 1:6 | For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. | Contrasting destinies |
| Ps 23:3 | He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness... | God's guidance for upright |
| Ps 34:21 | Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. | Wicked self-destructs |
| Ps 37:23-24 | The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down... | God directs and sustains upright |
| Ps 37:37-38 | Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the end of that man is peace. But transgressors shall be destroyed together... | Outcome of upright vs. wicked |
| Prov 1:32 | For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; | Sin brings destruction |
| Prov 2:7 | He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk blamelessly; | God's protection for blameless |
| Prov 2:15 | Whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways; | Definition of crooked path |
| Prov 5:22 | His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. | Wicked trapped by own sin |
| Prov 6:15 | Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. | Swift ruin for wicked |
| Prov 10:9 | He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. | Security of integrity, exposure of crooked |
| Prov 10:27 | The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. | Lifespan effects of righteousness |
| Prov 13:6 | Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. | Righteousness protects, sin destroys |
| Prov 14:14 | The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above. | Self-consequences of waywardness |
| Prov 28:18 | Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but one who is crooked in his ways will fall at once. | Blamelessness leads to salvation |
| Isa 30:21 | Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. | God's direct guidance |
| Isa 59:8 | The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their paths; They have made their roads crooked; Whoever walks in it does not know peace. | Crooked paths lack peace |
| Jer 17:10 | “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” | God's judgment based on conduct |
| Matt 7:13-14 | "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." | Two paths, two destinies |
| Rom 6:23 | For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. | Consequence of sin is death |
| Gal 6:7-8 | Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap... | Law of sowing and reaping |
| 1 John 1:6 | If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. | Contrast between truth and darkness |
Proverbs 11 verses
Proverbs 11 3 Meaning
Proverbs 11:3 declares a fundamental truth: a person's inner character determines their life's direction and ultimate outcome. The genuine moral uprightness of those who live justly provides a secure guide and direction through life, leading to stability and peace. In stark contrast, the deliberate deceitfulness and disloyalty of those who act perfidiously will inevitably lead to their ruin and destruction. The verse underscores a divine moral order where internal disposition shapes external destiny.
Proverbs 11 3 Context
Proverbs chapter 11 continues the book's overarching theme of contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked, outlining the contrasting outcomes of their choices and character. This chapter, like many in Proverbs, uses antithetical parallelism, where the second line presents a sharp contrast to the first. Proverbs 11:3 succinctly captures this pattern by placing "integrity" and "crookedness" in direct opposition, highlighting their inevitable consequences. The immediate verses around it reinforce the idea that righteousness leads to salvation (11:4) and justice (11:5), while the wicked fall by their own schemes. Historically, Proverbs addressed an ancient Israelite audience, often younger men, imparting practical wisdom for a flourishing life within the covenant community. The book stands in stark contrast to prevailing polytheistic beliefs in the ancient Near East, where outcomes might be attributed to capricious gods or fate; instead, Proverbs champions a moral universe ordered by a just God, where character profoundly impacts destiny.
Proverbs 11 3 Word analysis
- The integrity (תֻּמַּת - tummat): From tōm or tamīm, meaning "completeness," "soundness," "wholeness," "blamelessness," or "sincerity." This denotes an internal, consistent character, not just outward actions. It speaks to a heart undivided and fully dedicated to what is right. Its significance is a foundation of moral rectitude that leads to a clear and steady life.
- of the upright (יְשָׁרִים - yesharim): Plural of yāshār, meaning "straight," "right," "just." It refers to those who live by a straight standard, whose path is not twisted or deviated. These are people whose ethical compass points true.
- guides them (תַּנְחֵם - tannəḥem): From the verb nāḥah, meaning "to lead," "to guide," "to cause to rest." It implies active, protective direction. This guidance is both internal (self-direction stemming from good character) and external (God's leading and blessing because of that character). It ensures they do not stumble or get lost.
- but the crookedness (וְסֶלֶף - ve-selef): From sālaf, meaning "to twist," "to pervert," "to distort." This term signifies an internal distortion, a moral deviance that bends truth and right. It's a fundamental perversion of principles and ethics.
- of the treacherous (בּוֹגְדִים - bogədim): From bāgad, meaning "to act faithlessly," "to deal treacherously," "to betray." These are individuals who are unreliable, deceitful, and betray trust, both human and divine. They embody disloyalty.
- destroys them (יְשַׁדְּדֵם - yeshaddədem): From shādad, meaning "to destroy," "to lay waste," "to ravage," often with violence or suddenness. It denotes utter ruin and desolation. This is not just a misstep, but a comprehensive undoing caused by their own perverse nature.
Words-group analysis
- The integrity of the upright guides them: This phrase highlights that a person's inner moral soundness and blameless character function as a guiding principle in their life. It suggests an inherent wisdom and a divine favour that provides direction, protection, and a clear path. It speaks to the consistent, unifying power of virtue.
- but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them: This phrase creates a stark antithesis, showing that a warped, perverted internal disposition and a habit of betrayal ultimately bring about total ruin. It implies that deceit and faithlessness are self-destructive forces, dismantling a person's life, relationships, and well-being from within.
Proverbs 11 3 Bonus section
The active verbs "guides" (nāḥah) and "destroys" (shādad) are critical. "Guides" implies a purposeful, almost gentle leading, indicating that the path of integrity is directed, not random. "Destroys," on the other hand, suggests a violent, overwhelming ruin, underscoring the severity and certainty of the consequences for the treacherous. This highlights the inherent and inevitable outcomes God has embedded within His moral order. The proverb emphasizes character as the root source of direction or destruction, not merely isolated actions, reinforcing the deep wisdom of a life lived according to God's straight path. It is a promise of stability and security for the one whose heart is wholly devoted to uprightness.
Proverbs 11 3 Commentary
Proverbs 11:3 succinctly articulates a core principle of divine justice woven into the fabric of the universe: character dictates destiny. It contrasts two paths leading to entirely different outcomes. The "integrity of the upright" refers to a person's internal wholeness and consistency in moral purity. This intrinsic quality serves as an inner compass, providing guidance and security through life's complexities. This guidance is often manifest through wise decisions, preserved reputation, and God's sustaining presence.
Conversely, the "crookedness of the treacherous" speaks to a deliberate moral twisting, a perversion of truth and loyalty. Those who are habitually deceitful and betray trust embody this crookedness. The proverb asserts that this warped character is inherently destructive, leading inevitably to ruin. This destruction is not merely external consequence but an inherent outworking of their distorted nature, unraveling their lives, relationships, and spiritual standing. The verse serves as a powerful call to cultivate genuine inner virtue, emphasizing that one's ultimate well-being stems from their moral fibre, not fleeting successes. It reminds us that integrity fosters flourishing, while deceit guarantees decay.
- Practical example: A business owner who consistently operates with honesty and transparency (integrity) earns the trust of clients and employees, leading to sustained growth and respect (guides them). In contrast, a person who regularly manipulates and deceives for quick gain (crookedness of the treacherous) eventually faces public exposure, lawsuits, and ruin of their business and reputation (destroys them).