Proverbs 11:16
Proverbs 11:16 in Multiple Translations
A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches.
A woman who is full of grace is honoured, but a woman hating righteousness is a seat of shame: those hating work will undergo loss, but the strong keep their wealth.
A gracious woman holds on to her honor just as ruthless men hold on to their wealth.
A gracious woman atteineth honour, and the strong men atteine riches.
A gracious woman retaineth honour, And terrible [men] retain riches.
A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches.
A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.
A gracious woman shall find glory: and the strong shall have riches.
People honor/respect women who are kind/gracious; ruthless/violent people may get a lot of money, but that is all that they will get.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵֽשֶׁת
חֵ֭ן
תִּתְמֹ֣ךְ
כָּב֑וֹד
וְ֝/עָרִיצִ֗ים
יִתְמְכוּ
עֹֽשֶׁר
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
חֵ֭ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
תִּתְמֹ֣ךְ
tâmak
H8551
to grasp
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
כָּב֑וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
וְ֝/עָרִיצִ֗ים
ʻârîyts
H6184
ruthless
Conj | Adj
יִתְמְכוּ
tâmak
H8551
to grasp
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עֹֽשֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:16
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
חֵ֭ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
תִּתְמֹ֣ךְ
tâmak
H8551
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to grasp or hold something, like taking hold of a person or object. It is used in books like Genesis and Psalms to describe helping or supporting someone.
Definition: 1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain 1a2) to hold up, support 1a3) to hold, keep 1a4) to take hold of each other 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up). See also: Genesis 48:17; Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 16:5.
כָּב֑וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
וְ֝/עָרִיצִ֗ים
ʻârîyts
H6184
"ruthless"
Conj | Adj
This word describes someone or something that inspires fear or awe, often due to great power or strength. It can be translated as mighty, oppressor, or ruthless in different contexts.
Definition: awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent. See also: Job 6:23; Isaiah 25:5; Psalms 37:35.
יִתְמְכוּ
tâmak
H8551
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to grasp or hold something, like taking hold of a person or object. It is used in books like Genesis and Psalms to describe helping or supporting someone.
Definition: 1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain 1a2) to hold up, support 1a3) to hold, keep 1a4) to take hold of each other 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up). See also: Genesis 48:17; Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 16:5.
עֹֽשֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:16
Context — Dishonest Scales
14For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.
15He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
16A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. 18The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 31:30–31 | Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates. |
| 2 | Luke 10:42 | But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” |
| 3 | Acts 16:14–15 | Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 25:32–33 | Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. |
| 5 | Acts 9:39 | So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. |
| 6 | Esther 9:25 | But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. |
| 7 | Luke 11:21–22 | When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder. |
| 8 | Matthew 26:13 | Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” |
| 9 | Romans 16:2–4 | Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. |
| 10 | Luke 8:3 | Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means. |
Proverbs 11:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we treat others with kindness and respect, we will earn their respect and admiration, as seen in Proverbs 11:16. A gracious woman is someone who is generous, compassionate, and gentle, and she will be honored by those around her. On the other hand, people who are ruthless and only care about getting what they want will only end up with wealth, but not with true friends or a good reputation, as stated in Proverbs 15:16. By following the example of a gracious woman, we can learn to prioritize what is truly important in life, such as our relationships and our character, rather than just our wealth and status.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a gracious woman in Proverbs 11:16?
A gracious woman is one who shows kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others, as seen in Proverbs 31:26, where a virtuous woman opens her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Why do ruthless men only gain wealth according to this verse?
Ruthless men may gain wealth, but it is empty and unfulfilling, as stated in Proverbs 15:16, which says that better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and turmoil with it.
How does a gracious woman attain honor?
A gracious woman attains honor by living a life of integrity, kindness, and humility, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, which says that a good name is to be more desired than great riches.
Is this verse saying that all men are ruthless and all women are gracious?
No, this verse is using a literary device to contrast the characteristics of gracious women and ruthless men, as seen in other verses such as Proverbs 12:26, which says that the righteous will be guided by their integrity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness and compassion to those around me, like a gracious woman?
- How can I prioritize gaining honor and a good reputation over gaining wealth and material possessions?
- What are some examples of ruthless behavior in my own life, and how can I work to replace them with kindness and empathy?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and graciousness in my daily interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman retaineth honour,.... Or "a woman of grace" (s) one that has the grace of God in her heart, and is of a virtuous conversation, and by both amiable and lovely to others; as she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. A gracious woman retaineth honour; and strong men retain riches. The Hebrew for "strong men" [ `aariytsiym (H6184)] is usually taken in a bad, sense (Kimchi).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman, Heb. a woman of grace and favour, i.e. one who by her meekness, and modesty, and prudence, and other virtues, renders herself acceptable and amiable to God and to men. Retaineth honour, or holdeth fast her honour or good reputation, with no less care and resolution than strong men do riches, as it here follows. And strong men retain riches; or, as strong men, &c.; for so this conjunction is oft used in this book, of which we have seen some, and may afterwards see more instances.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong [men] retain riches.Ver. 16. A gracious woman retaineth honour.] Such a one as is set forth in Lemuel’ s lesson, such as was Sarah, Deborah, Abigail, Esther, Queen Elizabeth, of whom a great French princess gave this eulogium, that she was gloriosissima, et omnium quae unquam sceptrum gesserunt felicissima femina, the bravest and happiest woman that ever swayed sceptre. Piety, sobriety, purity, charity, and chastity - maugre the venomous tongues of all hell born slanderers, such as Sanders, Rhiston, and other Romish railers, and dead dogs that barked against her - were her inseparable companions; never suffering any lady to approach her sacred presence of whose stain she had but the least suspicion. And strong men retain riches.] By their industry and good husbandry: that they may maintain their wives’ honour, and bear up their port according to their place. Others render it, Improbi apprehendunt divitias. Wicked men catch at wealth, sc., in the choice of their wives. And indeed among suitors, both in love and in law, money is a common meddler, and commonly drives the bargain and business to an upshot. “ Protlnus ad censum: de moribus ultima fiat Quaestio. ” - Juvenal. “ Good enough, if goods enough.” Thuan. Hist., lib. cxxiv. Sanderus Lupam Anglicanam appellat. Rhistonus Nostram Leoenam, &c.
Speed, 1236.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
(16) A gracious woman retaineth honour . . .—Each sex has its own power. A woman by her attractiveness wins and retains favour, a man by his strength and riches.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
Verse 16. A gracious woman retaineth honor] Instead of this clause, the Septuagint have, Γυνηευχαριστοςεγειρειανδριδοζαν, "A gracious woman raiseth up honor to the man;" Θρονοςδεατιμιαςγυνημισουσαδικαια, "But she that hateth righteous things is a throne of dishonour." A good wife is an honour to her husband; and a bad wife is her husband's reproach: if this be so, how careful should a man be whom he marries!
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:16
16. retaineth] i.e. acquires and keeps. Comp. Proverbs 29:23. In Genesis 48:17 we read: Joseph held up (same Heb. word), i.e. took and kept hold of, and so raised, his father’s hand. and]=as. We have a similar virtual comparison by juxtaposition of clauses in Proverbs 26:9; Proverbs 26:11. strong] Rather violent, R.V., the reference being to such lawless action as is described in Proverbs 1:13. The grace of true womanhood wins and retains honour not less securely than the violence of the freebooter holds fast his spoil. The LXX. have for this proverb: “A gracious woman brings glory to her husband, But a throne of dishonour is a woman who hateth righteousness;” and add: “They who deal slothfully with riches become poor, But the diligent stay themselves upon their wealth.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:16
Or, “The gracious woman wins and keeps honor, as (the conjunction may be so rendered) strong men win riches.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
16. A gracious woman — àùׁ ?ú çï, (esheth hhen,) a woman of grace, gracefulness, beauty, loveliness: (it may mean any of these, and more:) the word is very indefinite. Retaineth — Seizes, obtains, grasps, holds fast.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Call to Modesty (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy and modest life. He urges the congregation to examine their lives and repent of any secret sins or hidden wr |
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Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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Lifting Up Jesus in the Gates by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of lifting up Jesus in the gates. He emphasizes the need for believers to seek resources from God in order to fulfill their ca |
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The Leader and His Wife by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny addresses the topic of love, leadership, and the relationship between husbands and wives. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation i |
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(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) the Beautiful Influence of a Godly Home by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of raising children as disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal is to make children love, serve, and walk with Him. The speaker dra |
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A Woman Who Fears the Lord Is to Be Praised by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the fear of God. He describes a situation where a dog chases after someone who runs away from it, comparing it t |
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Moved by the Holy Ghost 1991 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on encounters with remarkable women of faith throughout the speaker's life, from Catherine Booth to a modern-day anointed woman living in simplicity and devoti |