Proverbs 11:19
Proverbs 11:19 in Multiple Translations
Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
He that is stedfast in righteousness shall attain unto life; And he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death.
So righteousness gives life; but he who goes after evil gets death for himself.
Do what's right, and you will live; chase after evil and you will die.
As righteousnes leadeth to life: so hee that followeth euill, seeketh his owne death.
Rightly [is] righteousness for life, And whoso is pursuing evil — for his own death.
He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Clemency prepareth life: and the pursuing of evil things, death.
Those who always do what is right will live a long/happy life, but those who insist on doing what is wrong will not live very long.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:19
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 11:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֵּן
צְדָקָ֥ה
לְ/חַיִּ֑ים
וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף
רָעָ֣ה
לְ/מוֹתֽ/וֹ
כֵּן
kên
H3651
right
Part
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
לְ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Prep | N-mp
וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Piel
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
לְ/מוֹתֽ/וֹ
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms | Suff
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 11:19
כֵּן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
לְ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Piel
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לְ/מוֹתֽ/וֹ
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:19
Context — Dishonest Scales
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.
19Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.
20The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight. 21Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:16 | The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment. |
| 2 | Romans 2:8–9 | But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:28 | There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:23 | The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm. |
| 5 | Proverbs 8:36 | But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 7:22–23 | He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. |
| 7 | Proverbs 1:16–19 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 8 | Acts 10:35 | but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. |
| 9 | 1 John 3:10 | By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother. |
| 10 | 1 John 3:7 | Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. |
Proverbs 11:19 Summary
This verse is saying that when we truly try to do what is right and follow God's ways, it leads to a full and abundant life. On the other hand, when we choose to do wrong and pursue evil, it can lead to spiritual death and separation from God. As it says in Psalm 16:11, 'in Your presence is fullness of joy', and when we follow God, we can experience that joy and life. By choosing to follow God and do what is right, we can have a more fulfilling life, as promised in John 10:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is genuine righteousness and how can I achieve it?
Genuine righteousness is a state of being in right standing with God, achieved through faith in Jesus Christ and a heart that seeks to obey Him, as seen in Romans 3:21-22 and 1 John 2:29.
How does the pursuit of evil bring death?
The pursuit of evil leads to spiritual death, which is separation from God, as warned in Romans 6:23 and Ephesians 2:1-3, and can also have physical consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19.
Is this verse saying that I can earn my way to heaven by being righteous?
No, this verse is not teaching that we can earn our way to heaven by our own righteousness, but rather that genuine righteousness, which comes from faith in God, leads to life, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us that our daily choices have consequences, and that choosing to pursue righteousness will lead to a more abundant life, as promised in John 10:10 and Psalm 37:3-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am pursuing evil, and how can I turn away from those things?
- How can I cultivate genuine righteousness in my heart and actions?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate kindness and compassion to those around me, reflecting the righteousness of God?
- How does the promise of life in this verse give me hope and motivation to live a righteous life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:19
As righteousness [tendeth] to life,.... Or, is unto life: not mere outward acts of moral righteousness; these may be done where there is no principle of spiritual life, and are no other than dead
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:19
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. As righteousness (tendeth) to life; so he that pursueth evil (pursueth it) to his own death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
That pursueth evil; who are not overtaken by sin, as a good man may be, , but studiously design it, and follow after the occasions of it earnestly, and greedily, and industriously.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
Proverbs 11:19 As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death.Ver. 19. As righteousness tendeth to life.] Heb., Lives; for "godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." And this is that sure reward spoken of in the former verse; for "he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting," which indeed is the only life that deserveth so to be called and counted. So he that pursueth evil.] That follows it hotfoot - as Asael followed Abner; that is, wholly carried after it, and thinks to have a great catch of it, that works "all uncleanness with greediness." This the prophet calls a "spirit of whoredom," a strong inclination, a vehement impetus to that and other sins, an "adding drunkenness to thirst, rebellion to sin"; till wrath come upon them to the utmost. Hell gapes for such sinners.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
(19) As righteousness tendeth to life.—Rather, genuine righteousness tendeth to life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
Verse 19. Righteousness tendeth to life] True godliness promotes health, and is the best means of lengthening out life; but wicked men live not out half their days.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:19
19. As] The Heb. word means so, but has also the sense of firm, stedfast, and is so used of character, Genesis 42:11; Genesis 42:19; Genesis 42:31; Genesis 42:33-34. Render: He that is stedfast in righteousness is so unto life. And he that pursueth evil doeth so unto his own death. The rendering of R.V. marg., So (in like manner), connecting this proverb with that of the preceding verse, is less forcible and less in accordance with the style of this Book.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
19. As righteousness tendeth, etc. — The sentence is elliptical, and may be paraphrased thus: Righteousness leads him that practices it to life and happiness; and he that pursueth evil, pursueth it to his own death.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Man, Are You Tired of Being Sad? by Ausbund | Othmar Roth preaches about the importance of righteousness and fighting against sin to avoid eternal pain. He emphasizes the need for self-reflection, purification of the heart, hu |
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Studies in Romans-02 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the apostle Paul teaches about the judgment of God. He emphasizes that God's judgment is based on truth and not on incomplete or circumstantial evidence. Those who |
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Lake Geneva Bible Conference 1984-03 Romans 2:1-16 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God and how it will be without respect of persons. He emphasizes that God's judgment will be according to the law and truth, a |
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(Romans) Faith or Works? by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of understanding among Roman Catholics about how to attain salvation. He highlights the fact that many Catholic leaders are also unaw |
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The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe |
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1 Peter 4:17 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that judgment begins at the house of God, referring to either the temple in Jerusalem or the church, where God’s presence dwells. He explains that this judgmen |
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Surrendered to His Love by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of surrendering to God's love, highlighting that many troubles stem from our own disobedience and self-seeking behavior. He points out that |