Proverbs 11:27
Proverbs 11:27 in Multiple Translations
He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.
He who, with all his heart, goes after what is good is searching for grace; but he who is looking for trouble will get it.
If you look to do good, you'll be appreciated; but if you look for evil, you'll find it!
He that seeketh good things, getteth fauour: but he that seeketh euill, it shall come to him.
Whoso is earnestly seeking good Seeketh a pleasing thing, And whoso is seeking evil — it meeteth him.
He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come to him.
Well doth he rise early who seeketh good things; but he that seeketh after evil things shall be oppressed by them.
If you sincerely want to do what is right, people will respect you, but if you are wanting to cause trouble, trouble is what you will get.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:27
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 11:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁ֣חֵֽר
ט֭וֹב
יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
רָצ֑וֹן
וְ/דֹרֵ֖שׁ
רָעָ֣ה
תְבוֹאֶֽ/נּוּ
שֹׁ֣חֵֽר
shâchar
H7836
to seek
V-Qal
ט֭וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
רָצ֑וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
וְ/דֹרֵ֖שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Conj | V-Qal
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
תְבוֹאֶֽ/נּוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:27
שֹׁ֣חֵֽר
shâchar
H7836
"to seek"
V-Qal
This verb means to seek or search for something early and earnestly, like in Psalm 63:1 where David seeks God diligently. It can also mean to rise early, as in Proverbs 8:17 where wisdom is found by those who seek it early. The word appears about 15 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to seek, seek early or earnestly, look early or diligently for 1a) (Qal) to look for diligently, seek 1b) (Piel) to seek, seek early
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (do something) betimes, enquire early, rise (seek) betimes, seek diligently) early, in the morning). See also: Job 7:21; Proverbs 7:15; Psalms 63:2.
ט֭וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
רָצ֑וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
וְ/דֹרֵ֖שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Conj | V-Qal
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
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.
תְבוֹאֶֽ/נּוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:27
Context — Dishonest Scales
25A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.
27He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.
28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage. 29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 7:15–16 | He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:11 | An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him. |
| 3 | Psalms 9:15–16 | The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 4 | Esther 7:10 | So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
| 5 | Psalms 57:6 | They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah |
| 6 | Psalms 10:2 | In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. |
Proverbs 11:27 Summary
This verse reminds us that when we look for and do good things, God is pleased with us and we will be blessed. On the other hand, if we look for and do bad things, we will face trouble. It's like planting seeds - if we plant good seeds, we will get a good harvest, but if we plant bad seeds, we will get a bad harvest (as seen in Galatians 6:7-8). By choosing to follow God's ways and do what is right, we can experience His favor and blessings in our lives, as promised in Matthew 6:33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'search out good' in Proverbs 11:27?
To search out good means to intentionally seek and pursue righteous and virtuous actions, as seen in Psalm 119:2, where the psalmist delights in God's commandments and seeks to follow them.
How does one find favor with God and others by searching out good?
Finding favor with God and others comes from living a life that honors God, as stated in Proverbs 3:4, where we learn that when we do what is right and just, we will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
What is the contrast between seeking good and seeking evil in this verse?
The contrast highlights the consequences of our choices, where seeking good leads to favor, but seeking evil results in evil coming upon us, as also seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow.
How does this verse relate to our daily choices and actions?
This verse emphasizes the importance of our daily choices, reminding us that our actions have consequences, and as stated in Matthew 6:33, when we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be given to us as well.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can intentionally search out good in my daily life, and how can I prioritize righteousness in my actions and decisions?
- How have I seen the principle of reaping what I sow play out in my life, and what changes can I make to seek good and avoid evil?
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek God's wisdom and guidance to make choices that honor Him and lead to favor?
- How can I balance the desire for personal success and favor with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeketh good,.... Or "early"; who rises early in the morning, as the word (e) signifies, and seeks both to do good, and to enjoy it all the day; who, in the first place, seeks the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. He that diligently (literally, early in the morning) seeketh good procureth favour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeketh, which is opposed to those who content themselves with lazy desires, or cold and careless endeavours, good, to do good to all men, as he hath opportunity, procureth favour with God and men. He that seeketh mischief, to do any mischief or injury to others, it shall come unto him; it shall be requited either by men’ s malice and revenge, or by God’ s just judgment.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
Proverbs 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.Ver. 27. He that diligently seeketh good.] Heb., He that is up betime to promote the public good, as Joseph, who came not in till noon to eat meat; as Nehemiah, who willingly brake his sheep, and traded every talent for his people’ s comfort; as Scipio Africanus, who usually went before day into the capitol, in cellam Iovis, and there stayed a great while, quasi consultans de Rep. cum Iove, as consulting with his god about the public welfare; whence his deeds were pleraque admiranda, saith mine author, - amiable and admirable, the most of them. And as Daniel, who though sick, yet rose up and did the king’ s business. It shall come to him.] It shall come certainly, suddenly, irresistibly, and, as we say of foul weather, unsent for. God will say to such, as Aulus Fulvius did to his traitorous son and then slew him, Non Catilinae te genui, sed patrice. The Lord shall pour upon him, and not spare, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, therefore "he shall die in his iniquity." Gell., lib. vii. cap. 1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
(27) Procureth favour.—By the very act of striving after good, he is seeking for the favour of both God and man.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:27
27. diligently seeketh … procureth … seeketh] Three different Heb. words are used. The shades of meaning are given by R.V.: diligently seeketh (with A.V.) i.e. makes good his chief aim; seeketh, i.e. whether consciously or not, is really seeking “favour with God and man”; searcheth after, i.e. is busily employed in the pursuit of mischief.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:27
Procureth - Better, striveth after. He who desires good, absolutely, for its own sake, is also unconsciously striving after the favor which attends goodness.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:27
27. Diligently seeketh good — Seeketh or striveth for “good.” He shall receive favour. Mischief — Evil of any kind.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Season and a Time by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and knowing when to keep silent. He shares a personal story of encountering a young man with a rebellio |
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Ransom for the Righteous by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the concept of ransom in the Bible, highlighting how Jesus became the ultimate ransom for our sins, as stated in Matthew 20:28. God, out of His love, is wil |
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Jap-07 Judgment Begins in the House of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of technology and entertainment on society. He highlights the prevalence of violent and degrading content on television, |
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Put Your Life in the Hands by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher uses a metaphor of a stagecoach running out of control to illustrate the need for Jesus to take control of our lives. He describes how in the Wild West |
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In His Time by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of letting God be the ultimate judge in our lives, trusting in His perfect timing and justice. He highlights the futility of taking vengean |
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A Great Nothing by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly honor and glory are ultimately meaningless, describing them as mere illusions and shadows that lead one away from true fulfillment. He illustr |
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The Communion of Saints by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of the communion of saints, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 13:14. He emphasizes that what one shares is a reflection of what one is |