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Proverbs 11:3

Proverbs 11:3 in Multiple Translations

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them; But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

The righteousness of the upright will be their guide, but the twisted ways of the false will be their destruction.

Honesty guides the good, but deceit destroys liars.

The vprightnes of the iust shall guide them: but the frowardnes of the transgressers shall destroy them.

The integrity of the upright leadeth them, And the perverseness of the treacherous destroyeth them.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

The simplicity of the just shall guide them: and the deceitfulness of the wicked shall destroy them.

People who are good are guided by doing what is honest; those who are not honest will be ruined because of the wrong things that they do.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:3

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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 11:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB תֻּמַּ֣ת יְשָׁרִ֣ים תַּנְחֵ֑/ם וְ/סֶ֖לֶף בּוֹגְדִ֣ים ו/שד/ם יְשָׁדֵּֽ/ם
תֻּמַּ֣ת tummâh H8538 integrity N-fs
יְשָׁרִ֣ים yâshâr H3477 Jashar Adj
תַּנְחֵ֑/ם nâchâh H5148 to lead V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
וְ/סֶ֖לֶף çeleph H5558 crookedness Conj | N-ms
בּוֹגְדִ֣ים bâgad H898 to act treacherously V-Qal
ו/שד/ם shâdad H7703 to ruin Conj | N-ms | Suff
יְשָׁדֵּֽ/ם shâdad H7703 to ruin V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:3

תֻּמַּ֣ת tummâh H8538 "integrity" N-fs
This word describes being innocent and having integrity, and is used to describe someone who is morally pure. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's desire for his people to live with integrity. It is often translated as 'integrity' in the KJV.
Definition: integrity
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: integrity. See also: Job 2:3; Job 27:5; Proverbs 11:3.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים yâshâr H3477 "Jashar" Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
תַּנְחֵ֑/ם nâchâh H5148 "to lead" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
וְ/סֶ֖לֶף çeleph H5558 "crookedness" Conj | N-ms
Crookedness refers to distortion or viciousness, often describing perverse or unfair actions. It is also translated as perverseness in the KJV.
Definition: crookedness, perverseness, crooked dealing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: perverseness. See also: Proverbs 11:3; Proverbs 15:4.
בּוֹגְדִ֣ים bâgad H898 "to act treacherously" V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
ו/שד/ם shâdad H7703 "to ruin" Conj | N-ms | Suff
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
יְשָׁדֵּֽ/ם shâdad H7703 "to ruin" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.

Study Notes — Proverbs 11:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.
2 Proverbs 28:18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
3 Psalms 26:1 Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
4 Psalms 25:21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You.
5 Proverbs 19:3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
6 John 7:17 If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.
7 Ecclesiastes 7:17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
8 Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.
9 Isaiah 1:28 But rebels and sinners will together be shattered, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.
10 Proverbs 21:7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.

Proverbs 11:3 Summary

Proverbs 11:3 teaches us that having integrity and being upright is very important, as it guides us in making good choices and helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 5:37. On the other hand, living a life of sin and rebellion against God can lead to destruction, as warned in Proverbs 11:3 and Romans 6:23. To live with integrity, we need to be honest and truthful in all aspects of life, as commanded in Proverbs 10:9 and Ephesians 4:25, and trust in God's wisdom and guidance, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:37.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have integrity in Proverbs 11:3?

Having integrity means being honest and upright in all aspects of life, which is pleasing to God, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, and guides us in our decisions and actions, whereas a lack of integrity can lead to destruction, as warned in Proverbs 11:3.

How does the perversity of the faithless destroy them?

The perversity of the faithless destroys them because it leads to a life of sin and rebellion against God, as stated in Proverbs 11:3, which can result in spiritual death and separation from God, as described in Romans 6:23 and Ephesians 2:3.

What is the relationship between integrity and being upright in Proverbs 11:3?

In Proverbs 11:3, being upright and having integrity are closely related, as being upright refers to being morally straight and just, as seen in Psalm 37:37, and integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, which guides the upright in their actions and decisions.

How can we apply the principle of Proverbs 11:3 in our daily lives?

We can apply the principle of Proverbs 11:3 by striving to live with integrity and honesty in all aspects of life, as commanded in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 5:37, and seeking to be upright and just in our actions and decisions, which will guide us and bring us closer to God, as promised in Proverbs 11:3 and Psalm 37:37.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I can demonstrate integrity and be more upright, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:3 and Ephesians 4:1?
  2. How can I ensure that my actions and decisions are guided by integrity and a desire to be upright, as instructed in Proverbs 11:3 and Psalm 119:133?
  3. What are the consequences of living a life of perversity and faithlessness, as warned in Proverbs 11:3 and Romans 6:23?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and wisdom, as described in Proverbs 11:2, to guide me in my journey towards integrity and uprightness, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:3 and James 1:5?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:3

The integrity of the upright shall guide them,.... The Spirit of God is the best guide of an upright man; he leads into all truth, and unto the land of uprightness, and continues to be a guide, even

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:3

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:3

The integrity of the upright, their sincere obedience to God’ s laws, shall guide them; shall keep them from crooked and dangerous courses, and lead them in a right and safe way. The perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them; those wicked devices by which they design and expect to secure themselves, shall be the instrument of their destruction.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:3

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.Ver. 3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them.] An elegant allusion in the original. Their uprightness shall lead them whither they would, and secure them from danger. They "fulfil the royal law," keep the king’ s highway, and so are kept safe; while those that go out of God’ s precincts are out of his protection. But the perverseness of transgressors.] Of prevaricators, that run upon rough precipices. These are by the prophet Amos likened to horses running upon a rock, where first they break their hoofs, and then their necks.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:3

(3) The perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.—Fraudulent persons (literally, those who “cover” a matter up) pervert the truth, thereby ruining their own characters (inasmuch as in time they can hardly distinguish right from wrong), and losing the favour of Almighty God.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:3

3. perverseness] Some would render slipperiness; as we say, “a slippery fellow.” The noun occurs here only and in Proverbs 15:4, but the cognate verb is found several times in this Book (Proverbs 13:6, Proverbs 19:3, Proverbs 21:12). What is here meant is the trickiness and want of straightforwardness (the opposite of the “integrity” of the former clause) which mark the character and conduct of the treacherous (R.V.).

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:3

3. Shall guide — Or lead them, as a shepherd does his flock. Principles of rectitude shall conduct in the way of safety, but the perverseness of transgressors, or, as it might literally be rendered,

Sermons on Proverbs 11:3

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel Prove Me Now - Part 6 by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of integrity, restitution, and the love of money in relation to one's soul and relationship with God. It tells a powerful story of a man who m
Keith Daniel Prove Me Now - Part 5 by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of integrity and faithfulness in the smallest details of life, highlighting the true essence of being a Christian who acts out of love for Jes
Steve Gallagher Pure Life Ministries - 2015 Annual Conference "He Who Endures to the End Shall Be saved." by Steve Gallagher This sermon addresses the themes of deception, corruption, and the consequences of dishonesty. It emphasizes the erosion of integrity, the impact of corporate scandals on the globa
Carter Conlon The Promise of Light in the Time of Darkness by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of obeying God and having the courage to follow His instructions. It highlights the need for integrity and faithfulness in the midst of encroa
Shane Idleman How to Make Right Choices by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of making right choices as Christians, highlighting the internal conflict between wanting to please God and the flesh's desires. It discusses
D.S. Warner The Opposition Paper by D.S. Warner In this sermon by D.S. Warner, he addresses the division caused by conflicting holiness papers in the city, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the sacred cause of holiness and t
Frederick W. Robertson True Integrity by Frederick W. Robertson Frederick W. Robertson emphasizes the importance of integrity, defining it as entireness, wholeness, and soundness of character. He highlights that integrity is tested in small mat

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