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Proverbs 11:3
Verse
Context
Sermons
Keith DanielKeith Daniel
Steve Gallagher
Carter Conlon
Shane Idleman
David WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
3 The integrity of the upright guideth them; But the perverseness of the ungodly destroyeth them. To the upright, ישׁרים, who keep the line of rectitude without turning aside therefrom into devious paths (Psa 125:4.), stand opposed (as at Pro 2:21.) the ungodly (faithless), בּגדים, who conceal (from בּגד, to cover, whence בּגד = כּסוּת) malicious thoughts and plans. And the contrast of תּמּה, integrity = unreserved loving submission, is סלף, a word peculiar to the Solomonic Mashal, with its verb סלּף (vid., p. 32). Hitzig explains it by the Arab. saraf, to step out, to tread over; and Ewald by lafat, to turn, to turn about ("treacherous, false step"), both of which are improbable. Schultens compares salaf in the meaning to smear (R. לף, לב, ἀλείφειν; cf. regarding such secondary formations with ש preceding, Hupfeld on Psa 5:7), and translates here, lubricitas. But this rendering is scarcely admissible. It has against it lexical tradition (Menahem: מוטה, wavering; Perchon: זיוף, falsifying; Kimchi: עוות, misrepresentation, according to which the Graec. Venet. σκολιότης), as well as the methodical comparison of the words. The Syriac has not this verbal stem, but the Targum has סלף in the meaning to distort, to turn the wrong way (σκολιοῦν, στρεβλοῦν), Pro 10:10, and Est 6:10, where, in the second Targum, פּוּמהּ אסתּלף means "his mouth was crooked." With justice, therefore, Gesenius in his Thesaurus has decided in favour of the fundamental idea pervertere, from which also the Peshito and Saadia proceed; for in Exo 23:8 they translate (Syr.) mhapêk (it, the gift of bribery, perverts) and (Arab.) tazyf (= תּזיּף, it falsifies). Fl. also, who at Pro 15:4 remarks, "סלף, from סלף, to stir up, to turn over, so that the lowermost becomes the uppermost," gives the preference to this primary idea, in view of the Arab. salaf, invertere terram conserendi causa. It is moreover confirmed by salaf, praecedere, which is pervertere modified to praevertere. But how does סלף mean perversio (Theod. ὑποσκελισμός), in the sense of the overthrow prepared for thy neighbour? The parallels demand the sense of a condition peculiar to the word and conduct of the godless (treacherous), Pro 22:12 (cf. Exo 23:8), Pro 19:3, thus perversitas, perversity; but this as contrary to truth and rectitude (opp. תּמּה), "perverseness," as we have translated it, for we understand by it want of rectitude (dishonesty) and untruthfulness. While the sincerity of the upright conducts them, and, so to say, forms their salvus conductus, which guards them against the danger of erring and of hostile assault, the perverseness of the treacherous destroys them; for the disfiguring of truth avenges itself against them, and they experience the reverse of the proverb, "das Ehrlich whrt am lngsten" (honesty endures the longest). The Chethı̂b ושׁדם (ושׁדּם) is an error of transcription; the Kerı̂ has the proper correction, ישׁדּם = ישׁדדם, Jer 5:6. Regarding שׁדד (whence שׁדּי), which, from its root-signification of making close and fast, denotes violence and destruction, vid., under Gen 17.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
guide--to lead, as a shepherd (Pro 6:7; Psa 78:52). perverseness--ill-nature. destroy--with violence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 unto death; and it is right to walk after him, and not after the flesh: and besides him, the upright man has the word of God as a lamp to his feet, and a light to his paths, which he does well to take heed to; and next to that is the sincerity and uprightness of his heart, which will not suffer him, knowingly and willingly, to go aside into crooked paths, or to do amiss: integrity of heart and innocency of hand go together; such are the followers of the Lamb, as described, Rev 14:4; see Psa 25:21; but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them; the perverse ways, words, and actions of such as transgress the law of God, deal treacherously with God and men, as the word (e) signifies, shall be their ruin: the perverse doctrines and worship of the man of sin, and his followers, shall bring destruction upon them, Th2 2:4. The word for "perverseness" is only used here and in Pro 15:4; and there plainly signifies the perverseness of the tongue or speech, and so may have respect to corrupt doctrine. (e) "perfidosorum", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "perfidorum", Cocceius, Michaelis.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
It is not only promised that God will guide the upright, and threatened that he will destroy the transgressors, but, that we may be the more fully assured of both, it is here represented as if the nature of the thing were such on both sides that it would do it itself. 1. The integrity of an honest man will itself be his guide in the way of duty and the way of safety. His principles are fixed, his rule is certain, and therefore his way is plain; his sincerity keeps him steady, and he needs not tack about every time the wind turns, having no other end to drive at than to keep a good conscience. Integrity and uprightness will preserve men, Psa 25:21. 2. The iniquity of a bad man will itself be his ruin. As the plainness of a good man will be his protection, though he is ever so much exposed, so the perverseness of sinners will be their destruction, though they think themselves eve so well fortified. They shall fall into pits of their own digging, Pro 5:22.
Proverbs 11:3
Dishonest Scales
2When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. 3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Prove Me Now - Part 6
By Keith Daniel1.2K06:01PSA 37:21PRO 11:3MAT 6:24MRK 10:21
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 made things right with his wealth, highlighting the significance of leaving a legacy of honor and righteousness rather than material inheritance. The sermon also addresses the dangers of wealth becoming a barrier to spiritual growth and the eternal consequences of prioritizing money over God.
Prove Me Now - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.2K09:491SA 16:7PRO 11:3MAT 16:26LUK 16:10COL 3:23
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 Jesus Christ and obedience to God, regardless of who is watching. It shares powerful stories of individuals who exemplified unwavering commitment to God, even in seemingly insignificant matters, and challenges listeners to consider the eternal significance of their actions.
Pure Life Ministries - 2015 Annual Conference "He Who Endures to the End Shall Be saved."
By Steve Gallagher1.0K02:12PRO 11:3ECC 5:10MAT 6:19LUK 16:10
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 global economy, and the need for accountability. The sermon also touches on the fleeting nature of material possessions and the importance of finding true fulfillment beyond worldly pursuits.
The Promise of Light in the Time of Darkness
By Carter Conlon88046:11PSA 119:105PRO 11:3MAT 11:28JHN 8:12JHN 14:61CO 6:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 5:81TH 5:5This 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 encroaching darkness, urging listeners to turn to God and embrace His light. The speaker challenges the congregation to obey God wholeheartedly, to repent, forgive, and live in alignment with His Word, emphasizing the urgency of the times we are living in and the need for genuine transformation.
How to Make Right Choices
By Shane Idleman52256:05PRO 11:3ISA 59:1ROM 14:211CO 6:19PHP 4:71TI 4:122TI 3:161JN 2:15
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 the need for repentance, aligning choices with God's Word, seeking godly counsel, and evaluating motives. The sermon also stresses the significance of waiting on God, sanctification, and glorifying God in all decisions, ultimately calling for surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit for spiritual progress.
The First Thing God Requires From Us Is Honesty
By Zac Poonen0PSA 139:23PRO 11:3MAT 6:1JHN 1:471JN 1:7Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and being honest before God and others. He highlights that true spiritual progress is hindered by hypocrisy and the desire for the praise of men. Poonen stresses that God values honesty above religious activities or outward appearances, and that our spiritual worth is determined by our sincerity before God, not by human standards.
Is Your Heart Blameless?
By David Wilkerson0Pursuing RighteousnessBlameless LivingPSA 24:4PRO 11:3MAT 5:82CO 11:13PHP 2:15COL 3:231TH 2:31PE 3:16David Wilkerson emphasizes the call for Christians to live blameless lives, drawing from Paul's example in 1 Thessalonians 2:10. He explains that a blameless Christian is characterized by honesty, purity, and a sincere desire to honor Jesus, avoiding deceit and unclean speech. Wilkerson warns against false prophets and encourages believers to pursue righteousness by faith, highlighting that a true blameless walk cannot be faked. He urges listeners to set their hearts on being blameless today, promising that such a commitment will lead to God's favor and a positive impact on others.
Do Not Adulterate the Word of God
By Zac Poonen0PSA 1:5PRO 11:3MAT 16:23JHN 7:381CO 3:192CO 4:2JAS 4:10Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of renouncing craftiness, dishonesty, and hidden sins in our lives to truly experience God's rest and be useful members in the body of Christ. He warns against compromising God's standards to please others or twisting Scripture to fit personal beliefs, highlighting the need for honesty and humility in interpreting and applying God's Word.
The Story of the Shrewd Money Manager Luke 16:1-14
By David Servant0PRO 11:3MAT 6:24MAT 25:21LUK 16:9LUK 16:131TI 6:101TI 6:17David Servant delves into Jesus' parable of the shrewd money manager, emphasizing the crucial lessons it teaches about the use of money and our attitude towards it. Jesus highlights that serving both God and money is impossible, urging us to prioritize God over material wealth. Trustworthiness is another key lesson, as faithfulness in small matters determines our ability to handle greater responsibilities. Our handling of worldly wealth reflects our spiritual condition and reveals our true devotion to God, impacting our eternal destiny.
The Opposition Paper
By D.S. Warner0PSA 25:21PRO 11:3PHP 2:3COL 3:231PE 5:6In 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 the need for accountability. Warner recounts the dissolution of The Trumpet firm due to differences in vision and values, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will in partnerships. Despite facing opposition and competition, Warner remains steadfast in his commitment to God's work, trusting in divine guidance and maintaining integrity in the face of challenges.
If the Community Is a Large One
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 11:3PRO 16:181TI 3:10TIT 1:7St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of selecting brethren of good repute and holy life to serve as deans within the community, responsible for upholding God's commandments and the Abbot's instructions. These deans should be chosen based on their character and wisdom, not by rank, to assist the Abbot effectively. If a dean becomes prideful and unrepentant after correction, they should be removed and replaced by someone worthy. The same standard applies to the Prior within the community.
On Being True
By John Hames0PSA 15:2PRO 11:3ROM 12:1PHP 2:151PE 1:16John Hames delivers a powerful sermon on the characteristics of a true Christian, emphasizing the importance of genuineness, uprightness, and sincerity in a world filled with dishonesty and falsity. He highlights that a true Christian is unwavering in their beliefs, cannot be bribed, and lives a life worthy of imitation with a clean and straight record. Additionally, a true Christian's thoughts and intentions are pure, always turning to God in prayer to repel evil suggestions, and they are fully surrendered to Jesus without reservation, ready to work, give, suffer, and die for the cause of Christ.
The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 8
By William Gurnall0PSA 10:9PSA 18:39PSA 26:9PSA 78:8PSA 139:23PRO 11:3MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 14:1EPH 6:14William Gurnall preaches about the strengthening power of sincerity in a Christian's spirit, emphasizing how sincerity acts as a girdle that fortifies the believer in their spiritual journey. He highlights that sincerity not only covers our weaknesses but also establishes and strengthens the soul for the Christian warfare, contrasting it with the weakening and unsettling nature of hypocrisy. Gurnall explains that sincerity provides preserving strength to keep the soul pure in the face of temptation, recovering strength to help the fallen rise again, and comforting strength to lift the believer above the waves of troubles. He urges the audience to assess their hearts for sincerity, to seek God's grace for more sincerity, and to trust in God's provision and promises for their spiritual journey.
In the Constituting of an Abbess
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 11:31TI 3:2TIT 1:71PE 5:2St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of selecting a worthy leader for the role of Abbess, highlighting the need for the community to choose someone based on merit of life and wisdom of doctrine, rather than personal preferences. He warns against the dangers of allowing a leader who condones vices, urging the community to act with zeal for God and integrity in selecting a suitable steward for the house of God.
Psalm 15
By Henry Law0PSA 15:1PSA 24:3PSA 112:6PRO 11:3PRO 22:1Henry Law preaches on the requirements for abiding in God's presence and dwelling in His holy hill, emphasizing the importance of true righteousness as the evidence of being Christ's. He highlights that holiness is not a title but a character trait, pointing to Christ as the only justifier and cleanser of sins. Law urges believers to walk uprightly, speak truth, refrain from gossip and evil deeds, honor those who fear the Lord, and uphold integrity in all financial dealings, assuring that those who do these things shall never be moved.
True Integrity
By Frederick W. Robertson0PSA 26:11PRO 10:9PRO 11:3MAT 6:22LUK 16:10Frederick W. Robertson emphasizes the importance of integrity, defining it as entireness, wholeness, and soundness of character. He highlights that integrity is tested in small matters more than in great ones, revealing the true allegiance of the soul to truth. Robertson challenges the notion that integrity is merely about sincerity or honesty, pointing out that true integrity involves hating untruth for what it is, regardless of the harm it may or may not cause.
A High Sense of Honor
By J.R. Miller0IntegrityHonorPSA 15:1PRO 10:9PRO 11:3PRO 22:1MAT 5:37LUK 16:10EPH 4:29PHP 4:8COL 3:231PE 2:12J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of cultivating a high sense of honor among young people, asserting that character is built during youth and that small actions contribute significantly to one's moral standing. He warns against the dangers of leniency and self-indulgence, advocating for a rigorous self-discipline to maintain a lofty standard of conduct. Miller illustrates how honor applies to various aspects of life, including friendships, financial dealings, and the treatment of others' confidences. He encourages individuals to uphold integrity in all situations, reflecting God's truth in their actions. Ultimately, a life of honor not only glorifies God but also earns respect and admiration from others.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
3 The integrity of the upright guideth them; But the perverseness of the ungodly destroyeth them. To the upright, ישׁרים, who keep the line of rectitude without turning aside therefrom into devious paths (Psa 125:4.), stand opposed (as at Pro 2:21.) the ungodly (faithless), בּגדים, who conceal (from בּגד, to cover, whence בּגד = כּסוּת) malicious thoughts and plans. And the contrast of תּמּה, integrity = unreserved loving submission, is סלף, a word peculiar to the Solomonic Mashal, with its verb סלּף (vid., p. 32). Hitzig explains it by the Arab. saraf, to step out, to tread over; and Ewald by lafat, to turn, to turn about ("treacherous, false step"), both of which are improbable. Schultens compares salaf in the meaning to smear (R. לף, לב, ἀλείφειν; cf. regarding such secondary formations with ש preceding, Hupfeld on Psa 5:7), and translates here, lubricitas. But this rendering is scarcely admissible. It has against it lexical tradition (Menahem: מוטה, wavering; Perchon: זיוף, falsifying; Kimchi: עוות, misrepresentation, according to which the Graec. Venet. σκολιότης), as well as the methodical comparison of the words. The Syriac has not this verbal stem, but the Targum has סלף in the meaning to distort, to turn the wrong way (σκολιοῦν, στρεβλοῦν), Pro 10:10, and Est 6:10, where, in the second Targum, פּוּמהּ אסתּלף means "his mouth was crooked." With justice, therefore, Gesenius in his Thesaurus has decided in favour of the fundamental idea pervertere, from which also the Peshito and Saadia proceed; for in Exo 23:8 they translate (Syr.) mhapêk (it, the gift of bribery, perverts) and (Arab.) tazyf (= תּזיּף, it falsifies). Fl. also, who at Pro 15:4 remarks, "סלף, from סלף, to stir up, to turn over, so that the lowermost becomes the uppermost," gives the preference to this primary idea, in view of the Arab. salaf, invertere terram conserendi causa. It is moreover confirmed by salaf, praecedere, which is pervertere modified to praevertere. But how does סלף mean perversio (Theod. ὑποσκελισμός), in the sense of the overthrow prepared for thy neighbour? The parallels demand the sense of a condition peculiar to the word and conduct of the godless (treacherous), Pro 22:12 (cf. Exo 23:8), Pro 19:3, thus perversitas, perversity; but this as contrary to truth and rectitude (opp. תּמּה), "perverseness," as we have translated it, for we understand by it want of rectitude (dishonesty) and untruthfulness. While the sincerity of the upright conducts them, and, so to say, forms their salvus conductus, which guards them against the danger of erring and of hostile assault, the perverseness of the treacherous destroys them; for the disfiguring of truth avenges itself against them, and they experience the reverse of the proverb, "das Ehrlich whrt am lngsten" (honesty endures the longest). The Chethı̂b ושׁדם (ושׁדּם) is an error of transcription; the Kerı̂ has the proper correction, ישׁדּם = ישׁדדם, Jer 5:6. Regarding שׁדד (whence שׁדּי), which, from its root-signification of making close and fast, denotes violence and destruction, vid., under Gen 17.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
guide--to lead, as a shepherd (Pro 6:7; Psa 78:52). perverseness--ill-nature. destroy--with violence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 unto death; and it is right to walk after him, and not after the flesh: and besides him, the upright man has the word of God as a lamp to his feet, and a light to his paths, which he does well to take heed to; and next to that is the sincerity and uprightness of his heart, which will not suffer him, knowingly and willingly, to go aside into crooked paths, or to do amiss: integrity of heart and innocency of hand go together; such are the followers of the Lamb, as described, Rev 14:4; see Psa 25:21; but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them; the perverse ways, words, and actions of such as transgress the law of God, deal treacherously with God and men, as the word (e) signifies, shall be their ruin: the perverse doctrines and worship of the man of sin, and his followers, shall bring destruction upon them, Th2 2:4. The word for "perverseness" is only used here and in Pro 15:4; and there plainly signifies the perverseness of the tongue or speech, and so may have respect to corrupt doctrine. (e) "perfidosorum", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "perfidorum", Cocceius, Michaelis.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
It is not only promised that God will guide the upright, and threatened that he will destroy the transgressors, but, that we may be the more fully assured of both, it is here represented as if the nature of the thing were such on both sides that it would do it itself. 1. The integrity of an honest man will itself be his guide in the way of duty and the way of safety. His principles are fixed, his rule is certain, and therefore his way is plain; his sincerity keeps him steady, and he needs not tack about every time the wind turns, having no other end to drive at than to keep a good conscience. Integrity and uprightness will preserve men, Psa 25:21. 2. The iniquity of a bad man will itself be his ruin. As the plainness of a good man will be his protection, though he is ever so much exposed, so the perverseness of sinners will be their destruction, though they think themselves eve so well fortified. They shall fall into pits of their own digging, Pro 5:22.