Proverbs 11:5
Proverbs 11:5 in Multiple Translations
The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the good man will make his way straight, but the sin of the evil-doer will be the cause of his fall.
The goodness of the innocent keeps them on track, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.
The righteousnes of the vpright shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall in his owne wickednes.
The righteousness of the perfect maketh right his way, And by his wickedness doth the wicked fall.
The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The justice of the upright shall make his way prosperous: and the wicked man shall fall by his own wickedness.
When people are honest and good, that will ◄direct their paths/show them what is right for them to do►; but wicked people will experience disasters because of the evil things that they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:5
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 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צִדְקַ֣ת
תָּ֭מִים
תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
וּ֝/בְ/רִשְׁעָת֗/וֹ
יִפֹּ֥ל
רָשָֽׁע
צִדְקַ֣ת
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
תָּ֭מִים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וּ֝/בְ/רִשְׁעָת֗/וֹ
rishʻâh
H7564
wickedness
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
יִפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רָשָֽׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
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 11:5
צִדְקַ֣ת
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.
תָּ֭מִים
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וּ֝/בְ/רִשְׁעָת֗/וֹ
rishʻâh
H7564
"wickedness"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
Similar to H7562, this word also means wickedness, but with a focus on guilt or wrong actions in various relationships. It is often translated as fault or wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (in civil relations) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: fault, wickedly(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:4; Ezekiel 18:20; Proverbs 11:5.
יִפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
רָשָֽׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:5
Context — Dishonest Scales
3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.
4Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
5The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.
6The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires. 7When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the hope of his strength vanishes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 5:22 | The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. |
| 2 | 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 |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:31–32 | So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. |
| 4 | Esther 7:3–10 | Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen. In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 6 | Proverbs 11:3 | The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them. |
| 7 | Matthew 27:4–5 | “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 17:23 | When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. |
Proverbs 11:5 Summary
This verse means that when we try to live a good life and follow God's ways, He will help guide us and keep us safe. On the other hand, when people choose to do wrong, their own bad choices will ultimately lead to their downfall. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 1:6, where the way of the righteous is blessed, but the way of the wicked will perish. By choosing to follow God and live a righteous life, we can experience His guidance and protection, and avoid the dangers of our own wickedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'blameless' in Proverbs 11:5?
To be blameless means to be morally upright and free from guilt, as seen in Psalm 101:2-3, where David strives to be blameless before God. This does not mean being sinless, but rather, having a heart that seeks to follow God's ways.
How does the righteousness of the blameless direct their path?
The righteousness of the blameless directs their path by guiding their decisions and actions according to God's will, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where trusting in God and acknowledging Him leads to a straight path. This guidance comes from a deep relationship with God and a commitment to following His Word.
What is the consequence of the wicked falling by their own wickedness?
The consequence of the wicked falling by their own wickedness is destruction and separation from God, as seen in Proverbs 10:29, where the way of the wicked leads to destruction. This serves as a warning to those who choose to rebel against God and His ways.
Can a person's righteousness really deliver them from trouble?
Yes, according to Proverbs 11:5 and other verses like Psalm 37:39, the righteousness of the upright can deliver them from trouble. This is not because of their own strength, but because of God's faithfulness and promise to care for those who follow Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and direction, and how can I apply the principle of Proverbs 11:5 to those areas?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of righteousness and blamelessness before God, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- How does my understanding of God's character and His ways influence my decisions and actions, and are there any areas where I need to adjust my thinking to align with Scripture?
- What are some potential consequences of choosing to follow my own wickedness, and how can I avoid those consequences by following God's path?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:5
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way,.... Or "make [it] plain" (f); that is, the righteousness of those who are perfect in Christ, complete in him, perfectly justified by his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:5
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way - safely to the desired end.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
Shall direct his way; shall bring all his designs and endeavours to a happy issue, by comparing this clause with the next.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.Ver. 5. The righteousness of the perfect.] This is the same in effect with Proverbs 11:3. Nunquam satis dicitur, quod nunquam satis discitur. But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.] Or, In his own wickedness. He shall fall out of one wickedness unto another, while he "draws iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope." Thus Babylon’ s sins are said to "reach unto heaven"; quasi concatenatus funis. Therefore "she is fallen, she is fallen," certo, brevi, penitus, nondum tamen. Flagitium et flagellum, ut acus et filum. Sin and punishment are inseparable companions. Seneca.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
(5) Shall direct his way.—Or, make smooth, as Proverbs 3:6. The just man by his exact performance of all duty both towards God and man receives more and more light, and therefore continually sees more clearly how to avoid the difficulties that beset his path. The wicked darkens his conscience more and more by the commission of evil, till he stumbles as in the night (John 11:9), and at last falls, and rises not again.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:5
5. direct] Or, make plain, or straight; so that it leads to a prosperous issue. See Proverbs 3:6, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:5
5. Righteousness of the perfect — This may be regarded as another form of the proverb in Proverbs 11:3. Shall direct — Make straight, plain, even.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Righteousness Imputed and Imparted by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a woman who felt restless and missed her husband when he was gone. She couldn't sleep and in her desperation, she knelt by |
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It’s Tempting by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation by drawing parallels to the story of Cain and Abel, highlighting how giving in to temptation can lead to destructive co |
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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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Ever-Present Help in the Time of Trouble by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a conversation with God. He highlights the fact that God is always near and ready to listen and deliver us from trou |
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Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of understanding the word of God. He shares that many people miss the great truths of the Bible because they overcomplicate i |