Proverbs 11:9
Proverbs 11:9 in Multiple Translations
With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.
With his mouth the evil man sends destruction on his neighbour; but through knowledge the upright are taken out of trouble.
Godless people mouth off and destroy their neighbors, but the good are saved by wisdom.
An hypocrite with his mouth hurteth his neighbour: but the righteous shall be deliuered by knowledge.
With the mouth a hypocrite corrupteth his friend, And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out.
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
The dissembler with his mouth deceiveth his friend: but the just shall be delivered by knowledge.
Godless people can ruin others by what they say [MTY], but righteous people will be saved by their ◄own good sense/being wise►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:9
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 11:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/פֶ֗ה
חָ֭נֵף
יַשְׁחִ֣ת
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
וּ֝/בְ/דַ֗עַת
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
יֵחָלֵֽצוּ
בְּ/פֶ֗ה
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
חָ֭נֵף
chânêph
H2611
profane
Adj
יַשְׁחִ֣ת
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/בְ/דַ֗עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Conj | Prep | N-fs
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יֵחָלֵֽצוּ
châlats
H2502
to rescue
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
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 11:9
בְּ/פֶ֗ה
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
חָ֭נֵף
chânêph
H2611
"profane"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is hypocritical and godless, like the Pharisees Jesus condemned in Matthew 23. It means being soiled by sin and acting irreligiously. The KJV Bible translates it as 'hypocrite'.
Definition: hypocritical, godless, profane, hypocrite, irreligious
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: hypocrite(-ical). See also: Job 8:13; Job 34:30; Psalms 35:16.
יַשְׁחִ֣ת
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וּ֝/בְ/דַ֗עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יֵחָלֵֽצוּ
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:9
Context — Dishonest Scales
7When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the hope of his strength vanishes.
8The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in.
9With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.
10When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. 11By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 2:10–16 | For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious. It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:5–6 | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. |
| 3 | 1 John 2:27 | And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. |
| 4 | Proverbs 6:23–24 | For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 | For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 3:16–18 | He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 4:1–3 | Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. |
| 8 | Acts 20:30 | Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. |
| 9 | 2 Peter 2:1–3 | Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. |
| 10 | Psalms 55:12 | For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. |
Proverbs 11:9 Summary
This verse reminds us that our words have the power to either hurt or help others. When we speak negatively or gossip about someone, we can cause them harm, but when we seek knowledge of God's Word, we can be rescued from the harm caused by evil speech. By choosing to use our words to build others up, rather than tear them down, we can create a positive and uplifting environment, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32. As we strive to use our words wisely, we can look to Psalm 19:14 for guidance, which says, 'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to destroy someone with your mouth?
This refers to the destructive power of gossip, slander, or hurtful words, as seen in Proverbs 11:9, which can cause harm to someone's reputation or well-being, much like the warnings found in Ephesians 4:29 and James 1:26.
How can knowledge rescue the righteous?
Knowledge of God's Word and His ways, as mentioned in Proverbs 11:9, can rescue the righteous by guiding them in making wise decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of sinful behavior, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Is this verse saying that the righteous are immune to the effects of evil speech?
No, this verse is not saying that the righteous are immune to the effects of evil speech, but rather that through their knowledge of God's Word, they can be rescued or delivered from the harm caused by it, as seen in Psalm 37:39-40 and Romans 8:28.
How can we apply this verse in our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the words we speak, avoiding gossip and hurtful speech, and instead using our words to build others up, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 4:6, while also seeking knowledge of God's Word to guide us in our interactions with others.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I used my words to hurt or destroy someone, and how can I make amends?
- How can I seek knowledge of God's Word to guide me in my relationships with others?
- What are some practical ways I can use my words to build others up, rather than tear them down?
- In what situations do I find it most challenging to control my tongue, and how can I seek God's help in those moments?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour,.... Deceives him with his flatteries and lies, and draws him into destructive schemes and practices; or "corrupts" him, as the word (i)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
With his mouth; by his corrupt communication, whereby he endeavours to draw him to error or wickedness. Through knowledge, to wit, of God, and of his word, which makes men wise, and discovers, and so prevents, the frauds of deceivers. Be delivered from the infection of the hypocrite’ s evil and crafty counsel.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
Proverbs 11:9 An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.Ver. 9. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth.] That is, The flatterer, slanderer, evil counsellor, but especially the heretic, as the Valentinians, qui artificium habuerunt, quo prius persuaderent quam docerent, by their Pythanology. "By good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple." They bring men into the lion’ s mouth, as that old seducer did, by telling them of an angel that spoke to them, and so make prize of them, and "drag disciples after them." But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.] He is too wise to be flattered, and too knowing to be plucked away with the error of the wicked. Zanchius was set upon by Socinus, but the heretic lost his labour. Wherefore add to your virtue knowledge, and have your senses exercised to discern good and evil. Tertullian. Zanch., Misc.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
(9) An hypocrite.—Rather, the impure, profane.Through knowledge.—The just, by the knowledge given them by God, shall see through the fraud.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
Verse 9. A hypocrite with his mouth] חנף chaneph might be better translated infidel than hypocrite. The latter is one that pretends to religion; that uses it for secular purposes. The former is one who disbelieves Divine revelation, and accordingly is polluted, and lives in pollution. This is properly the force of the original word. Such persons deal in calumny and lies, and often thus destroy the character of their neighbour. Besides, they are very zealous in propagating their own infidel notions; and thus, by this means, destroy their neighbour; but the experimental knowledge which the just have of God and his salvation prevents them from being ensnared.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:9
9. be delivered] i.e. from the destruction wrought by the “mouth of the hypocrite, (or godless man R.V.)”. His knowledge will enable him to see and avoid the snare (παγὶς, LXX.). Some, however, would render, “through the knowledge of the righteous shall they (i.e. the neighbour of the first clause, which as a noun of multitude may have a plural verb) be delivered.” This may be intended by the LXX.: ἐνστόματιἀσεβῶνπαγὶςπολίταις, αἴσθησιςδὲδικαίωνεὔοδος (sc. πολίταις).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:9
Through knowledge - Better, By the knowledge of the just, shall they (i. e., the neighbors) be delivered.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:9
9. A hypocrite — Literally, a profane, or godless man. Neighbour — By the mouth of an impure wretch his neighbour is (often) destroyed; but by the intelligence of the righteous he — the neighbour —
Sermons on Proverbs 11:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Is Constitutional? by Robert P. Jr Dugan | Robert P. Jr Dugan discusses the importance of understanding the Constitution, particularly in relation to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He highlights t |
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Prudence: The Discipline of Godly Speech by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of developing the skill of wisdom and prudence. The speaker highlights that God's intention for all mankind is to live in peac |
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Grasping by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher starts by emphasizing the importance of receiving and hiding God's words in our hearts. He encourages the congregation to seek wisdom and understanding |
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The Knowledge of God by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical importance of having the knowledge of God, which encompasses both a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an understanding of His Word |
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Discretion by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of discretion in the life of a Christian, illustrating how it serves as a guard against the snares of the world and the temptations that sur |
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Spiritual Fathers and Sons by Albert Zehr | Albert Zehr preaches about the importance of bridging the generational gap within families and the church to experience God's blessings. He emphasizes the cry for spiritual fathers |
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(Titus - Part 19): The Grace of God I by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inability of the human race to rise to the teachings of great teachers and religions due to the inherent bad nature of human beings. How |