Proverbs 11:11

KJV

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

By the blessing {H1293} of the upright {H3477} the city {H7176} is exalted {H7311}: but it is overthrown {H2040} by the mouth {H6310} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By the blessing of the upright, a city is raised up; but the words of the wicked tear it down.

Berean Standard Bible

By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

American Standard Version

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:11 presents a profound contrast, asserting that the well-being and prosperity of a community are directly tied to the moral character and conduct of its inhabitants. It declares that a city flourishes and is elevated through the righteous influence and divine favor brought by upright individuals, while it faces ruin and destruction due to the corrupting and divisive speech of the wicked. This proverb encapsulates a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom concerning societal health and the far-reaching impact of individual virtue and vice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11:11 is situated within a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which primarily employs antithetical parallelism to highlight the stark differences between the righteous and the wicked, wisdom and folly, and their respective consequences. This particular verse follows a series of proverbs that discuss the benefits of integrity (Proverbs 11:3, 5-6) and the dangers of pride and deceit (Proverbs 11:2, 7-8). It also precedes verses that continue to explore the societal impact of the righteous and the wicked, such as the joy brought by the righteous (Proverbs 11:10) and the lack of understanding among the foolish (Proverbs 11:12). The immediate literary flow emphasizes that individual moral choices have collective, tangible outcomes for the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "city" (עִיר, _‘iyr_, or here, קֶרֶת, _qereth_) represented not just a physical location but the entire social, political, and economic fabric of a community, often walled for protection and serving as a center of life. Its exaltation or overthrow was a matter of survival and identity. The concept of "blessing" (בְּרָכָה, _berakah_) was deeply embedded in the Israelite worldview, signifying divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. Conversely, "overthrow" (הָרַס, _haras_) implied complete destruction, a common fate for cities in ancient warfare. The "mouth" was understood as the primary instrument of influence, capable of building up or tearing down, reflecting the oral culture where words carried immense weight in public discourse, legal proceedings, and social interactions.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **societal impact of individual character**, demonstrating that personal righteousness or wickedness does not remain confined to the individual but inevitably spills over to affect the entire community. Secondly, it highlights the **power of words**, emphasizing that speech is not neutral but possesses immense constructive or destructive potential. The "mouth of the wicked" is portrayed as a force of ruin, contrasting sharply with the "blessing of the upright." This theme resonates with other proverbs warning about the tongue, such as [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue"). Thirdly, it reinforces the **divine order of consequences**, where God's favor rests upon the righteous, leading to flourishing, while wickedness invites judgment and decay, a principle seen throughout the wisdom literature and the broader biblical narrative, for instance, in [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From the root meaning "to kneel," this term signifies divine favor, benediction, and by implication, prosperity. In the context of the upright, their "blessing" refers not only to the divine favor they personally receive but also to the positive influence they exert through their righteous lives, prayers, and wise actions, which in turn brings prosperity and well-being to their community. It encompasses both the act of blessing and the resultant state of blessedness.
* **upright (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_):** This word describes someone who is "straight" – literally, figuratively, and morally. It denotes integrity, justice, and moral rectitude. An "upright" person is one whose path is true, whose dealings are fair, and whose character is aligned with God's standards. Their very presence and conduct contribute to the moral elevation and stability of the city.
* **overthrown (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to pull down or in pieces," "break," or "destroy." It vividly describes the act of demolition or ruin. In this proverb, it portrays the complete destruction or collapse of the city, directly contrasting with its "exaltation." The passive form here indicates that the city *is caused* to be overthrown, highlighting the powerful, destructive agency of the wicked's words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between the righteous character and actions of upright individuals and the flourishing of their community. The "blessing" refers to the positive influence, integrity, wise counsel, and perhaps even the prayers of the righteous. Their presence and conduct attract divine favor and foster an environment of justice, truth, and stability, leading to the city's elevation, prosperity, and renown. It suggests that true societal strength is built on moral foundations.
* **"but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked."**: This clause presents a stark antithesis, revealing the destructive power of the wicked. The "mouth" is a metonymy for their speech, counsel, and public pronouncements. The wicked, through their lies, slander, corrupt advice, gossip, false teachings, and divisive rhetoric, erode trust, promote injustice, incite discord, and ultimately lead to the moral decay and literal downfall of the society. Their words are not merely idle but possess the power to dismantle and destroy.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting ideas are presented in parallel clauses to highlight their opposing consequences. "By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted" is set directly against "but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked," creating a vivid dichotomy between constructive righteousness and destructive wickedness. **Metonymy** is evident in "the mouth of the wicked," where "mouth" stands for the speech, counsel, and pronouncements originating from the wicked. This emphasizes that words are not abstract but potent instruments of influence. Furthermore, the "city" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but any community, nation, or collective body, underscoring the universal applicability of the principle that the character of its people determines its destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb underscores a profound theological truth: God's moral order is intrinsically linked to the well-being of human societies. Righteousness, defined by adherence to God's ways, brings divine favor and fosters conditions for flourishing, while wickedness, a rejection of God's standards, inevitably leads to decay and destruction. It teaches that true societal strength is not found in military might or economic prowess alone, but in the moral integrity of its citizens and leaders. The "blessing of the upright" is a reflection of God's covenant faithfulness to those who walk in His ways, extending His favor through them to their communities. Conversely, the "mouth of the wicked" represents the chaotic and destructive nature of sin, which undermines social cohesion and invites divine judgment. This principle highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, rewarding righteousness and bringing consequences for sin, even on a communal level.

* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the Righteous are in Authority")
* [Psalm 37:30-31](/psalms/37-30 "Psalm 37:30-31 - The Mouth of the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:11 serves as a timeless mirror for individuals and communities, urging us to consider the profound impact of our character and our words. It challenges us to recognize that our personal integrity is not merely a private matter but a public good, contributing either to the elevation or the downfall of the collective. For believers, this calls for a commitment to living out our faith authentically, allowing our lives and our speech to be instruments of God's blessing in our families, workplaces, and wider society. It compels us to speak truth, offer wise counsel, and engage in constructive dialogue, actively countering the divisive and destructive rhetoric that so often pervades public discourse. Conversely, it warns against the insidious power of gossip, slander, and deceit, reminding us that such words, even seemingly small, can erode trust and dismantle the very fabric of community. Our witness, therefore, is not just in what we believe, but in how we live and what we say, shaping the spiritual and social landscape around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my personal character and my words contribute to the "exaltation" or "overthrow" of my community (family, church, workplace, neighborhood)?**
* **How can I intentionally use my "mouth" to bring blessing, truth, and reconciliation, rather than division or destruction?**
* **What are some examples in contemporary society where the "mouth of the wicked" (e.g., deceitful media, corrupt leaders, divisive rhetoric) is clearly leading to societal decay? How can upright individuals counter this?**

### FAQ

**What does "the city is exalted" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The city is exalted" means that the community, whether a town, city, or nation, is lifted up, prospered, and held in high regard. It signifies flourishing, stability, and a good reputation. This exaltation is not merely economic or political, but also moral and spiritual, indicating a society where justice, peace, and well-being prevail, largely due to the righteous character and actions of its inhabitants. It suggests a community that is blessed by God and thrives as a result.

**Does "mouth of the wicked" refer only to lying, or something more?**

Answer: While lying is certainly included, "the mouth of the wicked" encompasses far more than just falsehoods. It is a metonymy for all forms of destructive speech and counsel that originate from a wicked heart. This includes slander, gossip, corrupt advice, divisive rhetoric, incitement to violence, false teachings, and any words that undermine truth, justice, and social cohesion. It highlights how the wicked use their influence through speech to sow discord, promote injustice, and ultimately lead to the downfall of a community, as seen in passages like [Psalm 52:2-4](/psalms/52-2 "Psalm 52:2-4 - The Deceitful Tongue").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the perfectly Upright One, whose life and words bring eternal exaltation and blessing. While the proverb speaks of human righteousness, it points to the perfect righteousness of Christ, which alone is truly capable of exalting not just a city, but humanity itself. His "blessing" is the very essence of the Kingdom of God, bringing healing, reconciliation, and eternal life to all who believe. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His sacrifice, He has secured the ultimate blessing for His people. Conversely, the destructive "mouth of the wicked" is ultimately conquered by Christ, who is the Word made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His words are spirit and life ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")), bringing light into darkness and truth against all deception. The "overthrow" caused by the wicked is ultimately reversed by Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the devil, establishing a new city, the heavenly Jerusalem, where righteousness dwells and whose foundations are eternal ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Through Him, believers are called to be salt and light in the world, embodying His righteousness and speaking His truth, thereby becoming instruments of His blessing in their own communities ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 14:34

¶ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 29:8

¶ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Job 22:30

He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

Ecclesiastes 9:15

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

2 Chronicles 32:20

And for this [cause] Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

2 Chronicles 32:22

Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all [other], and guided them on every side.