Proverbs 11:27

KJV

¶ He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that diligently seeketh {H7836} good {H2896} procureth {H1245} favour {H7522}: but he that seeketh {H1875} mischief {H7451}, it shall come {H935} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who strives for good obtains favor, but he who searches for evil - it comes to him!

Berean Standard Bible

He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.

American Standard Version

He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:27 articulates a fundamental principle of moral causality, asserting that one's diligent pursuit of good inevitably leads to divine and human favor, while the deliberate seeking of harm or evil ultimately results in self-inflicted calamity. This proverb highlights the inherent moral order of the universe, where intentions and actions bear corresponding consequences, reflecting God's just governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11 is a rich tapestry of antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of wisdom literature, contrasting the righteous and the wicked, their actions, and their destinies. This chapter, like much of the book, focuses on practical wisdom for daily living, emphasizing themes such as honesty, generosity, humility, and the consequences of their opposites. Verse 27 fits squarely within this framework, immediately following a proverb about the blessings of generosity (Proverbs 11:26) and preceding one about trusting in riches versus righteousness (Proverbs 11:28). It serves as a concise summary of the chapter's broader message: moral choices have predictable outcomes, reinforcing the idea that the path of wisdom leads to life and favor, while the path of folly leads to destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs originates from ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in a covenant relationship with Yahweh, where moral instruction was intrinsically linked to theological understanding. Wisdom literature, including Proverbs, served as a pedagogical tool to transmit timeless truths and practical guidance, often from elders or sages to younger generations. The concept of "favor" (Hebrew: *ratson*) was crucial in a communal society, signifying acceptance, goodwill, and divine blessing, often manifesting in tangible ways like prosperity or social standing. Conversely, "mischief" or evil actions were seen not merely as individual failings but as disruptions to communal harmony and affronts to God's established order, inevitably inviting negative repercussions, whether from human justice or divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Law of Reaping and Sowing**, a foundational biblical principle stating that actions produce corresponding results, as seen in passages like [Job 4:8](/job/4-8 "Job 4:8 - Those who plow iniquity reap trouble") and [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the wind, reaping the whirlwind"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice**, affirming that God's moral order ensures that good is ultimately rewarded and evil is ultimately punished, even if not immediately apparent. This is a consistent message from [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") to the prophetic books. Thirdly, the proverb emphasizes the **Importance of Intent and Diligence**, stressing that the pursuit of good is not passive but an active, earnest endeavor that yields favor, contrasting with the destructive nature of malicious intent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shâchar (Hebrew, _shâchar'_):** This primitive root, translated as "diligently seeketh," literally means "to dawn" or "to be early." Figuratively, it implies being "up early at any task," with the strong implication of earnestness and painstaking effort. It conveys a sense of passionate, persistent, and proactive pursuit, highlighting that the favor procured is not for passive goodness but for an active, zealous seeking of what is right.
* **ṭôwb (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Meaning "good" in the widest sense, this word encompasses moral goodness, beauty, prosperity, and well-being. When one "diligently seeketh good," they are pursuing that which is inherently beneficial, righteous, pleasing to God, and conducive to flourishing, both for themselves and for others. It contrasts sharply with the concept of "evil" or "mischief."
* **raʻ (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** Translated as "mischief," this word signifies "bad" or "evil," both in a natural and moral sense. It can refer to adversity, affliction, calamity, or wickedness. When one "seeketh mischief," they are actively pursuing that which is harmful, destructive, morally corrupt, or designed to cause suffering. The proverb warns that such a pursuit will inevitably rebound upon the one who initiates it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour:"** This clause sets forth the positive correlation between moral pursuit and its reward. The active, earnest, and persistent pursuit of good—that which is righteous, beneficial, and pleasing to God—leads to the acquisition of "favour." This favor (Hebrew: *râtsôwn*) can be divine approval, goodwill from others, or a general state of well-being and acceptance that naturally flows from a life aligned with goodness. It suggests that good intentions, coupled with diligent action, naturally open doors to blessing and positive relationships.
* **"but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him."** This contrasting clause presents the negative consequence of malicious intent. "Mischief" refers to evil, harm, or calamity. The phrase "it shall come unto him" signifies an inevitable return or self-inflicted consequence. The very harm or trouble that one intends for others, or the destructive path one chooses, will ultimately rebound upon the perpetrator, bringing about their own downfall or suffering. This highlights a principle of poetic justice, where the wicked are ensnared by their own devices.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:27 is a prime example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a foundational literary device in Hebrew poetry. The verse is structured with two contrasting lines, where the second line presents an opposite idea to the first, thereby highlighting the moral choice and its divergent outcomes. The diligent pursuit of good is directly contrasted with the seeking of mischief, and their respective consequences (favor vs. calamity) are presented as diametrically opposed. This structure emphasizes the clear moral distinction and the certainty of corresponding results. Additionally, there is an element of **Personification** in "it shall come unto him," where "mischief" is implicitly given an agency to return and afflict its seeker, making the consequence feel more active and inescapable. The proverb also functions as a clear statement of **Cause and Effect**, illustrating a fundamental principle of divine justice woven into the fabric of creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on the moral order of the universe, where God has established principles of sowing and reaping that govern both the natural and spiritual realms. It underscores divine justice, assuring us that while consequences may not always be immediate, they are inevitable. The diligent pursuit of good aligns one with God's character and purposes, naturally drawing His favor and the goodwill of others. Conversely, the deliberate seeking of evil is an act of rebellion against God's order, leading to self-destruction and the very harm one intends to inflict. This truth is not merely a practical observation but a theological statement about God's active involvement in upholding righteousness and bringing judgment upon wickedness.

* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The wicked dig a pit for themselves")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing to the Spirit or the flesh")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6-8 - God will repay each person according to what they have done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:27 serves as a profound call to intentional living, urging us to examine the true north of our desires and actions. It challenges us to move beyond mere passive avoidance of evil to an active, diligent pursuit of good in all areas of life—our thoughts, words, and deeds. This involves seeking justice, showing compassion, practicing generosity, and striving for integrity, not just for the sake of reward, but because it aligns us with God's character and contributes to human flourishing. The proverb reminds us that our choices are not inconsequential; they ripple outwards, shaping our character, influencing our relationships, and ultimately determining the favor or calamity that returns to us. By consistently choosing the path of good, we cultivate a life that is not only blessed but also a blessing to others, reflecting the very nature of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I actively "seeking good" with diligence and earnestness?**
* **What "mischief" or harmful intentions might I be harboring, even subtly, and what steps can I take to root them out?**
* **How has the principle of "what you sow, you will reap" manifested in my own life or in the lives of those around me?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as presented in this proverb, influence my motivation to pursue righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Does "favour" always mean material blessings, or can it be spiritual?**

Answer: The "favour" (Hebrew: *râtsôwn*) procured by diligently seeking good is multifaceted. While it can certainly include tangible benefits like prosperity, good reputation, and positive relationships within the community, its primary meaning extends to divine approval, goodwill, and acceptance. It signifies being in alignment with God's will and character, which brings a deep sense of peace, contentment, and spiritual well-being, regardless of material circumstances. It is ultimately God's delight in the righteous, as seen in [Psalm 5:12](/psalms/5-12 "Psalm 5:12 - God's favor surrounds the righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of "good" (Hebrew: *ṭôwb*), the one who perfectly and diligently sought the will of God, His Father. Jesus did not merely avoid mischief; He actively pursued righteousness, healing, and reconciliation, always doing "good works" as He declared in [John 10:32](/john/10-32 "John 10:32 - Jesus' good works"). His life was a continuous act of "diligently seeking good," culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, which procured the ultimate favor for humanity—redemption and reconciliation with God. Through His obedience, Jesus secured for us the "favour" (Greek: *charis*, grace) that we could never earn, inviting us into a relationship where we are "accepted in the Beloved" ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")). Conversely, the proverb's warning about mischief coming back to the seeker is profoundly illustrated in the fate of those who rejected Christ and sought to harm Him; their actions ultimately brought judgment upon themselves, as foretold in passages like [Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus laments over Jerusalem"). For believers, seeking good now means following Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), and through Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to diligently pursue righteousness, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your labor in the Lord is not in vain")).

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

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Proverbs 17:11

¶ An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Esther 7:10

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Psalms 9:15

The heathen are sunk down in the pit [that] they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Psalms 57:6

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.