Proverbs 11:5

¶ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

The righteousness {H6666} of the perfect {H8549} shall direct {H3474} his way {H1870}: but the wicked {H7563} shall fall {H5307} by his own wickedness {H7564}.

The righteousness of the innocent levels their way, but wickedness of the wicked makes them fall.

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.

Commentary on Proverbs 11:5 (KJV)

Proverbs 11:5 succinctly contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked, underscoring a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: character determines outcome. This verse promises guidance and stability for those who walk in integrity, while warning that the corrupt will inevitably stumble due to their own moral failings.

Historical and Cultural Context

As part of the book of Proverbs, this verse belongs to the Old Testament's wisdom literature, which offers practical advice for living a life aligned with God's principles. Proverbs often uses antithetical parallelism, presenting two contrasting ideas to highlight a truth, as seen in the opposition between the "righteous" and the "wicked." This wisdom reflects an ancient Israelite understanding of divine justice and the natural consequences of one's actions within the covenant community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Direction through Righteousness: The verse asserts that living a life of integrity and obedience to God's commands leads to a clear and stable path. Righteousness is not just a moral quality but a guiding force that provides clarity and direction, protecting one from pitfalls. This theme resonates with Proverbs 3:6, which speaks of God directing the paths of those who acknowledge Him.
  • Self-Inflicted Consequences of Wickedness: Conversely, the wicked are depicted as falling by their own moral corruption. Their destructive choices and unethical behavior are not merely external problems but internal flaws that lead to their own undoing. This highlights a concept of inherent justice where evil deeds carry their own penalties, echoing sentiments found in Proverbs 1:31, where the wicked consume the fruit of their own way.
  • Moral Causality: A core message throughout Proverbs is that actions have consequences. This verse powerfully illustrates that one's moral character is the primary determinant of their life's trajectory and ultimate destiny.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Perfect" (Hebrew: tâm): In this context, "perfect" does not imply sinless perfection but rather completeness, blamelessness, or integrity of character. It refers to one who is morally upright, sincere, and wholehearted in their walk with God.
  • "Direct" (Hebrew: yashar): This verb means to make straight, guide, or make level. It conveys the idea of a clear, unobstructed, and successful path, implying that righteousness provides stability and a sure footing.
  • "Wickedness" (Hebrew: rish'āh): This term denotes moral evil, guilt, and lawlessness. It signifies actions and a disposition that are contrary to God's law and righteous living.

Practical Application

Proverbs 11:5 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary life. It encourages individuals to prioritize integrity and moral uprightness, recognizing that these qualities are not just abstract virtues but practical foundations for a stable and well-guided life. In a world often tempted by shortcuts and unethical gains, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that true success and security stem from righteous living. It also warns against the deceptive nature of wickedness, which, though it may promise immediate gratification, ultimately leads to self-destruction and ruin. Choosing the path of righteousness ensures divine guidance and a firm standing, while embracing wickedness guarantees a fall.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 5:22

    His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 1:31

    Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

  • Proverbs 1:32

    For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

  • Proverbs 11:3

    ¶ The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

  • Matthew 27:4

    Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

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