Proverbs 11:9

¶ An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

An hypocrite {H2611} with his mouth {H6310} destroyeth {H7843} his neighbour {H7453}: but through knowledge {H1847} shall the just {H6662} be delivered {H2502}.

With his mouth the hypocrite can ruin his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

Proverbs 11:9 from the King James Version offers a sharp contrast between the destructive power of deceitful speech and the protective power of true understanding. It underscores the profound impact of words and the importance of discernment in navigating human relationships.

Context

As part of the book of Proverbs, this verse belongs to the Solomonic collection (Proverbs 10-22), which largely consists of antithetical proverbs. These short, pithy sayings often present a stark contrast between two types of individuals or outcomes: the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, or specific virtues and vices. Proverbs 11:9 fits this pattern perfectly by contrasting the actions and outcomes of the "hypocrite" and "the just," emphasizing the consequences of their words and wisdom.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Destructive Power of Deceit: The verse highlights how a "hypocrite" (Hebrew: chaneph, meaning impious, godless, or profane) uses their words to harm others. This isn't just casual gossip but speech designed to ruin a neighbor's reputation, livelihood, or peace. It speaks to the insidious nature of hidden malice and false appearances. For more on the power of the tongue, consider Proverbs 18:21, which states that "death and life are in the power of the tongue."
  • The Safeguard of Knowledge: In direct opposition, "the just" are protected "through knowledge." This "knowledge" (Hebrew: da'ath) is not merely intellectual information but a deep, practical understanding and discernment, often implying wisdom rooted in God's truth. It is this insight that enables the righteous to see through the hypocrite's deception and avoid their destructive schemes. This kind of discernment is crucial for spiritual protection, as seen in Paul's exhortation to put on the full armor of God, which includes the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
  • Contrast Between Wickedness and Righteousness: The proverb clearly delineates between the character and fate of two types of people. The hypocrite, despite outward appearances, harbors destructive intent, while the just, guided by true knowledge, finds deliverance. This theme is pervasive throughout Proverbs, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hypocrite" in the KJV translates the Hebrew word chaneph (חָנֵף), which can also mean "profane" or "godless." It describes someone who acts contrary to their outward profession or who is morally corrupt, often hiding their true intentions. The word "destroyeth" (Hebrew: mashchith) implies a thorough corruption or ruin, not just minor damage. Conversely, "knowledge" (Hebrew: da'ath) signifies more than mere facts; it denotes discernment, understanding, and wisdom that comes from experience and often from God. "Delivered" (Hebrew: chalats) means to be drawn out, rescued, or set free from danger, emphasizing divine intervention or protection.

Practical Application

Proverbs 11:9 offers timeless wisdom for navigating relationships and seeking truth:

  • Guard Your Words: Be mindful of the power of your own speech. Are your words building up or tearing down? Are they sincere or deceptive? The verse serves as a potent reminder of the accountability we have for what we say.
  • Cultivate Discernment: Seek genuine knowledge and spiritual understanding, especially from God's Word. This discernment will equip you to recognize and avoid the traps set by those who speak with ill intent. True wisdom protects you from manipulation and false narratives. For more on seeking wisdom, see Proverbs 2:6.
  • Live with Integrity: Strive to be among "the just" – those whose words align with their character and actions. Integrity is a powerful defense against the corrosive effects of hypocrisy, both in others and in oneself.
  • Trust in Divine Protection: Ultimately, the verse suggests that those who walk in knowledge and righteousness will experience deliverance, often implying divine protection from the schemes of the wicked.
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 2:10

    ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

  • Proverbs 2:16

    To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

  • Proverbs 4:5

    Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

  • Proverbs 4:6

    Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

  • 1 Timothy 4:3

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  • 2 Peter 3:16

    As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
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