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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/11-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_11_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 11:5 - Dishonest Scales" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will make his way straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way <i>and</i> keep it straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless clears his path, but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless clears his path, but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you are truly good, you will do right; if you are wicked, you will be destroyed by your own sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The righteousness of innocent people makes their road smooth, but wicked people fall by their own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Honesty makes a good person's life easier, but the wicked will cause their own downfall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the innocent creates a level path, but the wicked fall by their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the perfect makes his way right, "" And by his wickedness the wicked fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The righteousness of the perfect maketh right his way, And by his wickedness doth the wicked fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The justice of the blameless shall make straight his way, and in his injustice the unjust shall fall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The justice of the upright shall make his way prosperous: and the wicked man shall fall by his own wickedness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The justice of the simple shall direct his way. And the impious will fall in his impiety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The justice of the honest makes their way straight, but by their wickedness the wicked fall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The righteousness of the upright shall direct his way; but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The righteousness of the perfect straightens his way and the evil one has fallen in his evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The righteousness of the sincere shall make straight his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Righteousness traces out blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1930" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Dishonest Scales</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ṣiḏ·qaṯ (N-fsc) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">The righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/8549.htm" title="8549: tā·mîm (Adj-ms) -- Complete, sound. From tamam; entire; also integrity, truth.">of the blameless</a> <a href="/hebrew/3474.htm" title="3474: tə·yaš·šêr (V-Piel-Imperf-3fs) -- To be smooth, straight, or right. A primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous.">directs</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar·kōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">their path,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">but the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: yip·pōl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fall</a> <a href="/hebrew/7564.htm" title="7564: ū·ḇə·riš·‘ā·ṯōw (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Wickedness. Feminine of resha'; wrong.">by their own wickedness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23-24</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. / Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Proverbs 13:6</a></span><br />Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-6.htm">Psalm 1:6</a></span><br />For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Proverbs 10:9</a></span><br />He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a></span><br />The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Proverbs 21:29</a></span><br />A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-13.htm">Isaiah 45:13</a></span><br />I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Psalm 112:4-5</a></span><br />Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. / It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a></span><br />Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.</p><p class="hdg">direct</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Proverbs 11:3</a></b></br> The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Proverbs 1:31,32</a></b></br> Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-22.htm">Proverbs 5:22</a></b></br> His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-21.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-28.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/psalms/38-2.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/psalms/133-3.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Sincere</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-15.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-29.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Sincere</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-3.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">On Deception</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The righteousness of the blameless directs their path</b><br>The concept of righteousness in the Hebrew Bible often refers to living in accordance with God's laws and commands. The "blameless" are those who strive to live a life of integrity and moral uprightness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, righteousness was not just a personal attribute but a communal expectation, deeply tied to the covenant relationship with God. The idea that righteousness "directs their path" suggests divine guidance and protection, as seen in <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a>, where the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. This phrase implies that a life lived in alignment with God's will naturally leads to a clear and purposeful direction, akin to the guidance provided by the Law (Torah) to the Israelites.<p><b>but the wicked fall by their own wickedness</b><br>The "wicked" in biblical terms are those who reject God's commandments and live in opposition to His will. The phrase highlights a self-destructive nature inherent in wickedness, where the consequences of one's sinful actions lead to downfall. This is a recurring theme in wisdom literature, emphasizing the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>. The historical context of Israel, surrounded by nations with differing moral codes, underscores the importance of adhering to God's standards to avoid the pitfalls of wickedness. Theologically, this phrase can be seen as a warning that deviating from God's path results in spiritual and often physical ruin, a concept echoed in the parables of Jesus, such as the house built on sand in <a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Matthew 7:26-27</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous/blameless.htm">The Righteous/Blameless</a></b><br>Refers to individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and principles, striving to maintain moral integrity and uprightness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Represents those who live in opposition to God's ways, engaging in sinful and immoral behavior.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/path.htm">Path</a></b><br>Symbolizes the journey of life and the decisions and actions that define one's course.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fall.htm">Fall</a></b><br>Indicates the downfall or destruction that comes as a consequence of wickedness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding, which he imparted through these writings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_as_guidance.htm">Righteousness as Guidance</a></b><br>The righteousness of the blameless serves as a compass, directing their life choices and ensuring they remain on a path that aligns with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_wickedness.htm">Consequences of Wickedness</a></b><br>Wickedness inherently carries the seeds of its own destruction. Those who choose a path contrary to God's ways will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_integrity.htm">Moral Integrity</a></b><br>Upholding moral integrity is crucial for a life that honors God. It requires daily commitment to living according to biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_direction.htm">Divine Direction</a></b><br>Trusting in God's guidance is essential for navigating life's challenges. Seeking His wisdom through prayer and scripture ensures that our paths are aligned with His purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-reflection.htm">Self-Reflection</a></b><br>Regular self-examination helps us identify areas where we may be straying from righteousness, allowing us to correct our course and seek God's forgiveness and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_day_near_as_night_ends.htm">What does the Bible say about perverseness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_hate.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on hate?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_17's_view_on_suffering_contradict_other_scriptures.htm">In Job 5:17, why is suffering portrayed as proof of divine discipline, and does this contradict other scriptures where suffering occurs without such a cause?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_94_align_with_swift_judgment.htm">Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Shall direct his way.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">make smooth, </span>as <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm" title="In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.">Proverbs 3:6</a>. The just man by his exact performance of all duty both towards God and man receives more and more light, and therefore continually sees more clearly how to avoid the difficulties that beset his path. The wicked darkens his conscience more and more by the commission of evil, till he stumbles as in the night (<a href="/john/11-9.htm" title="Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world.">John 11:9</a>), and at last falls, and rises not again.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The perfect</span>; the upright and honest. Vulgate, "simple;" Septuagint, "blameless." <span class="cmt_word">Shall direct</span> - make straight or smooth - <span class="cmt_word">his way</span> (<a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a>). The good man, not blinded by passion, follows a safe and direct path of life; but the wicked, led by his own evil propensious, and losing the light of conscience (<a href="/john/11-10.htm">John 11:10</a>), stumbles and fails. Septuagint, "Righteousness cutteth straight (<span class="greek">ὀρθοτομεῖ</span>) blameless paths, but ungodliness walketh in iniquity." <span class="greek">Ὀρθοτομέω</span> occurs in <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a>, and nowhere else in the Septuagiut. St. Paul adopts the word in <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">2 Timothy 2:15</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">צִדְקַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiḏ·qaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the blameless</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּ֭מִים</span> <span class="translit">(tā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8549.htm">Strong's 8549: </a> </span><span class="str2">Entire, integrity, truth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">directs</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(tə·yaš·šêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their path,</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּרְכּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(dar·kōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָֽׁע׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fall</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפֹּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yip·pōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by their own wickedness.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝בְרִשְׁעָת֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·riš·‘ā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7564.htm">Strong's 7564: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>