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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong <i>men</i> retain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless <i>men</i> retain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, And violent men attain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A gracious woman holds fast to glory, But ruthless men hold fast to riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A gracious <i>and</i> good woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches [but not respect].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman gains honor, but violent people gain only riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman gains honor, but violent men gain only riches. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman will be respected, but a ruthless man will only get rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman retaineth honour: and violent men retain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A gracious woman wins respect, but ruthless men gain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A gracious woman is respected, but a woman without virtue is a disgrace. Lazy people will never have money, but aggressive people will get rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men attain wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman obtains honor, but she who hates virtue makes a throne for dishonor. The slothful become destitute, and ruthless men grab wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman retains honor, "" And terrible [men] retain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A gracious woman retaineth honour, And terrible men retain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A woman of grace will obtain honor, and the powerful will obtain riches.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman shall find glory: and the strong shall have riches. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman shall discover glory. And the robust will have wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman gains esteem, and ruthless men gain wealth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A gracious woman gets honor, but she who hates virtue is covered with shame. The timid become destitute, but the aggressive gain riches.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A gracious woman sustains the honor of her husband; a woman who hates the truth is the seat of dishonor. Lazy men are in want even when they are rich; and strong men retain knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A loving woman upholds honor for the husband, but the woman who hates the truth is a throne of disgrace. Lazy men, even in their wealth, are needy, and strong men uphold knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A gracious woman obtaineth honour; And strong men obtain riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A gracious wife brings glory to her husband: but a woman hating righteousness is a theme of dishonour. The slothful come to want: but the diligent support themselves with wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-16.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=2017" 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">15</span>He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">A gracious</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’ê·šeṯ- (N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/8551.htm" title="8551: tiṯ·mōḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close.">attains</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: kā·ḇō·wḏ (N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">honor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6184.htm" title="6184: wə·‘ā·rî·ṣîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Awe-inspiring, terror-striking. From arats; fearful, i.e. Powerful or tyrannical.">but ruthless men</a> <a href="/hebrew/8551.htm" title="8551: yiṯ·mə·ḵū- (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close.">gain</a> <a href="/hebrew/6239.htm" title="6239: ‘ō·šer (N-ms) -- Riches. From ashar; wealth.">only wealth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.…<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="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a></span><br />Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">1 Peter 3:4</a></span><br />but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a></span><br />A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">1 Timothy 2:9-10</a></span><br />Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-31</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11</a></span><br />And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a></span><br />His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-2</a></span><br />Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Proverbs 12:4</a></span><br />A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">1 Timothy 5:10</a></span><br />and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Titus 2:3-5</a></span><br />Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. / In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Proverbs 19:14</a></span><br />Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm">1 Corinthians 11:7</a></span><br />A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A gracious woman retains honor: and strong men retain riches.</p><p class="hdg">gracious</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30,31</a></b></br> Favour <i>is</i> deceitful, and beauty <i>is</i> vain: <i>but</i> a woman <i>that</i> feareth the LORD, she shall be praised… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">1 Samuel 25:32,33</a></b></br> And David said to Abigail, Blessed <i>be</i> the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">2 Samuel 20:16-22</a></b></br> Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee… </p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Luke 11:21,22</a></b></br> When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-19.htm">Attain</a> <a href="/daniel/12-12.htm">Attains</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Gains</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-8.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/psalms/147-1.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/149-8.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Obtaineth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Obtains</a> <a href="/psalms/138-6.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Retain</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Retaineth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Ruthless</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-14.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/psalms/145-6.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Attain</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Attains</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Gains</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-28.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Obtaineth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Obtains</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Retain</a> <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Retaineth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Ruthless</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/songs/6-4.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-8.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Work</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>A gracious woman attains honor</b><br>This phrase highlights the value of grace and kindness, particularly in women, within the biblical context. The term "gracious" implies a character marked by compassion, humility, and a gentle spirit. In the cultural setting of ancient Israel, women were often seen as the heart of the household, and their demeanor could significantly influence the family's reputation and standing in the community. The Bible frequently associates honor with wisdom and righteousness (<a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a>), suggesting that a woman who embodies these qualities will be respected and esteemed. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true honor comes from God and is bestowed upon those who live according to His principles (<a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a>).<p><b>but ruthless men gain only wealth</b><br>In contrast, this phrase warns against the pursuit of wealth through ruthless means. The term "ruthless" suggests a lack of compassion and moral integrity, often associated with violence or oppression. In the historical context, wealth was a sign of power and success, but the Bible consistently teaches that wealth obtained through unjust means is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying (<a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a>). This reflects the biblical principle that material wealth is temporary and cannot compare to the eternal value of righteousness and integrity. The phrase serves as a cautionary note that while ruthless actions may lead to temporary gain, they do not lead to lasting honor or fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gracious_woman.htm">Gracious Woman</a></b><br>Represents individuals who embody grace, kindness, and virtue. In the context of ancient Israel, women were often seen as the keepers of the home and community values, and their character was crucial to the social fabric.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/ruthless_men.htm">Ruthless Men</a></b><br>Symbolizes those who pursue wealth and power without regard for moral or ethical considerations. This reflects a broader societal issue where material gain is often prioritized over integrity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/honor.htm">Honor</a></b><br>In the Hebrew context, honor ("kavod") is associated with glory, respect, and a good reputation. It is a reward for living a life of virtue and grace.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wealth.htm">Wealth</a></b><br>While wealth itself is not condemned, the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness is critiqued. The Hebrew word for wealth here ("hon") can imply both material riches and the burdens that come with them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_grace_and_virtue.htm">The Value of Grace and Virtue</a></b><br>A gracious character is more valuable than material wealth. In a world that often prioritizes financial success, Christians are called to pursue virtues that lead to lasting honor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ruthlessness.htm">The Consequences of Ruthlessness</a></b><br>Ruthlessness may lead to temporary gains, but it ultimately lacks the eternal value that comes from living a life of integrity and grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_honor_over_wealth.htm">Pursuing Honor Over Wealth</a></b><br>True honor comes from God and is a result of living according to His principles. Believers should strive for a reputation that reflects God's character rather than merely seeking financial prosperity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_scripture.htm">The Role of Women in Scripture</a></b><br>Women are often highlighted in the Bible for their wisdom and grace. This verse encourages both men and women to value and cultivate these qualities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_wealth_and_integrity.htm">Balancing Wealth and Integrity</a></b><br>While wealth is not inherently wrong, it should not be pursued at the expense of one's moral and ethical standards. Christians are called to be stewards of their resources, using them to honor God and serve others.<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/how_do_you_use_your_talents.htm">How can you show gentleness in your actions today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_proverbs_31_virtuous_woman.htm">What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_2_16_unfairly_target_women.htm">Proverbs 2:16 warns against the adulterous woman--does this single out women unfairly and conflict with other biblical calls for mutual respect?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_only_the_woman_in_proverbs_5_8.htm">Proverbs 5:8: Why does the passage focus blame on the 'immoral woman' without addressing mutual responsibility, and does this align with modern views on equality?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">A gracious woman retaineth honour </span>. . .--Each sex has its own power. A woman by her attractiveness wins and retains favour, a man by his strength and riches.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A gracious woman;</span> a woman full of grace. Septuagint, <span class="greek">εὐχάριστος</span> "agreeable," "charming." The author is thinking of personal attractions, which, he says, win favour; but we may apply his expression to moral exeellences also, which obtain higher recognition. <span class="cmt_word">Retaineth... retain;</span> better, <span class="accented">obtain</span>...<span class="accented">win</span>, as in <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a>. The two clauses are parallel in form, not in sense, and imply that beauty is more effective than strength, and honour is better than wealth. The Septuagint takes a narrow view: "A graceful woman bringeth glory to her husband." The last clause is rendered, "The manly (<span class="greek">ἀνδρεῖοι</span>) are supported by wealth." Between the two clauses the LXX. and the Syriac introduce the following paragraphs: "But a seat of dishonour is a woman that hateth righteousness. The indolent come to want wealth, but the manly," etc. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-16.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">A gracious</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֭ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> </span><span class="str2">Graciousness, subjective, objective</span><br /><br /><span class="word">woman</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵֽשֶׁת־</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·šeṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">attains</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתְמֹ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·mōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8551.htm">Strong's 8551: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow close</span><br /><br /><span class="word">honor,</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּב֑וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ḇō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but violent</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝עָרִיצִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·rî·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6184.htm">Strong's 6184: </a> </span><span class="str2">Awe-inspiring, terror-striking</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men gain</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְמְכוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·mə·ḵū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8551.htm">Strong's 8551: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow close</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only wealth.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹֽשֶׁר׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6239.htm">Strong's 6239: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wealth</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor but violent (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:17" /></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>