CINXE.COM

<!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 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/11-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_11_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 11:11 - Dishonest Scales" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/11-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/11-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm" title="Proverbs 11:10">◄</a> Proverbs 11:11 <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm" title="Proverbs 11:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked, it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is raised up, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Good people bring prosperity to their city, but deceitful liars can destroy a city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />With the blessing of decent people a city is raised up, but by the words of wicked people, it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A city becomes great when the righteous give it their blessing; but a city is brought to ruin by the words of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Through the blessing of the righteous a city is built up, but what the wicked say tears it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A city is exalted by the blessing provided from the upright, but it is destroyed by the counsel of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright is a city exalted, "" And by the mouth of the wicked thrown down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By the blessing of the upright is a city exalted, And by the mouth of the wicked thrown down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright the city shall be exalted: and by the mouth of the unjust it shall be overthrown.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By the blessing of the just the city shall be exalted: and by the mouth of the wicked it shall be overthrown. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the just, the city shall be exalted. And by the mouth of the impious, it will be subverted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Through the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but through the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />By the blessings of the upright the city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The city will be exalted by the blessings of the upright and by the mouth of the evil it will be overthrown.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted; But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />but by the mouth of ungodly men it is overthrown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-11.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=1977" 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">10</span>When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1293.htm" title="1293: bə·ḇir·kaṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A blessing. From barak; benediction; by implication prosperity.">By the blessing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3477.htm" title="3477: yə·šā·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Straight, right. From yashar; straight.">of the upright</a> <a href="/hebrew/7176.htm" title="7176: qā·reṯ (N-fs) -- Town, city. From qarah in the sense of building; a city.">a city</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: tā·rūm (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">is built up,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: ū·ḇə·p̄î (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">but by the mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: tê·hā·rês (V-Nifal-Imperf-3fs) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">it is torn down.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.…<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/14-34.htm">Proverbs 14:34</a></span><br />Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a></span><br />When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a></span><br />Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-32.htm">Genesis 18:32</a></span><br />Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-12.htm">Psalm 33:12</a></span><br />Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-34.htm">Psalm 107:34</a></span><br />and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-9.htm">Isaiah 1:9</a></span><br />Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-12.htm">Isaiah 60:12</a></span><br />For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-30.htm">Ezekiel 22:30</a></span><br />I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4-11</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. / Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, / let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13-16</a></span><br />You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. / You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a></span><br />Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Acts 17:6</a></span><br />But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.</p><p class="hdg">the blessing</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Proverbs 14:34</a></b></br> Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin <i>is</i> a reproach to any people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-8.htm">Proverbs 29:8</a></b></br> Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise <i>men</i> turn away wrath.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/41-38.htm">Genesis 41:38-42</a></b></br> And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find <i>such a one</i> as this <i>is</i>, a man in whom the Spirit of God <i>is</i>? … </p><p class="hdg">it</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1</a></b></br> And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name <i>was</i> Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-15</a></b></br> And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws <i>are</i> diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it <i>is</i> not for the king's profit to suffer them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Esther 9:1-16</a></b></br> Now in the twelfth month, that <i>is</i>, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">City</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/psalms/148-13.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/141-6.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/psalms/136-15.htm">Overturned</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-22.htm">Torn</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">City</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-21.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-6.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Overturned</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-3.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Torn</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Wicked</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>By the blessing of the upright a city is built up</b><br>The "blessing of the upright" refers to the positive influence and moral integrity of righteous individuals. In biblical context, the "upright" are those who live according to God's commandments and principles. Their presence and actions bring prosperity and stability to a community. This concept is echoed in <a href="/genesis/18-32.htm">Genesis 18:32</a>, where Abraham intercedes for Sodom, suggesting that the presence of righteous people can preserve a city. Historically, cities in ancient Israel were often built around a central place of worship, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and moral leadership. The idea of a city being "built up" suggests not only physical prosperity but also social and spiritual well-being, aligning with the biblical principle that righteousness exalts a nation (<a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Proverbs 14:34</a>).<p><b>but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down</b><br>The "mouth of the wicked" symbolizes the destructive power of evil speech, including lies, slander, and deceit. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, words held significant power, capable of influencing public opinion and inciting actions. The wicked, through their words, can sow discord and division, leading to the downfall of a community. This is reminiscent of <a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a>, which describes the tongue as a fire that can corrupt the whole body. The historical context of Israel includes numerous examples where the words of false prophets or corrupt leaders led to national calamity, such as the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign. The contrast between the constructive power of the upright and the destructive potential of the wicked underscores the biblical theme of the consequences of one's words and actions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_upright.htm">The Upright</a></b><br>Refers to those who live righteously and in accordance with God's commandments. Their actions and words bring blessings and uplift their community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Represents individuals who act contrary to God's will, often causing harm and destruction through their words and deeds.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City</a></b><br>Symbolizes a community or society at large. The well-being of the city is directly influenced by the moral character of its inhabitants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_righteous_influence.htm">The Power of Righteous Influence</a></b><br>The actions and words of the upright have the power to uplift and bless their communities. As Christians, we are called to be a positive influence in our surroundings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_nature_of_wickedness.htm">The Destructive Nature of Wickedness</a></b><br>The words and actions of the wicked can lead to the downfall of a community. It is crucial to guard our speech and actions to prevent harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>Each believer has a responsibility to contribute positively to their community. Our collective righteousness can lead to the exaltation of our society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>The tongue holds significant power. We must be mindful of our words, ensuring they align with God's truth and bring life rather than destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_salt_and_light.htm">Living as Salt and Light</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light, bringing God's truth and love into our communities, much like the upright who exalt a city.<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/what_is_a_prayer_chain.htm">What does 'winning souls is wise' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_11_31_align_with_suffering.htm">Proverbs 11:31 indicates the righteous will be rewarded on Earth--how does this align with other biblical passages where believers suffer adversity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_10_15_conflict_with_jesus.htm">Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_records_support_humility_over_wealth_in_israel.htm">Proverbs 12:9 implies it's better to be humble with modest means than to pretend wealth, yet do historical or archaeological records support such an ethos in ancient Israelite society?</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>(11) <span class= "bld">By the blessing of the upright.--</span>Especially by their prayers, which, like Abraham (<a href="/genesis/18-23.htm" title="And Abraham drew near, and said, Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?">Genesis 18:23</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>and the Jews of the captivity (<a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm" title="And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray to the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall you have peace.">Jeremiah 29:7</a>; <a href="/ezra/6-10.htm" title="That they may offer sacrifices of sweet smells to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.">Ezra 6:10</a>) they offer for those with whom they live.<p><span class= "bld">By the mouth of the wicked--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>by the "cursing, deceit, and fraud" with which his mouth is filled (<a href="/psalms/10-7.htm" title="His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.">Psalm 10:7</a>).<p><span class= "bld">He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour.--</span>A warning against rash judgments (<a href="/context/matthew/7-1.htm" title="Judge not, that you be not judged.">Matthew 7:1-2</a>). It displays a want of intelligence, very noticeable in uneducated people, not to be able to understand other people's difficulties; but "a man of understanding holdeth his peace," not being rash to condemn, as well knowing that he may be mistaken in his estimate of another, and of the wisest course to be pursued. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - This verse gives the reason of the rejoicing on the two occasions just mentioned (comp. <a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Proverbs 14:34</a>; <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12</a>). <span class="cmt_word">By the blessing of the upright;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> their righteous acts, counsels, sad prayers (Wisd. 6:24). <span class="cmt_word">By the mouth of the wicked.</span> Their impious language and evil advice, bring ruin upon a city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-11.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">By the blessing</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבִרְכַּ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇir·kaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1293.htm">Strong's 1293: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benediction, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the upright</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭שָׁרִים</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3477.htm">Strong's 3477: </a> </span><span class="str2">Straight, right</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a city</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֑רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(qā·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7176.htm">Strong's 7176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Town, city</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is built up,</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּר֣וּם</span> <span class="translit">(tā·rūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be high actively, to rise, raise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but by the mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְפִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<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">it is torn down.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּהָרֵֽס׃</span> <span class="translit">(tê·hā·rês)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-11.htm">Proverbs 11:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-11.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:11 By the blessing of the upright (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:12" /></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>