The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 11

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 11 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A false balance is an abomination to HaShem; but a perfect weight is His delight.” — the complete text of all 31 verses is below, free to read online.

1A false balance is an abomination to HaShem; but a perfect weight is His delight.

2When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.

3The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the perverseness of the faithless shall destroy them.

4Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.

5The righteousness of the sincere shall make straight his way; but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; but the faithless shall be trapped in their own crafty device.

7When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish, and the hope of strength perisheth.

8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

9With his mouth the impious man destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

10When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; and when the wicked perish, there is joy.

11By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12He that despiseth his neighbour lacketh understanding; but a man of discernment holdeth his peace.

13He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.

14Where no wise direction is, a people falleth; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; but he that hateth them that strike hands is secure.

16A gracious woman obtaineth honour; and strong men obtain riches.

17The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18The wicked earneth deceitful wages; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.

19Stedfast righteousness tendeth to life; but he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

20They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to HaShem; but such as are upright in their way are His delight.

21My hand upon it! the evil man shall not be unpunished; but the seed of the righteous shall escape.

22As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman that turneth aside from discretion.

23The desire of the righteous is only good; but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.

25The beneficent soul shall be made rich, and he that satisfieth abundantly shall be satisfied also himself.

26He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for evil, it shall come unto him.

28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as foliage.

29He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; and the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that is wise winneth souls.

31Behold, the righteous shall be requited in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!

31 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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