10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness 1 do not profit,
but righteousness 2 delivers from mortal danger. 3
11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, 4
but righteousness delivers from mortal danger. 5
1 tn Heb “treasures of wickedness” (so KJV, ASV); NASB “Ill-gotten gains”; TEV “Wealth that you get by dishonesty.”
2 sn The term “righteousness” here means honesty (cf. TEV). Wealth has limited value even if gained honestly; but honesty delivers from mortal danger.
3 tn Heb “death.” This could refer to literal death, but it is probably figurative here for mortal danger or ruin.
4 sn The “day of wrath” refers to divine punishment in this life (R. N. Whybray, Proverbs [CBC], 67; e.g., also Job 21:30; Ezek 7:19; Zeph 1:18). Righteousness and not wealth is more valuable in anticipating judgment.
5 tn Heb “from death.”