Proverbs 11:3

11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, ¹ 

but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them. ² 

Proverbs 11:5-6

11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, ³ 

but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. ⁴ 

11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, ⁵ 

but the faithless will be captured ⁶  by their own desires. ⁷ 

[11:3]  ¹ sn This contrasts two lifestyles, affirming the value of integrity. The upright live with integrity – blamelessness – and that integrity leads them in success and happiness. Those who use treachery will be destroyed by it.

[11:3]  ² tc The form is a Kethib/Qere reading. The Qere יְשָׁדֵּם (yÿshadem) is an imperfect tense with the pronominal suffix. The Kethib וְשַׁדָּם (vÿshadam) is a perfect tense with a vav prefixed and a pronominal suffix. The Qere is supported by the versions.

[11:5]  ³ tn Heb “his way.”

[11:5]  ⁴ sn The righteous will enjoy security and serenity throughout life. Righteousness makes the path straight; wickedness destroys the wicked.

[11:6]  ⁵ sn The contrast is between being rescued or delivered (נָצַל, natsal) and being captured (לָכַד, lakhad). Righteousness is freeing; [evil] desires are enslaving.

[11:6]  ⁶ tn Heb “taken captive” (so NRSV); NIV, TEV “are trapped.”

[11:6]  ⁷ tn Heb “but by the desire of the faithless are they taken captive.”