Proverbs 11:3-6

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

but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them. ² 

11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, ³ 

but righteousness delivers from mortal danger. ⁴ 

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

but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. ⁶ 

11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, ⁷ 

but the faithless will be captured ⁸  by their own desires. ⁹ 

[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.

[11:4]  ³ 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.

[11:4]  ⁴ tn Heb “from death.”

[11:5]  ⁵ tn Heb “his way.”

[11:5]  ⁶ sn The righteous will enjoy security and serenity throughout life. Righteousness makes the path straight; wickedness destroys the wicked.

[11:6]  ⁷ 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]  ⁸ tn Heb “taken captive” (so NRSV); NIV, TEV “are trapped.”

[11:6]  ⁹ tn Heb “but by the desire of the faithless are they taken captive.”