Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. New Living Translation The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. English Standard Version The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. Berean Standard Bible The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. King James Bible The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. New King James Version The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. New American Standard Bible The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. NASB 1995 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. NASB 1977 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. Legacy Standard Bible The righteousness of the blameless will make his way straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. Amplified Bible The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way and keep it straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. Christian Standard Bible The righteousness of the blameless clears his path, but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness. Holman Christian Standard Bible The righteousness of the blameless clears his path, but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness. American Standard Version The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Contemporary English Version If you are truly good, you will do right; if you are wicked, you will be destroyed by your own sin. English Revised Version The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. GOD'S WORD® Translation The righteousness of innocent people makes their road smooth, but wicked people fall by their own wickedness. Good News Translation Honesty makes a good person's life easier, but the wicked will cause their own downfall. International Standard Version The righteousness of the innocent creates a level path, but the wicked fall by their wickedness. NET Bible The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. New Heart English Bible The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Webster's Bible Translation The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. World English Bible The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe righteousness of the perfect makes his way right, "" And by his wickedness the wicked fall. Young's Literal Translation The righteousness of the perfect maketh right his way, And by his wickedness doth the wicked fall. Smith's Literal Translation The justice of the blameless shall make straight his way, and in his injustice the unjust shall fall. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe justice of the upright shall make his way prosperous: and the wicked man shall fall by his own wickedness. Catholic Public Domain Version The justice of the simple shall direct his way. And the impious will fall in his impiety. New American Bible The justice of the honest makes their way straight, but by their wickedness the wicked fall. New Revised Standard Version The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe righteousness of the upright shall direct his way; but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The righteousness of the perfect straightens his way and the evil one has fallen in his evil. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The righteousness of the sincere shall make straight his way; But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Brenton Septuagint Translation Righteousness traces out blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Dishonest Scales…4Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. 5The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. 6The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.… Cross References Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. / Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner. Isaiah 26:7 The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright. Psalm 1:6 For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure. Isaiah 45:13 I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.” Psalm 112:4-5 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. / It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Treasury of Scripture The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. direct Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Proverbs 1:31,32 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices… Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. Jump to Previous Blameless Cause Direct Evil-Doer Fall Falleth Falls Good Keeps Makes Maketh Perfect Plain Right Righteousness Sin Sincere Smooth Straight Way Wicked WickednessJump to Next Blameless Cause Direct Evil-Doer Fall Falleth Falls Good Keeps Makes Maketh Perfect Plain Right Righteousness Sin Sincere Smooth Straight Way Wicked WickednessProverbs 11 1. On DeceptionThe righteousness of the blameless directs their path The concept of righteousness in the Hebrew Bible often refers to living in accordance with God's laws and commands. The "blameless" are those who strive to live a life of integrity and moral uprightness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, righteousness was not just a personal attribute but a communal expectation, deeply tied to the covenant relationship with God. The idea that righteousness "directs their path" suggests divine guidance and protection, as seen in Psalm 37:23, where the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. This phrase implies that a life lived in alignment with God's will naturally leads to a clear and purposeful direction, akin to the guidance provided by the Law (Torah) to the Israelites. but the wicked fall by their own wickedness Persons / Places / Events 1. The Righteous/BlamelessRefers to individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and principles, striving to maintain moral integrity and uprightness. 2. The Wicked Represents those who live in opposition to God's ways, engaging in sinful and immoral behavior. 3. Path Symbolizes the journey of life and the decisions and actions that define one's course. 4. Fall Indicates the downfall or destruction that comes as a consequence of wickedness. 5. Solomon Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding, which he imparted through these writings. Teaching Points Righteousness as GuidanceThe righteousness of the blameless serves as a compass, directing their life choices and ensuring they remain on a path that aligns with God's will. Consequences of Wickedness Wickedness inherently carries the seeds of its own destruction. Those who choose a path contrary to God's ways will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. Moral Integrity Upholding moral integrity is crucial for a life that honors God. It requires daily commitment to living according to biblical principles. Divine Direction Trusting in God's guidance is essential for navigating life's challenges. Seeking His wisdom through prayer and scripture ensures that our paths are aligned with His purpose. Self-Reflection Regular self-examination helps us identify areas where we may be straying from righteousness, allowing us to correct our course and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:5?2. How can we align our ways with God's righteousness in Proverbs 11:5? 3. What does "righteousness of the blameless" mean in Proverbs 11:5? 4. How does Proverbs 11:5 connect with Matthew 7:13-14 about life's paths? 5. What practical steps ensure our "way is straight" as in Proverbs 11:5? 6. How can we avoid the "wicked" pitfalls described in Proverbs 11:5? 7. How does Proverbs 11:5 define righteousness and its impact on one's path? 8. What does Proverbs 11:5 suggest about the consequences of wickedness? 9. How does Proverbs 11:5 align with the overall theme of justice in Proverbs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11? 11. What does the Bible say about perverseness? 12. What is the Bible's perspective on hate? 13. In Job 5:17, why is suffering portrayed as proof of divine discipline, and does this contradict other scriptures where suffering occurs without such a cause? 14. Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil? What Does Proverbs 11:5 Mean The righteousness“The righteousness of the blameless…” (Proverbs 11:5) points first to the moral integrity that comes from walking in harmony with God’s revealed will. • Righteousness is never self-manufactured; it flows from a life submitted to the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Scripture shows righteousness as a protective covering—“He will cover you with His feathers” (Psalm 91:4) and a guiding light—“The path of the righteous is like the first light of dawn” (Proverbs 4:18). • By linking righteousness with the individual, the verse underscores personal responsibility, echoing Ezekiel 18:5-9 where a righteous man “will surely live.” of the blameless Blamelessness describes a life free from willful rebellion. It does not claim sinless perfection but rather wholehearted devotion, like Job who was “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1). • Psalm 15 pictures the blameless person “walking with integrity.” • Philippians 2:15 calls believers to be “blameless and pure” amid a crooked generation. • Blamelessness is visible; it manifests in daily choices that align with God’s standards. directs their path Righteousness acts as an inner compass. The Hebrew picture behind “directs” is leveling or straightening. • Proverbs 3:6: “He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD.” • Isaiah 30:21 promises, “This is the way; walk in it,” when our ears are tuned to the Lord. Practically, righteousness clarifies decisions, guards against detours, and leads to peace (Isaiah 48:17-18). but the wicked fall A stark contrast: “but the wicked fall…” Judgment is presented as inevitable, not accidental. • Proverbs 11:3 links the fall to moral failure: “The perversity of the treacherous destroys them.” • Proverbs 14:32 notes that “the wicked are brought down by their calamity.” • Jesus’ picture of the house on sand (Matthew 7:26-27) illustrates the same collapse when life is built apart from His words. by their own wickedness The wicked are not victims of chance; their downfall is self-inflicted. • Psalm 7:15-16: the wicked “falls into the pit he has made.” • Psalm 9:16: “The wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.” • Galatians 6:7 reminds, “God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Sin carries its own consequences; evil is both the path and the pit. summary Proverbs 11:5 draws a vivid line between two lives. Righteousness, grounded in wholehearted devotion to God, acts like a steady hand on the wheel, keeping the blameless on a clear, safe course. In contrast, wickedness is a self-sabotaging force; those who embrace it ultimately trip over their own deeds. The verse calls us to cherish righteousness, trust the Lord’s guidance, and avoid the fatal snare of living for self. (5) Shall direct his way.--Or, make smooth, as Proverbs 3:6. The just man by his exact performance of all duty both towards God and man receives more and more light, and therefore continually sees more clearly how to avoid the difficulties that beset his path. The wicked darkens his conscience more and more by the commission of evil, till he stumbles as in the night (John 11:9), and at last falls, and rises not again.Verse 5. - The perfect; the upright and honest. Vulgate, "simple;" Septuagint, "blameless." Shall direct - make straight or smooth - his way (Proverbs 3:6). The good man, not blinded by passion, follows a safe and direct path of life; but the wicked, led by his own evil propensious, and losing the light of conscience (John 11:10), stumbles and fails. Septuagint, "Righteousness cutteth straight (ὀρθοτομεῖ) blameless paths, but ungodliness walketh in iniquity." Ὀρθοτομέω occurs in Proverbs 3:6, and nowhere else in the Septuagiut. St. Paul adopts the word in 2 Timothy 2:15.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The righteousnessצִדְקַ֣ת (ṣiḏ·qaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively of the blameless תָּ֭מִים (tā·mîm) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth directs תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר (tə·yaš·šêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous their path, דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (dar·kōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action but the wicked רָשָֽׁע׃ (rā·šā‘) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person fall יִפֹּ֥ל (yip·pōl) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie by their own wickedness. וּ֝בְרִשְׁעָת֗וֹ (ū·ḇə·riš·‘ā·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7564: Wickedness Links Proverbs 11:5 NIVProverbs 11:5 NLT Proverbs 11:5 ESV Proverbs 11:5 NASB Proverbs 11:5 KJV Proverbs 11:5 BibleApps.com Proverbs 11:5 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 11:5 Chinese Bible Proverbs 11:5 French Bible Proverbs 11:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct (Prov. 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