Proverbs 11:9
New International Version
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

New Living Translation
With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

English Standard Version
With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

Berean Standard Bible
With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

King James Bible
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

New King James Version
The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

New American Standard Bible
With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be rescued.

NASB 1995
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

NASB 1977
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Legacy Standard Bible
With his mouth the godless man corrupts his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be rescued.

Amplified Bible
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued.

Christian Standard Bible
With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

American Standard Version
With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

Contemporary English Version
Dishonest people use gossip to destroy their neighbors; good people are protected by their own good sense.

English Revised Version
With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
With his talk a godless person can ruin his neighbor, but righteous people are rescued by knowledge.

Good News Translation
You can be ruined by the talk of godless people, but the wisdom of the righteous can save you.

International Standard Version
By what he says, the godless person can destroy his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Majority Standard Bible
With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

NET Bible
With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

New Heart English Bible
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.

Webster's Bible Translation
A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

World English Bible
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A hypocrite corrupts his friend with the mouth, "" And the righteous are drawn out by knowledge.

Young's Literal Translation
With the mouth a hypocrite corrupteth his friend, And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out.

Smith's Literal Translation
With the mouth the profane will destroy his neighbor: and by knowledge, shall the just one be delivered.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The dissembler with his mouth deceiveth his friend: but the just shall be delivered by knowledge.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The pretender deceives his friend by mouth. But the just shall be freed by knowledge.

New American Bible
By a word the impious ruin their neighbors, but through their knowledge the just are rescued.

New Revised Standard Version
With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
With his mouth a wicked man destroys his neighbor; but through knowledge shall the righteous be strengthened.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
With his mouth an evil one destroys his neighbor, and by knowledge the righteous shall be strengthened.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
With his mouth the impious man destroyeth his neighbour; But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare to citizens: but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Dishonest Scales
8The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in. 9With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued. 10When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.…

Cross References
James 3:6
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

James 3:8
but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:9-10
With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Romans 3:13
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”

2 Timothy 2:16
But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,

Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

Psalm 52:2-4
Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.

Psalm 64:3
who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,

Psalm 101:5
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.

Psalm 140:3
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah


Treasury of Scripture

An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

1 Kings 13:18-22
He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him…

1 Kings 22:6,22-23
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king…

Job 8:13
So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:

through

Proverbs 2:10-16
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; …

Proverbs 4:5,6
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth…

Proverbs 6:23,24
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: …

Jump to Previous
Corrupteth Delivered Destroy Destroyeth Destroys Destruction Drawn Escape Evil Friend Godless Hypocrite Impious Mouth Neighbor Neighbour Righteous Sends Trouble Upright
Jump to Next
Corrupteth Delivered Destroy Destroyeth Destroys Destruction Drawn Escape Evil Friend Godless Hypocrite Impious Mouth Neighbor Neighbour Righteous Sends Trouble Upright
Proverbs 11
1. On Deception














With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor
This phrase highlights the power of words and their potential for harm. In biblical context, the tongue is often depicted as a tool that can either build up or tear down (James 3:5-6). The ungodly man, lacking reverence for God, uses his speech to harm others, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with divine wisdom. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern cultures placed significant emphasis on the spoken word, understanding it as a force that could shape reality. This aligns with the biblical view that words have the power to bless or curse (Proverbs 18:21). The destructive nature of the ungodly man's words can be seen as a reflection of the deceit and malice that are contrary to the character of God, who is truth (John 14:6).

but through knowledge the righteous are rescued
In contrast, this phrase emphasizes the protective power of knowledge, particularly knowledge rooted in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's will, find deliverance through understanding and discernment. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is deeply connected to a relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. The concept of rescue or deliverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with God's intervention on behalf of His people (Psalm 34:19). This deliverance can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of salvation and wisdom for believers (1 Corinthians 1:30). The righteous are preserved not by their own strength but by their reliance on divine wisdom and understanding.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Ungodly Man
This refers to a person who lacks reverence for God and often acts in ways that are contrary to God's will. In this context, the ungodly man uses his words to harm others.

2. The Neighbor
Represents those who are in close proximity or relationship with the ungodly man. The neighbor is vulnerable to the destructive power of the ungodly man's words.

3. The Righteous
Individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. They are characterized by their pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.

4. Knowledge
In the Hebrew context, "knowledge" (da'ath) implies a deep understanding and discernment that comes from God. It is not merely intellectual but also moral and spiritual.

5. Rescue
The act of being saved or delivered from harm. In this verse, it signifies the protection and deliverance that comes from living righteously and possessing godly knowledge.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Words have the power to destroy or build up. As believers, we must be mindful of how we use our words, ensuring they align with God's truth and love.

The Importance of Godly Knowledge
Pursuing knowledge that is rooted in God's Word is essential for living a righteous life. This knowledge provides discernment and protection against the destructive influence of ungodly speech.

Guarding Against Ungodliness
We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against ungodly influences that can lead us to harm others with our words.

The Role of Righteousness in Deliverance
Living a righteous life, characterized by obedience to God and pursuit of His wisdom, leads to deliverance and protection from harm.

Community and Accountability
As part of a Christian community, we should hold each other accountable for our words and encourage one another to speak life and truth.(9) An hypocrite.--Rather, the impure, profane.

Through knowledge.--The just, by the knowledge given them by God, shall see through the fraud.

Verse 9. - An hypocrite (chaneph); simulator, Vulgate. So translated continually in Job, e.g. 8:13; 13:16, etc. Others take it to mean "profane," "godless." Such a man, by his falsehoods, insinuations, and slanders, destroys his neighbour as far as he is able (Proverbs 12:6). Septuagint, "In the mouth of the wicked is a snare for fellow citizens." Through knowledge. By the knowledge which the just possess, and which they display by judicious counsel, peace and safety are secured. Septuagint, "Knowledge affords an easy path (εὔοδος) for the just."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
With his mouth
בְּפֶ֗ה (bə·p̄eh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

the ungodly man
חָ֭נֵף (ḥā·nêp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2611: Profane, irreligious

destroys
יַשְׁחִ֣ת (yaš·ḥiṯ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin

his neighbor,
רֵעֵ֑הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

but through knowledge
וּ֝בְדַ֗עַת (ū·ḇə·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

the righteous
צַדִּיקִ֥ים (ṣad·dî·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

are rescued.
יֵחָלֵֽצוּ׃ (yê·ḥā·lê·ṣū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen


Links
Proverbs 11:9 NIV
Proverbs 11:9 NLT
Proverbs 11:9 ESV
Proverbs 11:9 NASB
Proverbs 11:9 KJV

Proverbs 11:9 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 11:9 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 11:9 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 11:9 French Bible
Proverbs 11:9 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 11:8
Top of Page
Top of Page