Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 11:9 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge. "
Proverbs 11:9
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing.
8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place.
9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
This verse shows two things. First, hypocrisy aims to do harm. It is not only the murderer with his sword who destroys a neighbor, but also the hypocrite with his words. By pretending kindness and goodwill, he leads others into sin or trouble. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and no tongue is more dangerous than a flattering one.
Second, honest people escape the trap. Through knowledge of Satan’s schemes, the righteous are delivered from the traps the hypocrite has set for them. Those who try to lead others astray will not deceive God’s chosen people. By knowing God, the Scriptures, and their own hearts, the righteous are kept safe from those who wait to deceive and destroy (Romans 16:18-19).
From This Chapter
Proverbs 11:1
"A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but accurate weights are his delight."
Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom."
Proverbs 11:3
"The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them."
Proverbs 11:4
"Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death."
Proverbs 11:5
"The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness."
Proverbs 11:6
"The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires."
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