Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Original Language Analysis
תַּנְחֵ֑ם
shall guide
H5148
תַּנְחֵ֑ם
shall guide
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
3 of 6
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
וְסֶ֖לֶף
them but the perverseness
H5558
וְסֶ֖לֶף
them but the perverseness
Strong's:
H5558
Word #:
4 of 6
distortion, i.e., (figuratively) viciousness
Cross References
Proverbs 13:6Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.Proverbs 28:18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.Psalms 26:1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.Psalms 25:21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.Proverbs 19:3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.Proverbs 11:5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.Ecclesiastes 7:17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Historical Context
Ancient business depended on personal reputation and integrity. Without modern legal systems or credit reporting, merchants relied on character assessments. Integrity meant deals could be trusted; perverseness meant isolation from commerce. The "treacherous" (bogedim) were covenant-breakers who violated agreements, bringing ruin upon themselves through lost partnerships and exclusion from trustworthy networks. Israel's covenant with God made corporate and personal integrity essential for national flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life might you be tempted to compromise integrity for short-term gain?
- How have you experienced integrity guiding you toward good outcomes, or perverseness leading to destructive consequences?
- What does it mean to have Christ's perfect integrity imputed to you, and how should this transform your pursuit of uprightness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts the guiding power of integrity with the destructive force of perverseness. "The integrity of the upright shall guide them" employs tummah (תֻּמָּה, integrity, completeness, innocence) and yashar (יָשָׁר, upright, straight). Integrity serves as an internal compass—tancheh (תַּנְחֵם, shall guide) indicates leading, conducting, directing. Those who walk in wholehearted honesty find their very character provides moral direction.
"But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them" presents the alternative. Selef (סֶלֶף, perverseness, crookedness) characterizes bogedim (בֹּגְדִים, traitors, treacherous ones, those who deal falsely). Their own crookedness yeshoddem (יְשָׁדֵּם, shall destroy them)—the verb emphasizes violent destruction. The wicked aren't destroyed by external enemies but by their own corrupt character.
The principle is self-fulfilling prophecy: virtue leads to life, vice to death. Integrity creates trust, opens opportunities, and aligns with reality. Perverseness breeds suspicion, closes doors, and conflicts with God's moral order. Psalm 25:21 prays, "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me." Conversely, Proverbs 11:5-6 warns that wickedness overthrows the wicked. Paul teaches that sin pays wages—death (Romans 6:23). Only Christ's imputed righteousness and transforming grace establish true integrity that guides to eternal life.