Proverbs 11:5
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Original Language Analysis
צִדְקַ֣ת
The righteousness
H6666
צִדְקַ֣ת
The righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
1 of 7
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
תָּ֭מִים
of the perfect
H8549
תָּ֭מִים
of the perfect
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
2 of 7
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר
shall direct
H3474
תְּיַשֵּׁ֣ר
shall direct
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
3 of 7
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Continues covenant theology's emphasis on righteousness producing blessing, wickedness producing curse. The principle applied both individually and nationally throughout Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How is your character directing your life's path - toward life or toward destruction?
- In what ways is wickedness currently causing you to fall?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The righteousness of the perfect directs his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Perfect (tamim - complete, blameless) righteousness provides guidance like a compass directing the path. Conversely, wickedness causes self-destruction - 'fall by his own wickedness' emphasizes that evil is self-sabotaging. Righteousness produces flourishing; wickedness produces ruin. The verse refutes the lie that wickedness leads anywhere but destruction.