Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Original Language Analysis
בְּפֶ֗ה
with his mouth
H6310
בְּפֶ֗ה
with his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יַשְׁחִ֣ת
destroyeth
H7843
יַשְׁחִ֣ת
destroyeth
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
3 of 7
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 20:30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.Psalms 55:12For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.1 John 2:21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
Historical Context
Hypocrites (literally 'profane ones') plagued covenant community through false piety and slanderous speech. Knowledge/wisdom enabled discernment of such persons, providing protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you vulnerable to hypocritical speech seeking to destroy you?
- What knowledge do you need to be delivered from destructive influences?
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Analysis & Commentary
A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. The hypocrite (chaneph - godless, profane) uses speech to destroy others. In contrast, the just are delivered through knowledge (da'at) - discernment recognizing hypocrisy's danger. The verse warns against destructive speech while promising that wisdom provides protection from such attacks.