Proverbs 22:11
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
Original Language Analysis
טְהָור
H2889
לֵ֑ב
of heart
H3820
לֵ֑ב
of heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
חֵ֥ן
for the grace
H2580
חֵ֥ן
for the grace
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
4 of 7
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
of his lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
of his lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
5 of 7
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.Psalms 101:6Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.Proverbs 14:35The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Historical Context
Public punishments served both justice and education in Israelite society. Witnessing consequences taught the fear of God and deterred sin.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you learn from others' mistakes, or must you experience consequences personally?
- What examples of judgment around you should prompt repentance and wisdom in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When the scorner is punished, the simple person learns wisdom through observation. When the wise person receives instruction, he gains knowledge directly. This restates principles found elsewhere in Proverbs: different people require different pedagogical approaches. The simple (naive) need concrete examples; the wise profit from teaching alone. The scorner himself rarely learns but his punishment educates others. This validates both public justice (which teaches observers) and personal instruction (which suffices for the teachable). God's judgments serve pedagogical purposes—teaching both the judged and those who witness judgment. Believers should learn from both correction and observation rather than requiring personal disaster.